Radio Havana Cuba-8 May 2000 Via NY Transfer News * All the News That Doesn't Fit Radio Havana Cuba - News Update - 8 May 2000 -GRANMA ANNOUNCES SYSTEMATIC DENUNCIATION OF US CUBAN ADJUSTMENT ACT -ARGENTINE LEGISLATORS SEND LETTER OF SOLIDARITY TO CUBA'S PRESIDENT -THE NUMBER OF SENIOR CITIZENS IN CUBA CONTINUES TO INCREASE -MORE THAN 14,000 DELEGATES ELECTED TO THE MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLIES -ZAMBIAN HEALTH MINISTER VISITS THE ISLAND -CUBA'S PRIMA BALLERINA GUEST OF HONOR AT AMERICAN BALLET THEATER GALA -NEW HOTEL INAUGUATED DURING THE OPENING OF 21st TOURISM CONVENTION -INDUSTRIALES BASEBALL TEAM LEADS PINAR DEL RIO 3 GAMES TO 2 -Viewpoint: HAVANA AND MOSCOW MARK 40th ANNIVERSARY OF RELATIONS GRANMA ANNOUNCES SYSTEMATIC DENUNCIATION OF US CUBAN ADJUSTMENT ACT Havana, May 8 (RHC)-- The Cuban news daily Granma has reported that it will begin to systematically denounce the U.S. Cuban Adjustment Act, which grants exclusive treatment to undocumented Cubans. Calling the legislation "a cancer that eats away at the smooth functioning of the legal and safe immigration" sought in the migratory accord by the two countries, an article in this morning's edition of the newspaper said that the Cuban Adjustment Act "is devouring the lives of men, women and children" and constantly placing people in danger. On Sunday, the Juventud Rebelde newspaper referred to 14 Cubans rescued off the coasts of Florida last Friday when they were near death, accusing U.S. authorities of consistently refusing to offer information of the identities of those Cubans who illegally arrive in U.S. territory. Today's Granma article points out that there have been relatively few fatal victims in the illegal journeys across the Florida Straits so far this year because Cuban authorities have used non-violent and efficient methods to stop illegal departures. While the Cuban government adopts severe sanctions against those trafficking in human beings, states Granma, "Washington is demonstrating its cowardice and impotence" to prevent such activities. The article announces that Granma will begin to publish details concerning each and every case of illegal departures, shipwrecks, kidnappings and the deaths of those trying to reach U.S. territory -- in order to denounce Washington's brutal policy before international public opinion. ARGENTINE LEGISLATORS SEND LETTER OF SOLIDARITY TO CUBA'S PRESIDENT Havana, May 8 (RHC)-- Ten Argentinean legislators have sent a letter to Cuban President Fidel Castro, expressing their solidarity with the Cuban people and criticizing Buenos Aires for recently voting against Cuba at the UN Human Rights Commission in Geneva. In their letter to the Cuban leader, the Argentinean lawmakers said that they strongly believe that non-interference into the affairs of other countries and Latin American unity constitute a commitment of honor. They apologized for their government's position in Geneva, adding that they will continue fighting in the spirit of Bolivar, San Martin and Cuban national hero Jose Marti, as well as others who have forged the history of Latin America. THE NUMBER OF SENIOR CITIZENS IN CUBA CONTINUES TO INCREASE Havana, May 8 (RHC)-- More than 14 percent of the Cuban population is over 60 years of age and, in about 25 years, one of every four will be over 60 years old. According to the Director of the Ibero-American Center for the Elderly, Dr. Osvaldo Prieto, the island's achievements in life expectancy have turned into a challenge. Dr. Prieto said that Cuban society has been geared for young people and that in less than 50 years, the scenario has changed from young to old. As a result, the Cuban doctor said that the country's philosophy must also change. According to the director of the Ibero-American Center for the Elderly, the challenge of the 21st century is to direct human resources in every specialty -- from psychologists to architects -- in order to better serve and respect the elderly. MORE THAN 14,000 DELEGATES ELECTED TO THE MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLIES Havana, May 8 (RHC)-- Over 14,000 delegates, elected during the municipal elections on April 23rd and 30th, are now part of the 169 Municipal Assemblies of People's Power. In the recently held elections, over 98 percent of eligible voters cast their ballots for their representative. Of those elected, 20 percent are women, nearly 10 percent are under 30 years-of-age and almost 50 percent were re-elected as deputies to the municipal assemblies. The deputies to the municipal assemblies will serve a term of two and a half years -- until the National Assembly's general elections. ZAMBIAN HEALTH MINISTER VISITS THE ISLAND Havana, May 8 (RHC)-- Zambian Health Minister David Mpamba is currently in Cuba, heading a delegation aimed at expanding bilateral cooperation between both countries. In statements to journalists, the Zambian