Australia Cuba Friendship Society (SA)

Cuba not terrorist country says Washington Post

2010-01-06T11:02:00.006+10:30

The Washington Post, the most important and oldest newspaper of the US’s capital city, published an article today criticizing the inclusion of Cuba in the US list of terrorist countries.

The article, written by 2009 Pulitzer Prize winner Eugene Robinson, refers to Washington’s rigorous airport security rules put into effect last Sunday under which passengers flying to the United States from Cuba and another 13 so-called terrorist countries will be submitted to extra screening.

The text says Cuba represents a threat of terrorism equal to zero. “Cuba is not a failed state where swaths of territory lie beyond government control; rather, it is one of the most tightly locked-down societies in the world,” the author wrote and adds
“a place where the idea of private citizens getting their hands on plastic explosives, or terrorist weapons of any kind, is simply laughable.”

“There is no history of radical Islam in Cuba. In fact, there is hardly any history of Islam at all…the island nation would have to be among the last places on Earth where al-Qaeda would try to establish a cell, let alone plan and launch an attack,” the article reads.

“Yet Cuba is on the list because the State Department still considers it - along with Iran, Sudan and Syria - to be a state sponsor of terrorism.”

In addition, the text notes: “Despite the fact that the U.S. Interests Section in Havana was one of the few American diplomatic posts in the world to remain open for normal business, with no apparent increased security, in the days after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks?”

Further in his writing Robinson says Barack Obama’s administration’s policy towards Cuba has been tentative and halting and he criticizes the fact that the blockade against the island nation remains undisturbed as well as the ban that keeps American citizens from traveling to Cuba.

National Consultation issues Perth Declaration

2009-04-16T08:43:00.007+09:30

The 15th National Consultation of Australia/New Zealand Cuba friendship societies ended its deliberations in Perth recently. With the participation of guest speakers, his Excellency Abelardo Curbelo, the first Cuban Ambassador resident in Australia; Ms Nelida Hernandez, consul-general Ifrahim Miranda, consul; Maria Esther Garcia, Cuban Charge d'Cultural Affairs and
Rigoberto Zarza, Asia-Pacific representative of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples, ICAP.

The consultation was officially opened by Greens Senator the Hon. Rachel Siewert. Delegates from Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Albury Wodonga, Newcastle, Brisbane, Perth and NZ discussed the best ways to strengthen the friendship between the peoples of Australia and Cuba.

Concerns were raised on the lack of changes by the Obama Administration in relation to the US policies on Cuba.

It was recognized that even if Obama has the heart and the will it would be difficult to undo the mess that 10 hostile administrations have enacted in law.

Obama's changes to the US blockade on Cuba basically remained in place while the only change was to reduced the right of the Cubans living in the US to visit their relatives once a year in contrast with the previous once every three year condition imposed by the Bush Administration.

In relation to the Cuban Five the right of the wives to visit their husbands continue to be denied. In a recent letter to Obama by more that 170 personalities and Amnesty International they request the freedom of the Five and the right to visit. The punishment to the Five is also a punishment to their families and the dignity of the entire people of Cuba.

The consultation passed unanimously the Perth Declaration which includes the demand to end of the US blockade on Cuba as directed by the UN general Assembly and the Freedom of the Cuban Five.

2009-01-22T18:51:00.001+10:30

2008-11-20T08:16:00.000+10:30

Cuban Revelry Day in Perth

2008-07-28T10:25:00.006+09:30

The ACFS Perth faithful to its commitment to the Cuban people and the revolution celebrated last Saturday 26th July the national "Cuban revelry day" with Cuban music and traditional food and drinks.

More than 200 people attended the celebration "Santiago de Cuba Carnival" held in Kulcha in Fremantle which was a sold out function and many people unfortunately were turned away at the door as the venue reached full capacity.

The highlight of the evening apart from the speeches was the draw of the ACFS raffle which gave the following results:

The winners were:

First Prize - Trip to Cuba, Tony Lakis (WA)
Second Prize - $1000 cash, Oliver Villar (NSW)
Third Prize - Set of Cuban DVD's, Paul Ferreira (WA)

Thanks to Loretta Martella, Kulcha's General Manager for leaving another engagement to be there on the evening to do the draw.

