blindpig
01-28-2016, 12:03 PM
Raul Castro in CELAC Summit III: Solidarity in Our America will be decisive
By: Raul Castro Ruz
Published: Unity of Our America
January 28, 2015
http://www.cubadebate.cu/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/raul-castro-celac-580x320.jpg
Raul Castro at the Third Summit of CELAC, in Costa Rica. Photo: EFE
Speech by Army General Raul Castro Ruz , First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of the Councils of State and Ministers at the Third Summit of the CELAC , Costa Rica, on January 28, 2015, "Year 57 of the Revolution. "
Dear President Luis Guillermo Solis;
Dear Heads of State or Government of Latin America and the Caribbean ;
Dear Heads of delegations and guests who joined us:
Our America has entered a new era and has advanced since the creation of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, in their goals of independence, sovereignty over their natural resources, integration, construction of a new world order, social justice and democracy the people, by the people and for the people. There is now a commitment to justice and the right of the superior to any other historical period villages.
Together, we are the third largest economy in the world, the area with the second largest oil reserves, the largest biodiversity on the planet and with a high concentration of global mineral resources.
Build unity in diversity, cohesive performance and respect for differences remain our primary purpose and an unavoidable necessity, because the world's problems worsen and persist tough challenges and great dangers that transcend national and even subregional possibilities.
In the last decade, economic and social policies and sustained growth, allowed us to face the global economic crisis and enabled a reduction of poverty, unemployment and unequal income distribution.
The profound political and social transformations carried out in several countries in the region have brought dignity to millions of families who have escaped poverty.
But Latin America and the Caribbean is still the most unequal in the world. On average, 20% of households with incomes captures 5% of total revenues; 167 million people still suffer from poverty, one in five children under 15 live in poverty and the number of illiterates exceeds 35 million.
Half of our youth do not have secondary education or ninth grade education, but in the lower income sector not the full 78%. Two thirds of the new generation do not come to college.
Growing victims of organized crime and violence that threaten the stability and progress of nations.
What think the tens of millions of marginalized on democracy and human rights? What is your opinion on political models? What they would argue about the election laws? Is this a civil society taking into account governments and international organizations? What would they say if they are consulted on economic and monetary policies?
They have little to show our region in these areas, many of the industrialized where the United half of its youth are unemployed, the crisis on workers and students who are being repressed is discharged, while the bankers are protected , unionization is impeded, lower wages paid women for equal work, apply inhumane policies against immigrants, growing racism, xenophobia, violent extremism and neo-fascist tendencies, and where the citizens do not vote because they see no alternative to corruption of political or electoral promises they know they forget very soon.
To achieve the so-called social inclusion and environmental sustainability, we have to create their own vision about economic systems, patterns of production and consumption, the relationship between economic growth and development and also on the effectiveness of policy models.
We must overcome the structural gaps, ensure free and high quality education, free universal health coverage, social security for all, equal opportunities, achieving the full realization of all human rights for all people.
Within these efforts, will elementary duty of solidarity and defense of the interests of the Caribbean and, in particular Haiti.
A new international economic, financial and monetary order, which have no place and priority interests and needs of the South and of the majority, where there prevail imposed by the concentration of capital and neoliberalism is required.
Development Agenda after 2015 must provide solutions to the structural problems of the economies of the region and generate the changes that lead to sustainable development.
It is also essential to build a world of peace, without which development is impossible, governed by the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law.
The signing by the Heads of State and Government of the Proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace, marked a historic step and provides a reference for the relations between our countries and the rest of the world.
Solidarity in Our America will be crucial to advance common interests.
We express strong condemnation of the unacceptable and unjustified unilateral sanctions against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and the continued foreign intervention aimed at creating a climate of instability in that sister nation. Cuba, you know all those stories deeply for having suffered for over 50 years, reiterates its strong support for the Bolivarian Revolution and the legitimate government led by President Nicolas Maduro.
We join Argentina in its claim to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands and the surrounding maritime areas. We support the South American nation and its President Cristina Fernandez, who faces attacks by hedge funds and decisions of venal courts, violate the sovereignty of that country.
We reaffirm solidarity with the people and government of Ecuador, Rafael Correa presiding in support of their demands for compensation for environmental damage caused by transnational Chevron in the Ecuadorian Amazon.
As we have said on other occasions, the Community will be incomplete as missing Puerto Rico. Its colonial situation is unacceptable, and Latin American and Caribbean character does not admit doubt.