official expressed his appreciation for Cuba's cooperation with the African nation. He stated that 153 Cuban doctors and more than 20 specialists are offering their services free-of-charge in the most remote areas of Zambia. The Zambian health minister met with his Cuban counterpart, Dr. Carlos Dotres, and will visit the Hermanos Ameijeiras Hospital among other places of interest. CUBA'S PRIMA BALLERINA GUEST OF HONOR AT AMERICAN BALLET THEATER GALA New York, May 8 (RHC)-- The American Ballet Theater has kicked off a new season with a gala on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of its founding. The performance was held at New York City's Metropolitan House and was attended by Cuba's Prima Ballerina Alicia Alonso, who was an invited guest of honor. The inaugural gala included Swan Lake, the Taming of the Shrew and other popular pieces. NEW HOTEL INAUGUATED DURING THE OPENING OF 21st TOURISM CONVENTION Havana, May 8 (RHC)-- Hotel Breezes Jibacoa, located in Santa Cruz del Norte outside of the Cuban capital, was officially inaugurated on the occasion of the 21st Tourism Convention, which got underway on Monday in Havana. Breezes Jibacoa is an installation that was constructed with Cuban, Italian and Jamaican capital and belongs to Jamaica's Super Club Tourism Chain. The new hotel has 250 rooms and is targeted for Canadian, British, Italian, French and German vacationers. INDUSTRIALES BASEBALL TEAM LEADS PINAR DEL RIO 3 GAMES TO 2 Havana, May 8 (RHC)-- The Industriales baseball team is leading the tough Pinar del Rio squad 3 games to 2 in the National Baseball Series Playoffs. The defending national champion, Santiago de Cuba, is sitting back and waiting for the winner of the Western Division. Earlier, Santiago de Cuba defeated Granma four games to none. Industriales will face Pinar del Rio on Monday night in the city of Pinar del Rio, where the home team will attempt to tie the series three games each. Viewpoint: HAVANA AND MOSCOW MARK 40th ANNIVERSARY OF RELATIONS Cuba and Russia are today celebrating the 40th anniversary of the resumption of diplomatic relations between the island and the former Soviet Union with the certainty that bilateral ties can be improved after a decade of difficulties. The two countries established official relations in 1902, following the proclamation of a so-called "republic" in Cuba. However, an abrupt interruption in relations occurred with the success of the 1917 October Revolution in Russia. This lasted through 1942, when relations were restored. Then, in 1952, Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista cut off all contact between Havana and Moscow. In 1959, only ten days after the triumph of the Cuban Revolution, Moscow recognized the new revolutionary government and on May 8th, 1960, bilateral relations were again resumed. After the collapse of the former Soviet Union in 1991 and the introduction of capitalist mechanisms to Russia's economy, bilateral relations became very complicated with a number of ups and downs. However in recent years, there has been an increase in bilateral contacts between Cuban and Russian officials who have shown clear interests in not forgetting four decades of positive exchange. Today, Cuba looks forward to a strong and united Russia that can contribute in the easing of tensions in our unipolar world. Moscow, for its part, rejects any foreign pressures aimed at weakening its ties with Havana. This was recently demonstrated in the UN Human Rights Commission in Geneva, where Russian diplomats voted against a resolution introduced by the Czech Republic and Poland condemning Cuba for alleged violations of human rights. Russian authorities have condemned Washington's economic and financial blockade against the island and have also demanded the return of Elian Gonzalez to Cuba. Recently, Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov strongly criticized the approval of a resolution by a subcommittee of the House of Representatives, freezing Washington's economic assistance to Moscow until it closes an electronic station in Cuba. The listening post operates under an agreement between the Cuban and Russian governments and the Russian foreign minister called such legislation on Capitol Hill interference in the internal affairs of his country. The evolution of events in the Russian Federation and the search for stability, as well as the evident desire of Moscow to strengthen relations once again, points to a future of even better relations between the two nations. (c) 2000 Radio Habana Cuba. All rights reserved. ================================================================= NY Transfer News Collective * A Service of Blythe Systems Since 1985 - Information for the Rest of Us 339 Lafayette St., New York, NY 10012 http://www.blythe.org e-mail: nyt@blythe.org ================================================================= rhc-eng-61 2000-May-09 02:34:44