People interested to visit Cuba as a brigadista in the upcoming 26th Southern Cross Brigade should contact: acfsperth@gmail.com or visit www.cubabrigade.org.au for more detailed information.

All the proceeds raised on the night will go to fund a community agricultural project in Cuba.

NB: Photo shows Elizabeth Hulm, ACFS branch secretary looking after the stall. Photo taken by acfs.

ACFS Presents: Rumba & Cafe and Liliana Sputore

2008-07-21T22:50:00.003+09:30

This event is being held on Saturday 26th July from 7.30 pm. At Kulcha, South Terrace Fremantle (above DOME cafe). Tickets $22/$25. Book at www.Kulcha.com.au, 0419812872 or acfsperth@gmail.com.

Hope to see you there!

Pastors for Peace Caravan stopped at U.S.-Mexico border

2008-07-04T09:36:00.008+09:30

Pastors for Peace Caravans have been taking supplies and solidarity to Cuba since 1992. This year's Caravan is dedicated to the freedom of the Cuban Five. We urge supporters to read the alert below and take action immediately!

We have just received word that the Pastors for Peace Caravan, which challenges the U.S. blockade of Cuba on an annual basis, has been stopped at the U.S.-Mexico border. As always, the Pastors for Peace buses are carrying medicines and other materials to show their solidarity with the people of Cuba.

Rev. Thomas Smith, President of the Board of Directors for the Interreligious Foundation for Community Organization/Pastors for Peace, told ANSWER, "We've had 31 computers seized by the Customs and Border Patrol at the U.S.-Mexico border. These computers were destined for classrooms, clinic and hospitals in Cuba. These are 31 classrooms, clinics and hospitals that now will not have the opportunity to have computers." Smith vowed to "maintain a demonstration until we get the computers back" and called upon all opponents of the U.S. blockade to take a moment to protest this outrageous and cruel confiscation of humanitarian materials by contacting the following:

The Border Patrol, which under the Department of Homeland Security, which can be reached at 877-227-5511

The Office of Foreign Assets Control, which regulates the U.S. blockade of Cuba, which can be reached at 1-800-540-6322 or ofac_feedback@do.treas.gov

Your House representative, who can be reached at the Congressional switchboard at 202-225-3121.

In your phone calls and emails demand the immediate release of all items belonging to the Pastors for Peace Caravan, which have been seized at the U.S.-Mexico border. Let them know that you stand with the Caravan members who are currently protesting at the border, that you oppose the blockade of Cuba. Take action right now!

Democratic Election System in Cuba

2008-01-20T09:24:00.000+10:30

General Elections 2007-2008

On 20 January 2008, the Cuban people will cast their vote to elect the members (Deputies) of the National Assembly of People’s Power (Parliament) and the delegates to the 14 Provincial Assemblies of the People’s Power. The National Assembly of People’s Power is the supreme body of the State’s power and the Provincial and Municipal Assemblies are the local higher bodies of the State’s power. More than 41 000 candidate nomination assemblies will be held during the current election process, in more than 15 000 constituencies of the country’s 169 municipalities. The present election process started with last 21 October’s election of the delegates to the 169 People’s Power Municipal Assemblies. 8 176 085 electors voted at those elections, for a 96% of register voters. In Cuba, Deputies to the National Assembly and Delegates to the Provincial Assemblies are elected by the population’s direct and secret vote for a five (5) years term and elections take place on the same day in all the national territory. The newly elected Deputies elect the Council of State, as well as the President, First Vice-President and Vice-Presidents of this body, which is the State’s top representative between Parliament sessions. Elections in Cuba are characterized by all the people’s participation, thus its democratic character is guaranteed. The vote is free, equal and secret, and each voter has the right to cast only one vote. For each Cuban, the exercise of the right to vote is an opportunity to uphold the Homeland’s sovereignty and independence and to contribute to the people’s unity to consolidate the Revolution against the imperialist blockade and threats. As an ethic standard, the Cuban election process is rid of expensive and boisterous campaigns. There is no corporatization or a race to raise funds or privilege public relations firms. None of the candidates nominated in Cuba run campaigns in their favor or need financial support to be made known. There are no rallies on squares or streets in favor of any candidate, nor manifestations, nor cars equipped with loudspeakers or posters with their picture, nor electoral promises, nor television or newspaper propaganda for any candidate. Cuban men and women elect their candidates on the basis of their personal values, merits, prestige and their capacity to serve the people, at resident’s assemblies in neighborhoods, districts or urban or rural areas. The only propaganda is in the hands of the election authorities, and consists in displaying the biography and picture of each candidate at public places in the voters’ areas of residence, so that they can have information on the candidates’ personal facts, prestige and capacity to serve the people and freely cast their vote for the best. The Communist Party of Cuba is not an organization with election purposes. It does not propose, nominate, promote or support any candidate. Nor it elects or revokes any of the thousands of men and women who hold representative posts of the Cuban State. The registry of voters is automatic, free and public. All the people have access to it through its publication in easy-to-access places. Voting is not compulsory in Cuba. Nobody has to fear not attending the ballots on election days or if they choose to slip a blank or void ballot into the box. Polling stations are not guarded by the armed forces, but by school-age children. Elections take place in a peaceful and quiet atmosphere. The vote and counting are public. Vote counting in Cuban elections can be watched at each polling station by any citizen that so wishes, even by the national or foreign press. In order to be elected Delegate to a Municipal or Provincial Assembly of the People’s Power, or Deputy to the National Assembly, the candidate must get more than half of the validly cast votes. Those elected are the representatives of their electors, that is, of the people in general, of which they are also part. The democratic exercise of the people does not end in the election process. It is the people who control their representatives’ work, for the latter have a systematic accountability for their work. The people participate with their representatives in the People’s Power bodies’ decision-making process and in the activities carried out by NGOs that make up the civil society. In this regard, all those elected can be revoked by their electors at any time of the term. Cuba does not purport to lecture or suggest models, yet it proudly upholds its system of genuinely participative democracy.