In the peace process in Colombia, are significant agreements reached by the government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia - People's Army in the talks taking place in Havana. Never before he had come so far in the direction of achieving peace. Cuba, in its capacity as guarantor and venue of these talks continue providing the necessary facilities and contributing as much as possible to end the conflict and the building of a just and lasting peace in Colombia sister.
Give strong support, as before, the just demand of the Caribbean countries of reparation for the damage of slavery and colonialism, and we will firmly oppose the decision to deprive them of essential funding to consider technocratic pretexts to claim income average.
We welcome the excellent progress in CELAC-China Forum and the links of the region with the BRICS group.
We reiterate concerns about the huge and growing military expenditures imposed on the world by the United States and NATO as well as the attempt to extend the aggressive presence of this to the borders of Russia, with which we have historical and fraternal relations, mutually beneficial. We declare strong opposition to the imposition of unilateral and unjust sanctions against that nation.
The increased aggressiveness of military doctrine of NATO and the development of non-conventional wars, which have had devastating consequences and serious consequences, threatening international peace and security.
For Cuba, the principle of sovereign equality of States and self-determination is inalienable.
The General Assembly of the United Nations should use its power to preserve peace and security to the double standards, excesses and omissions of the Security Council.
You should not wait any longer to ensure their full membership to Palestine, which express the solidarity of the Cuban people and government. It must cease veto in the Security Council to guarantee impunity to the crimes of Israel.
Africa, where our roots are also not need advice or interference, but transfer of financial resources, technology and fair dealing. Always we defend the legitimate interests of the nations with which we fought shoulder to shoulder against colonialism and apartheid and with which we maintain fraternal relations and cooperation. We will always remember his unwavering solidarity and support.
Cuba's voice relentlessly defend just causes and interests of the South and will be loyal to their objectives and common positions knowing that Homeland is Humanity. The foreign policy of the Cuban Revolution will remain true to its principles.
Ladies and gentlemen:
On December 17, they returned to his homeland Cuban antiterrorist fighters Gerardo Hernandez, Ramon Labañino and Antonio Guerrero, who along with Fernando Gonzalez and Rene Gonzalez are for us a source of pride and an example of firmness.
The President of the United States acknowledged the failure of the policy against Cuba applied for over fifty years and the complete isolation that has led to their country; the damage that the blockade causes our people and ordered a review of the obviously unjustifiable inclusion of the island in the list of state sponsors of international terrorism.
Also that day, he announced the decision to restore diplomatic relations with our US Government.
These changes are the result of almost a century and a half of struggle and heroic fidelity to the principles of the Cuban people. They also made possible by the new age living in our region, and the strong and brave claim of the governments and peoples of the CELAC.
They have been a claim for Our America acted in close unity for this purpose in the United Nations and in all areas.
Preceded by the Summit of ALBA in Cumana, Venezuela, the discussions at the 2009 Summit of the Americas in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, led President Obama, newly elected, to raise a new beginning with Cuba .
In Cartagena, Colombia, in 2012, there was a heated discussion with a unanimous and categorical approach against the blockade, at which prompted a senior US official to refer to it as the great failure of Cartagena or disaster 'was the term exact-and discussed the exclusion of Cuba from the events. Ecuador, in protest, had decided to leave. Venezuela, Nicaragua and Bolivia argued that not attend another summit without Cuba and received the support of Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay. The Caribbean Community took the same stance. Mexico and other nations also spoke.
Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela, before his inauguration, announced determinedly to invite Cuba, with full and equal rights to the VII Summit of the Americas and he did. Cuba immediately declared he would attend.
Marti certain shows when he wrote that "a just principle from the depths of a cave can be mightier than an army" (Applause).
To all those present I express the deepest gratitude to Cuba.
For the 188 States who vote against the blockade at the United Nations, who made a similar claim in the General Assembly, international summits and conferences and all popular movements, political parties, parliaments and personalities who mobilized tirelessly to that end, they thank you sincerely on behalf of the nation.
The people of the United States expressed growing opposition to the policy of blockade and hostility, more than five decades, we also reiterate our gratitude and friendly feelings.
These results demonstrate that governments have deep differences can find solutions to problems through respectful and exchanges based on sovereign equality and reciprocity for the benefit of their nations dialogue.
