News

Cuba could soon become an oil-exporting country, affirmed former President Fidel Castro in a commentary published Friday in the Cuban press. The Caribbean country already sells some heavy crude that can not be refined in its installations. Ongoing joint venture exploration with foreign oil companies is what could turn the situation around for the island that imports an estimated 96,000 barrels a day from Venezuela. However, despite the possibility, Castro urges the nation to conserve on fuel consumption as part of an overall energy saving program.

The US government has backed down on its attempt to keep two Cuban journalists who had worked for three years at the United Nations from returning to New York after vacationing in their home country. White House spokesperson Sean McCormack admitted that “in accordance with our UN headquarters agreement, we have decided to issue the visas,” to the Prensa Latina news agency reporters.

Cuba’s construction industry suffered major damage from hurricanes Ike and Gustav, and workers at a great many of their installations in the affected provinces are struggling to get them back in full operation. Gravel, cut stone, cement and ceramic roofing sheets and tiles are all in great demand for the reconstruction effort.

Prensa Latina news agency protested Monday the visas denial by the US government for two of its correspondents at the United Nations in New York. The reporters for the Havana based agency have worked at the UN for three years and were trying to return to their jobs after a vacation in their country.

Cuban Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque will travel to Mexico next October 19 on an official three-day visit, confirmed a Mexican embassy source cited by IPS news service. Both nations are trying to mend their relations after a period of distancing during the government of Vicente Fox.

A contingent of 92 Venezuelan construction workers are helping out with the reconstruction of schools destroyed by Hurricanes Ike and Gustav in the westernmost province of Pinar del Rio.

Cuba and Brazil signed new collaboration agreements in the fields of mining, geology, hydraulic resources and commercial banking, reported the press at the end of a Technical Cooperation Working Group meeting held in the Cuban capital. Brazil is the island’s second leading trade partner in the continent, with an annual commercial exchange of 450 million dollars.