Perth event in honour of Martí

2008-01-19T11:29:00.000+10:30

Cuban Electoral Tools Up and Running

2008-01-17T12:15:00.000+10:30

Havana, Jan 13 (Prensa Latina) Cuba has activated all the mechanisms of its electoral system, one week from the general elections on January 20.
· Integrity of Cuba Election System Extolled
On election day, Cubans will vote for 1,201 delegates to the 14 provincial assemblies, renewable every 2.5 years, and 614 parliamentary deputies, who will assume their posts for five years.
Authorities from the National Electoral Commission pointed out a dynamic exercise is being held today, with nearly 39,000 polling stations checking their conditions, the communications system, and electoral rolls.
Of the over 8.3 million Cubans ready to vote nationwide, more than one million will do so for the first time in this kind of election.
The over 190,000 Cubans supporting the elections watch over the compliance of the Electoral law precepts, and complementary regulations.
Officials from the National Candidature Commission recently said that nearly 1.7 million Cubans have attended meetings with candidates in communities, schools, and workplaces.
The idea, they explained, is to take advantage of each space to spread information on the men and women to be elected at the polls, and thus facilitate the full exercise of that right.

Forum Debate

2007-10-17T09:20:00.000+09:30

ACFS invites you to join a forum debate on Wednesday 17 October regarding the US blockade on Cuba. Please download the forum debate file from the box widget located to the right for more information.

Memorable Day Between Friends

2007-10-17T09:06:00.000+09:30

Hugo Chávez Frías, president of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, spoke live by telephone this Sunday with President Fidel Castro during the Aló Presidente program broadcast from the Ernesto Che Guevara Plaza de la Revolución in Santa Clara. Please click here to read the full article.

Reflections by the Commander in Chief

2007-10-09T19:22:00.000+09:30

CHE I make a halt in my daily struggle to bow my head in respect and gratitude to the exceptional combatant who fell in combat on October 8^th, forty years ago; for the example he passed on to us as leader of his Rebel Army Column, crossing the swampy grounds of the former provinces of Oriente and Camagüey, while being chased by enemy troops. He was the liberator of the city of Santa Clara and the mastermind of voluntary work; he accomplished honorable political missions abroad and served as messenger of militant internationalism in East Congo and

Bolivia

. He built a new awareness in our

America

and the world.

I thank him for what he tried and failed to do in his home country, because he was like a flower prematurely severed from its stem.

He left to us his unmistakable literary style. He was elegant, swift and true to every detail of whatever happened to cross his mind. He was a predestinate, but he didn’t know it. He still fights with us and for us.