As I have repeatedly stated, Cuba and the United States must learn the art of civilized coexistence based on respect for the differences between the two governments and cooperation on issues of common interest that will contribute to solving the challenges facing the hemisphere and the world.
But do not pretend to do so, Cuba has to give up their ideals of independence and social justice, or give up on one of our principles, or assign a millimeter in defense of national sovereignty.
We will not be cause, nor accept any claim to advise or pressure on our internal affairs. We have earned this sovereign right with great sacrifices and the price of the greatest risks.
Could you perhaps restored diplomatic relations without resume financial services to the Cuba Interests Section and its Consular Office in Washington, cut as a result of the financial blockade? How to explain the restoration of diplomatic relations without removing Cuba from the list of state sponsors of international terrorism? What will be, from now on, the behavior of US diplomats in Havana regarding compliance with the standards established by the International Convention for Diplomatic and Consular Relations? This is what our delegation said the State Department in bilateral talks last week and more meetings to address these issues is required.
We have shared with the President of the United States willingness to move towards normalization of bilateral relations, once they are restored diplomatic relations, which involves taking mutual steps to improve the climate between the two countries resolve other outstanding issues and advance The cooperation.
The current situation opens modestly hemisphere an opportunity to find new and higher forms of cooperation which suit the two Americas. This would solve pressing problems and break new ground.
The text of the Proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace is the indispensable platform for this, including the recognition that every State has the inalienable right to choose its political, economic, social and cultural systems, without interference in any form by another State, which constitutes an indispensable principle of international law.
The main problem has not been solved. The economic, commercial and financial blockade, which caused enormous human and economic damage and is a violation of international law, must cease.
I remember the memo undersecretary Mallory, April 1960, that in the absence of an effective political opposition, raised the goal of creating in Cuba hunger, desperation and suffering for the overthrow of the revolutionary government. Now, it appears that the objective is to foster artificial political opposition by economic, political and communications media.
The restoration of diplomatic relations is the beginning of a process towards normalization of bilateral relations, but this will not be possible as long as the blockade, not the territory illegally occupied by the Guantanamo Naval Base (Applause) is returned, not cease violate radio and television broadcasts international standards, there is fair compensation to our people for human and economic damage it has suffered.
It would not be ethical, fair or acceptable to ask anything in return to Cuba. If these problems are not solved, this diplomatic rapprochement between Cuba and the United States would not make sense.
Nor can it be expected that Cuba agrees to negotiate the issues raised by our internal, absolutely sovereign affairs.
Progress was made in the recent negotiation because we treat each other with respect, as equals. To move forward, you have to be.
We have followed with interest the announcement by the President of the United States of some executive decisions to amend certain aspects of the embargo.
The measures published are very limited. Credit persist ban, the use of the dollar in our international financial transactions; individual trips Americans are prevented under the license to the called "people to people", they are conditioned to subversive purposes and are also prevented from traveling by sea. Prohibited the acquisition continues in other markets in equipment and technology with more than 10% of US components and US imports of goods containing Cuban raw materials, among many others.
President Barack Obama could use his extensive executive determined to substantially modify the blockade authority, which is in your hands to do, even without congressional action.
It may allow other sectors of the economy everything has authorized in the field of telecommunications policy objectives with obvious influence on Cuba.
There have been significant decision to hold a debate with Congress with the aim of lifting the blockade.
US government spokesmen have been clear in specifying that now changing methods but not the aims of political, insisting acts of interference in our internal affairs, we will not accept. The proposed US counterparts should not interact with Cuban society in Cuba as if there were a sovereign government (Applause).
No one could dream that the new policy is announced to accept the existence of a socialist revolution 90 miles from Florida.
It wants the Summit of the Americas in Panama is called civil society and that is what Cuba has always shared. We protest what happened in the Conference of the World Trade Organization in Seattle in the Summits of the Americas in Miami and Quebec, at the Summit on Climate Change in Copenhagen, or when meets the G7 and the International Monetary Fund , where he was placed behind steel fences under a brutal police repression, confined to tens of kilometers of events.
Sure assist Cuban civil society and I hope that no restrictions for non-governmental organizations in our country that obviously have no interested in having any status in the OAS but they are recognized by the UN.
I hope to see in Panama to popular movements and NGOs advocating nuclear disarmament, environmentalists, against neoliberalism, the Occupy Wall Street and Occupy in this region, university and secondary students, farmers, trade unions, indigenous communities, organizations that oppose pollution schist, defenders of the rights of immigrants, denouncing torture, extrajudicial killings, police brutality, racist practices, claiming wages for women equal work, which require compensation for damage to the transnational companies.
