Radio Havana Cuba, Friday, June 4, 1999 Via NY Transfer News Collective * All the News that Doesn't Fit 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 Friday, June 4, 1999. Today's stories: 1.- CUBAN-AMERICANS SUPPORT CHARGES AGAINST U.S. GOVERNMENT 2.- U.S. SENATOR ARLEN SPECTER ENDS VISIT TO THE ISLAND 3.- CHINESE PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION CONTINUES VISIT TO CUBA 4.- ACTIVITIES CELEBRATING WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY GET UNDERWAY CUBAN-AMERICANS SUPPORT CHARGES AGAINST U.S. GOVERNMENT Miami, June 4(RHC)-- Cuban-Americans in the United States have expressed their support of the charges made by Cuban grassroots organizations against the U.S. government -- demanding more than 181 billion dollars in compensation for 40 years of attacks against the island. A number of organizations like the Miami-based Antonio Maceo Brigade, the Alliance of Workers of the Cuban Community (ATC), New York's Casa de las Americas and the Miami Coalition against the Blockade have all stated their support of the Cuban people's decision. Representatives from the Antonio Maceo Brigade told reporters in Miami that they support the principles and objectives of the Cuban decision, adding that their position was communicated to President Fidel Castro. Members of the Antonio Maceo Brigade pointed out that they will launch a campaign in the U.S. to inform people about the legal petition as well as Washington's continued aggressions against the Cuban people. On Tuesday, June 1st, Cuban grassroots, labor and social organizations filed charges in Havana against the U.S. government. The Cuban Workers Confederation, the National Association of Small Farmers, the Federation of University Students and the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution, among others, accused Washington of the death of 3,478 Cuban citizens and the wounding and disabling of 2,099 others. In related news, renowned Chilean writer Volodia Teitelboin said that the legal charges against the U.S. government should be supported by other nations around the world. He added that it is just that the Cuban people demand 181 billion 100 million dollars for damages over the last 40 years. For his part, the President of the Chilean Writers Association, Fernando Quilodran, said that Cuba "represents an example of solidarity and respect for the peoples of the world." U.S. SENATOR ARLEN SPECTER ENDS VISIT TO THE ISLAND Havana, June 4(RHC)-- Cuban President Fidel Castro met with U.S. Republican Senator Arlen Specter who ended a two-day visit to Cuba. Before leaving the island, the U.S. official said that he will work to improve relations between Washington and Havana in the field of health and the fight against drug-trafficking. The senator from the State of Pennsylvania stressed the importance for legislators like himself to visit Cuba and learn about what is happening on the island. CHINESE PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION CONTINUES VISIT TO CUBA Havana, June 4(RHC)-- The Vice President of the Chinese Parliament, Cao Chi, said in Havana that he intends to strengthen cooperation relations with Cuba. During the second day of his visit to Havana, the Chinese parliamentarian met with the President of the Cuban Parliament's Department of International Relations, Jorge Lezcano. The two officials discussed bilateral relations. The vice president of the Chinese National Assembly said that he was pleased that Cuba will host the Inter Parliamentary Union Conference in the year 2001 and reiterated that both countries have a lot in common. The Chinese parliamentary delegation is also scheduled to meet with Cuban Vice President Carlos Lage and visit the Latin American School of Medicine. ACTIVITIES CELEBRATING WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY GET UNDERWAY Havana, June 4(RHC)-- The President of Havana's provincial government, Conrado Martinez Corona, awarded 77 of the city's institutions with a diploma for their work in the fight against environmental contamination. The activity, which was held in the Capitol building in central Havana, is one of many activities being held on the occasion of World Environment Day, celebrated tomorrow, Saturday, June 5th. Martinez Corona said that over the years, the Cuban Environmental Agency has identified 251 major sources of industrial pollution in Havana Province. He said that while there have been significant improvements, those working to clean up the environment should not feel completely satisfied -- pointing to the tremendous amount of work that remains to be done in cleaning up environmental contamination. [c] 1999, 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. For further information, contact us at: Postal Address: Radio Havana Cuba P.O.Box 6240 Havana, Cuba Telephone: (53) (7) 791053 Fax: (53) (7) 795007 E-mail: rhc@radiohc.org WWW: http://www.radiohc.org rhc-eng-28569 1999-Jun-05 01:29:04