Yesterday, we commemorated the 31^st anniversary of the killing of all passengers and the crew of a Cubana airliner blown in mid-air, and we are on the threshold of the tenth anniversary of the cruel and unjust imprisonment of the five Cuban anti-terrorist heroes. We likewise bow our heads in respect to them all.

It was with great emotion that I watched and heard the commemoration ceremony on TV.

Fidel Castro Ruz

October 7, 2007

3:17 pm

40 Years On: Che Lives

2007-10-09T08:26:00.000+09:30

Go to our box widget on the right to download flyer for our Che Guevara commemorative event on October 27th.

Upcoming ACFS Functions

2007-09-07T20:48:00.000+09:30

Functions coming up in September and October include ACFS organised events and two cultural events organised by the Colo-Colo Soccer Club and the Friends of Mexico. Please download the forms from the widget box to the right for more information. Forms include: ACFS Functions Coming Up, Invitation Che 40th Anniversary and Posada Carriles DVD at the MUA. We hope to see you at these events.

Cuban Revolution Anniversary Celebrated in Perth

2007-08-24T19:31:00.000+09:30

A full- house of more than 200 people celebrated the 54^th anniversary of the Rebel storming of the Moncada Barracks. Over 40 people had to be turned away at the door after the venue reached capacity before the event had even got going. The Santiago de Cuba Carnival is the annual fundraiser organised by the ACFS in Perth. Please download full story from widget box to the right of the page.

Two Great Films in Two Weeks..

2007-07-22T20:27:00.000+09:30

The Australia Cuba Friendship Society brings you two great movies in early August. Academy Award winner Michael Moore has received rave reviews for his latest film SiCKO, shocking expose on the state of health care in the United States. Whilst the film raises very serious issues and is at times very moving, Moore manages to entertain with his trademark antics and a good injection of humour. For more information on the film go to Michael Moore's Website.

Habana Blues is an enjoyable love letter to the never-say-die spirit of Cuba and to music as a way of life. The film is a vibrant portrayal of a group of musicians struggling to make the big time. Habana Blues has received great reviews around the world and is a must see for anyone with an interest in Cuba, it's people and it's music. For more information go to the film's website.

ACFS Perth Annual Report

2007-07-14T21:20:00.000+09:30

Please refer to the box widget for the ACFS Perth 2007 Annual Report. Details of the new committee include:-

President: Vinicio Molina, Email vinniemolin@hotmail.com

Secretary: Elizabeth Hulm, Email elizabethhulm@yahoo.com.au

Treasurers: Len Howle, Email lenhowle@hotmail.com

Vinicio Molina

Public relations and contact with the Latin American community: Nancy Herrera, Email perthnumber1@hotmail.com

US Will Never Have Cuba!

2007-07-14T20:01:00.000+09:30

Robert Woodward is an American journalist and writer who became famous for the series of articles published by The Washington Post, written by him and Carl Bernstein, and which eventually led to the investigation and resignation of Nixon. He is author and co-author of ten best-sellers. With his fearsome style he manages to wrench confessions from his interviewees. In his book, State of Denial, he says that on June 18, 2003, three months after the Iraq war had begun, as he was on the way out of his White House office following an important meeting, Bush slapped Jay Garner on the back and said to him... Click here to read the full story.

US Solidarity Heads for Cuba

2007-07-09T19:43:00.000+09:30

Washington, Jul 3 (Prensa Latina) A solidarity with Cuba campaign will make 120 stops in the United States and Canada to collect medical supplies before continuing to Havana, the Seattle Times reported. Source: Prensa Latina. Click here for full story.

Register for July

2007-07-01T22:26:00.000+09:30

Please note that you can register for the ACFS-AVSN seminar by downloading the form from the widget box to the right of the page.

Book Now for Santiago De Cuba...Tickets Selling Fast!

2007-06-30T19:27:00.000+09:30

Tickets for the Santiago De Cuba concert at KULCHA Multicultural Arts Centre are selling really well and we advise anyone interested to book now to avoid disappointment. Click here and scroll down the page to July 28th to book in advance online. To find out more about this exciting event download the flyer from our box widget on the right of this page.

Habana Comes to Perth

2007-06-29T16:32:00.000+09:30

On the Sunday June 17 over 100 people laughed and cried their way through the latest Australia-Cuba Friendship Society function. There was an overwhelming response to the showing of the Cuban film Habana Blues at the fundraiser held on Sunday at the Fremantle Film and Television Institute, FTI.

