CUBANEWS FROM RADIO HAVANA CUBA E-mail: rhc@radiohc.org http://www.radiohc.org The following items are taken from Radio Havana Cuba's news service for Thursday, February 5, 1998. Today's stories: 1.- FLOODING IN LOW-LYING AREAS OF THE CUBAN CAPITAL 2.- POPE JOHN PAUL II'S VISIT TO CUBA STRENGTHENED OUR UNITY 3.- BETTER ECONOMIC AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY ARE PRIORITIES 4.- CUBA INVITED AS SPECIAL OBSERVER TO ANDEAN HEALTH SUMMIT 5.- PIANIST FRANK FERNANDEZ DEDICATES CONCERT TO ANA FIDELIA FLOODING IN LOW-LYING AREAS OF THE CUBAN CAPITAL Havana, February 5(RHC)-- The once peaceful and quiet waters of the Caribbean Sea have become turbulent in recent hours, flooding a number of avenues and streets close to Havana's sea side drive, the Malecon. The flash-flooding is the result of a tropical storm and strong winds that have affected the island over the past several days. Although people in low-lying areas were not evacuated, residents were seen moving their furniture and electrical appliances to higher ground. This latest tropical storm has affected nearly 1000 houses, agricultural crops and the sugar harvest -- causing electrical outages and difficulties in the supply of water and cooking gas. Five people have died in storm-related accidents. The weather forecast calls for continued flooding into the evening, with waters gradually decreasing around midnight. POPE JOHN PAUL II'S VISIT TO CUBA STRENGTHENED OUR UNITY Havana, February 5(RHC)-- Pope John Paul II's visit to Cuba united and strengthened the island. According to Cuban Parliament President Ricardo Alarcon -- in statements to the U.S. public television network, PBS, -- the Pontiff's pastoral visit "opened more space for the island's Catholic Church and bishops and priests used that space to extend their message to believers and non-believers." Ricardo Alarcon stated that "our society today is stronger and Cubans are more united than ever before." The President of the National Assembly of People's Power also noted that the Pontiff urged Catholics to get more involved in the country's economic, social and political life, "something which Cuba welcomes." Alarcon told PBS he hoped the Pope's criticism of Washington's nearly 40 year-old blockade against the island will lead to the end of U.S. economic sanctions. BETTER ECONOMIC AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY ARE PRIORITIES FOR 1998 Havana, February 5(RHC)-- Better efficiency in general and the efficient use of energy in particular are the Cuban Economy and Planning Ministry's priorities for 1998. The announcement was made at the ministry's plenary meeting, designed to analyze results during 1997 and prospects for this year. According to participants at the meeting, the Economy and Planning Ministry will work to improve regulation and control mechanisms that help in the island's economic recovery, the streamlining of the national and territorial economy and an increase in the efficiency of investments. Cuban Vice President Carlos Lage, who attended the meeting, said that efficient investments must be achieved in all spheres to make better use of resources and reduce costs. Recognizing the work of the Ministry during 1997, Lage said that decentralization is among one of the Ministry's most important accomplishments and advocated more organization. CUBA INVITED AS SPECIAL OBSERVER TO ANDEAN HEALTH SUMMIT Bogota, February 5(RHC)-- The Health Ministries of the Andean countries began a two-day meeting in the Colombian capital -- with Cuba as a special observer. The meeting is designed to set guidelines for regional integration in the field of medicine and health care. The Cuban delegation is headed by the island's health minister, Carlos Dotres. During the meeting, the Cuban delegation will have the opportunity to present its experiences and achievements in health care. The Andean summit will analyze the current situation and prospects of the Hipolito Unanue Agreement -- a regional integration mechanism signed in 1973. At same time, the Andean health ministers are scheduled to analyze the consequences of the El Nino meteorological disturbance, as well as joint programs to meet the health needs of indigenous communities, the Andean epidemiological control network and others. PIANIST FRANK FERNANDEZ DEDICATES CONCERT TO ANA FIDELIA Havana, February 5(RHC)-- Renowned Cuban pianist Frank Fernandez offered a concert at Havana's Jose Marti Memorial, dedicated to outstanding Cuban runner Ana Fidelia Quirot. The Cuban musician played pieces included in his repertoire such as "La Bella Cubana" -- "The Beautiful Cuban" by Jose White and dedicated his concert to the 800-meter runner. Frank Fernandez said that Ana Fidelia's achievements in sports inspired him to dedicate the concert to her. The Cuban pianist and composer sent a special letter to the world famous runner. [c] 1998, Radio Habana Cuba All rights reserved Articles cannot be reproduced, reprinted or published in any system without the consent of RHC. This prohibition includes the distribution of this material via Usenet News, "bulletin board" services, e-mail lists, print media, radio and television. For the complete RADIO HAVANA CUBA NEWSCAST and other features, please write for our daily broadcast schedule. We welcome your comments and suggestions. 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