News

Mexico will begin deporting illegal Cuban emigrants starting November 20, complying with a migratory agreement signed last week with the Cuban government, reports IPS citing sources from the Mexican Institute of Migration. Cuba and Mexico agreed on a mechanism that favors safe and legal migration and discourages the dangerous business of illegal people trafficking.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva arrives Thursday to Cuba on his second official visit this year. The president will attend the signing of an agreement between Brazil’s Petrobras and Cubapetroleos (Cupet) oil companies, and the opening of the headquarters of the Agency for the Promotion of Exports and Investments of Brazil, APEX. Lula is also scheduled to meet with Cuban President Raul Castro.

The UN General Assembly overwhelmingly told the United States it is wrong on its Cuba policy on Wednesday. A record 185 countries of the 192 UN member states voted to request Washington end its unilateral blockade of the Cuban economy. Only Israel and the tiny Palau supported the US position. Last year’s vote was 184-4.

A shipment of 2,500 Chinese-made vehicles has arrived in Cuba to strengthen freight and passenger transport on the island. In the last five years the government has budgeted 1.2 billion dollars for the recovery of the transportation fleet, severely affected by the economic crisis of the 1990s.

Cuba’s Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque is in New York to present the UN General Assembly on Wednesday with its resolution titled: “Necessity to put an end to the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States of America against Cuba.” For the 17th consecutive year the international community will have the opportunity to judge the unilateral US measure, applied for nearly a half century.

The government of the small Central African country of Equatorial Guinea approved two million euros in aid to contribute to the recovery in Cuba of the areas affected by Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, reported IPS. A brigade of more than 150 Cuban healthcare professionals is currently working in Guinean hospitals. The two nations established diplomatic relations in 1972.

Cuban singer-songwriter Silvio Rodriguez reiterated in statements to Spain’s La Vanguardia daily his demand that the exit and entry permit be eliminated for persons born in Cuba. Rodriguez, one of the founders of the New Song Movement, described that measure as a “restriction of citizens’ rights.” The artist also expressed his wish that Cuban socialism evolve “toward more participative and democratic forms,” reported IPS.

The US blockade of Cuba hampers the country’s access to direct foreign investment, acquiring state-of-the-art technologies and markets, in addition to persecuting companies from third countries doing business on the island. Cuba is carrying out a diplomatic offensive before the UN General Assembly vote on Wednesday October 29 on a resolution calling for an end to the unilateral hostility from Washington. The Cuban government estimates that the blockade has caused over US $93 billion in losses to the country’s economy.

China is Cuba’s second leading trade partner and the two countries are also committed to expanding cultural exchange. To that end, Chinese Minister of Culture Cai Wu is expected in Havana next month. A photography show including 500 images of daily life in China is also soon to be presented in the Cuban capital.

The 26th International Havana Trade Fair (FIHAV), the largest Cuban trade market, takes place November 3-8. Representatives from 457 companies from 53 countries have already confirmed their presence at the event.