In the week prior to the function the phone rang hot as people reserved a seat. By the time the doors opened at 3.30pm the function was sold out.

Habana Blues is a film that explores youth music culture in Cuba, a marriage in crisis and the decisions made by those who leave Cuba and those who stay. It also shows that Cubans risk their lives at sea to reach the United States as the US makes it difficult or delays the issue of visas for people to travel safely.

The featured band, after being discovered by a Spanish agency scouting for new talent is offered an exploitative contract which effectively enslaves them to the company for three years during which time they must compromise both their talent and values. It is obvious in the film that the US interests controlling the music industry would do whatever it took to force Cuban musicians to betray their homeland by making false statements against Cuba in return for fame.
True to the style of Cuban filmmaking, the strongest message was perhaps the most subtle. Ultimately the viewer was invited to think through the politics and make their own decision. The film should be out there in the main stream as its quality and story is second to none.

The money raised in the event will go to finance the construction of a shade house for the production of vegetables at the International Camp Julio Antonio Mella, host of the Southern Cross brigade which travels to Cuba every December.

Santiago de Cuba Carnival

2007-06-28T20:26:00.000+09:30

Santiago de Cuba Carnival presented by Australia Cuba Friendship Society. 28th July @ Kulcha, South Tce, Freemantle above DOME. 8 pm until late. Please refer to widget box to the right of the page for more details.

Watch the Dateline Report on Posada Carriles Here..

2007-06-27T23:52:00.000+09:30

Click here to watch Dateline's report on the U.S based terrorist Luis Posada Carriles.

Report on U.S Based Terrorist Posada Carriles on SBS Tonight

2007-06-27T15:24:00.000+09:30

Tune in to SBS's dateline program at 8.30pm tonight to check out a report on the anti-Cuban terrorist Luis Posada Carriles. Posada Carriles has previously confessed to the bombing of Air Cubana 455 in 196 which killed 73 innocent civilians. He is wanted in both Cuba and Venezuela on terrorism charges but the United States Government, that great bastion of peace and democracy, refuses to extradite Posada to answer the charges against him. We recommend you watch the show to find out more about this unjust and hypocritical situation.

People's Power in Latin America Discussion

2007-06-26T21:27:00.000+09:30

Australia Venezuela Solidarity Network & Australia Cuba Friendship Society (WA) present a discussion on people's power in Latin America. Saturday July 28 12 noon - 5.45 pm. Please refer to the widget on the right of the page for more information.

Cuban Victory In The Human Rights Council

2007-06-24T09:33:00.000+09:30

The Human Rights Council (HRC), having concluded its fifth period of sessions in Geneva, decided to discontinue the mandate of the so-called Personal Representative of the High Commissioner on Human Rights for

Cuba

, thus putting an end to the manipulative efforts on the part of the

United States

in the subject of human rights against our country. Read the rest of the document by downloading it from our box widget to the right of the page.

Cuban Heroine Vilma Espín Guillois Dies...

2007-06-20T18:51:00.000+09:30

VILMA has died. She has moved on to another category of the beloved. We are still struggling with the certainty of her death, after her stoic battle for life – which, in reality, has belonged for many years now not just to her but also to Cuba – and for whatever just idea that appealed to her in any part of the world; a life that she lavished wherever she thought it could be useful.

Vilma Espín Guillois is now a revolutionary icon, something that her simplicity never allowed her to even imagine, because one of her great personal and revolutionary virtues was that: modesty. Click here to read more.

Commemorate the 40th Anniversay of Che Guevara's death in Havana with the ACFS

2007-06-08T09:42:00.000+09:30

This October the ACFS will take part in an International Brigade to Cuba to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the death of Che Guevara. Go to our box widget on the right of the page to download the proposed itinerary and an expression of interest form.

Jose Martí Function June 1st in Adelaide..

2007-05-24T09:30:00.000+09:30

Posada Carriles Protest Goes Ahead...

2007-05-21T23:08:00.000+09:30

Despite strong winds and incessant rain, members and supporters of the ACFS held the planned protest against the release in the United States of terrorist Luis Posada Carriles. Speaking into a megaphone, ACFS Adelaide's Secretary Bob Briton made a brief but strong statement to passing commuters. You can watch the video here or go to 'Box' widget to the right of this post to stream or download the audio.

Ironically the headline in today's Advertiser newspaper referred to Australian David Hicks and his requirement to serve another 200 odd days in Yatala prison before he is free (this comes on top of the five years he has already spent in maximum security detention). Yet neither the U.S nor the Australian government seem to be concerned that Posada Carriles, who has himself confessed to involvement in actual terrorist attacks, and is wanted for extradition to a neighbouring country on such charges has been allowed to go free.

Rally For Justice 21 May 5pm Parliament House Adelaide

2007-05-18T14:37:00.002+09:30

As Perth ACFS members did earlier this week, the Adelaide branch of the ACFS will hold a rally protesting the release in the U.S of known terrorist Luis Posada Carriles. For more information email us at acfsadelaide@gmail.com. Please support this action if you can as we feel it's important to alert as many people as possible to the hypocrisy of the U.S government.

Perth Protest Photos

2007-05-18T09:22:00.000+09:30

Film Screening

2007-05-18T00:32:00.000+09:30

Posada Protest in Perth...

2007-05-15T23:10:00.000+09:30

Go to our Downloads box on the right to find out more about this Thursday's protest against the failure of the U.S government to extradite Luis Posada Carriles to Venezuela to face charges of terrorism.

2007-05-15T09:10:00.000+09:30

The Perth Branch of the Australia Cuba Friendship Society will be holding a commemoration on the Anniversay of the Death of Cuba's National hero José Martí on Saturday the 19th March, 5.30pm at the Colo Colo Club Soccer Club, Fremantle Park, Ellen St. Fremantle. Entry by gold coin donation. For more info contact Vinnie 0419 812 872 or Roger 0410 817 404.

Interview with Ricardo Alarcon

2007-05-11T18:19:00.000+09:30

Ricardo Alarcon is the President of the Cuban National Assembly. He speaks with Democracy Now! about the release of the notorious terrorist Luis Posada Carriles. Click here to watch, listen or read the interview with Mr Alarcon.

Footage from New Years Work Brigade...

2007-05-04T22:19:00.000+09:30

Video from the 2006/7 New Years Brigade to Cuba can be downloaded from our box widget on the right hand side of the page. The file is 31MB so a high speed connection would be an advantage. To find out about our next work brigade to Cuba send us an email at acfsadelaide@gmail.com and we will fill you in on the details when available.

Venceremos!

Fight for Justice!

2007-05-01T23:37:00.000+09:30

Click here sign a petition demanding the extradition of Luis Posada Carriles.

Labor Leaders to Converge for Cuban May Day March

2007-04-30T21:59:00.000+09:30

The traditional May Day march in Cuba promises to be a big event next Tuesday with more than 900 labor leaders from 225 organizations and 52 countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe, Asia and Africa confirming their attendance.

Among those expected is George Mavrikos, general-secretary of the World Federation of Trade Unions, scheduled to arrive in Havana on Sunday.

Over two hundred members of the foreign press have already been accredited to cover the International Worker’s Day rally.

A number of the labor leaders will be participating the following day at the International Solidarity Meeting to take place at the Havana Convention Center. Many will also attend the Sixth Hemisphere Conference against Free Trade Agreements and pro Peoples Integration on May 3 to 5 in the Cuban capital.

(Susana Lee, Granma)

Belafonte Demands Justice in Posada Case

2007-04-29T14:04:00.000+09:30

Havana, Apr 28 (Prensa Latina) US singer-actor Harry Belafonte joined more than 4,000 world-renowned personalities who signed a call demanding justice in the case of notorious criminal Luis Posada Carriles.

The document, published on April 16 by the Network of Networks in Defense of Humankind and signed by the prominent musical and film producer, is entitled "Luis Posada Carriles Must Be Tried for His Crimes".

The text says that the Cuban-born terrorist "was accused and tried in Venezuela for the sabotage of a civilian airplane in 1976 killing 73 people." "After escaping from a Venezuelan prison in 1982," the document adds, "he worked for the CIA in the Iran-Contras operation and in the implementation of the genocidal Condor Plan", aimed at exterminating Latin American political opponents.

In 1997, Posada Carriles organized a series of terrorist attacks on Havana hotels, killing young Italian tourist Fabio di Celmo.

The declaration says that "in March 2005, Posada Carriles entered the United States illegally. Only after repeated public denunciations revealing the presence of the notorious criminal on US territory, the government of President George W. Bush arrested him and indicted him." However, he was charged "on migratory crimes and false testimony, without the slightest allusion to terrorism," says the document, adding that under pressure from South Florida-based Cuban extremists, Washington"s has given absolute proof of its double standard against terrorism.

The document has been signed by Peace Nobel prizewinners Adolfo Perez Esquivel and Rigoberta Menchu, Literature Nobel laureates Nadine Gordimer and Harold Pinter, and Physics Nobel prizewinner Zhores Alfiorov.

Well-known artists like Danny Glover, Maria Rojo and Walter Salles also signed the declaration.

U.S News Report on Release of Posada Carilles

2007-04-24T08:55:00.000+09:30

Click here to view today's 'Democracy Now' report on the release of Luis Posada Carilles. The report features an interview with the President of Cuba's National Assembly, Ricardo Alarcon and also the lawyer representing the Venezuelan Government who are pursuing the extradition of the suspected terrorist. The video stream can be viewed at 128k or the higher quality 256k for those with broadband.

Posada Carriles Released on Bail

2007-04-21T14:05:00.000+09:30

Anti-Cuban dissident and former CIA operative Luis Posada Carilles has been released from an El Paso prison on bail this week. Posada Carilles, who has been charged with immigration offences in the United States, is the prime suspect in the bombing of a Cuban Airliner in 1976. The bombing caused the deaths of 73 people.

With no other country agreeing to allow Posada entry, the US is refusing to extradite the suspected terrorist to Venezuela or Cuba because they fear he may be tortured! This explanation is a complete joke given that the U.S military have been accused of torture and other human rights abuses at their detention facility in Guantanamo Bay. There is no evidence to support any claim that either Cuba or Venezuela are torturing prisoners. This is clearly another attempt by the U.S government to stimulate support among the masses for it's current attempts to 'assist' in Cuba's 'transition to democracy'(an even bigger joke) and to undermine the revolutionary processes which are spreading throughout Latin America.

Venezuelan leader Hugo Chávez condemned the decision to release Posada Carilles saying of the U.S that "They say they fight against terrorism, (but) there it is! Their mask keeps falling off. The U.S. empire will end up being a paper tiger, and we will be tigers of steel!"

Whilst the Five Cuban Heroes sit in U.S prisons on fraudulent charges of espionage the real terrorists are receiving tacit support from the United States government.

Go to our 'Downloads' box to the right of the page to read statements on this outrageous situation from both the Cuban Government and the 'Non-aligned Movement' which consists of 118 countries.

Americans to train in Cuba...

2007-04-09T19:55:00.001+09:30

Citizens of the U.S must wonder what's going on when they hear that their friends are going off to Cuba to be trained as doctors. It must be hard to understand why it is that a small country like Cuba can afford to hand out 500 scholarships to the Latin American School of Medicine in Habana when their own government can't even cover the costs of basic health care. But that is exactly what was announced at a recent meeting of Pastors for Peace, a group in Oakland, California, who are getting behind the people's revolution in Cuba.

At least a hundred students showed up, packing the modest conference room. Speakers described the history of the Latin American School of Medicine, the scholarship program, facilities, and curriculum. They said that Cuba has sent teams of doctors to disaster-stricken areas all over the world, but the US government (which refused to let them in after Hurricane Katrina) doesn’t want people to know of Cuba’s success in health care because it’s afraid that they will realize that there’s an alternative to the high-tech, capital-intensive Western model.

Click on the audio file in the 'Downloads' box to your left to hear about the latest efforts of the Cuban government to provide U.S students the education that it's own government cannot or will not sponsor.

Hilton Hotels Shun Cuban Guests

2007-02-15T18:08:00.000+10:30

Hilton Hotels have recently made it very clear that Cubans, especially those who are members of trade delegations, are not welcome at their hotels around the world. They claim that the US blockade against Cuba prohibits them from accepting Cuban guests. Earlier this week Secretary of the ACFS in Adelaide Bob Briton spoke to 'The Bald Brothers' on ABC Local Radio about the issue. You can download or listen to the audio in the box widget to the right of screen.

Welcome...

2007-02-14T23:19:00.000+10:30

Welcome to the blog of the South Australian branch of the ACFS.