However, the announcements made on December 17, have attracted worldwide recognition and President Obama has thus received broad support at home.
Some US forces try to abort this process begins. They are the same enemies of just US relationship with Latin America and the Caribbean, they are hindering bilateral relations in many countries of our region with that nation. They are always blackmail and pressure.
We know that the lifting of the blockade will be a long and difficult road will require advocacy, mobilization and resolute action by all people of goodwill in the United States and the world; the adoption by the United Nations General Assembly at its next session, the resolution calling to end and, most notably, the concerted action of Our America.
Dear Heads of State and Government:
Dear Friends:
Congratulations to Costa Rica, the President Solis and his government for their work in front of the CELAC. We welcome and will fully support to Ecuador and President Correa who will chair the Community in 2015.
Thank you very much (Applause).
http://www.cubadebate.cu/opinion/2015/01/28/raul-castro-en-iii-cumbre-de-celac-la-solidaridad-en-nuestra-america-sera-decisiva/#.VqpI7_krLZY
Google Translator
By: Raul Castro Ruz
Published: Unity of Our America
January 28, 2015
http://www.cubadebate.cu/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/raul-castro-celac-580x320.jpg
Raul Castro at the Third Summit of CELAC, in Costa Rica. Photo: EFE
Speech by Army General Raul Castro Ruz , First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of the Councils of State and Ministers at the Third Summit of the CELAC , Costa Rica, on January 28, 2015, "Year 57 of the Revolution. "
Dear President Luis Guillermo Solis;
Dear Heads of State or Government of Latin America and the Caribbean ;
Dear Heads of delegations and guests who joined us:
Our America has entered a new era and has advanced since the creation of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, in their goals of independence, sovereignty over their natural resources, integration, construction of a new world order, social justice and democracy the people, by the people and for the people. There is now a commitment to justice and the right of the superior to any other historical period villages.
Together, we are the third largest economy in the world, the area with the second largest oil reserves, the largest biodiversity on the planet and with a high concentration of global mineral resources.
Build unity in diversity, cohesive performance and respect for differences remain our primary purpose and an unavoidable necessity, because the world's problems worsen and persist tough challenges and great dangers that transcend national and even subregional possibilities.
In the last decade, economic and social policies and sustained growth, allowed us to face the global economic crisis and enabled a reduction of poverty, unemployment and unequal income distribution.
The profound political and social transformations carried out in several countries in the region have brought dignity to millions of families who have escaped poverty.
But Latin America and the Caribbean is still the most unequal in the world. On average, 20% of households with incomes captures 5% of total revenues; 167 million people still suffer from poverty, one in five children under 15 live in poverty and the number of illiterates exceeds 35 million.
Half of our youth do not have secondary education or ninth grade education, but in the lower income sector not the full 78%. Two thirds of the new generation do not come to college.
Growing victims of organized crime and violence that threaten the stability and progress of nations.
What think the tens of millions of marginalized on democracy and human rights? What is your opinion on political models? What they would argue about the election laws? Is this a civil society taking into account governments and international organizations? What would they say if they are consulted on economic and monetary policies?
They have little to show our region in these areas, many of the industrialized where the United half of its youth are unemployed, the crisis on workers and students who are being repressed is discharged, while the bankers are protected , unionization is impeded, lower wages paid women for equal work, apply inhumane policies against immigrants, growing racism, xenophobia, violent extremism and neo-fascist tendencies, and where the citizens do not vote because they see no alternative to corruption of political or electoral promises they know they forget very soon.
To achieve the so-called social inclusion and environmental sustainability, we have to create their own vision about economic systems, patterns of production and consumption, the relationship between economic growth and development and also on the effectiveness of policy models.
We must overcome the structural gaps, ensure free and high quality education, free universal health coverage, social security for all, equal opportunities, achieving the full realization of all human rights for all people.
Within these efforts, will elementary duty of solidarity and defense of the interests of the Caribbean and, in particular Haiti.
A new international economic, financial and monetary order, which have no place and priority interests and needs of the South and of the majority, where there prevail imposed by the concentration of capital and neoliberalism is required.
Development Agenda after 2015 must provide solutions to the structural problems of the economies of the region and generate the changes that lead to sustainable development.
It is also essential to build a world of peace, without which development is impossible, governed by the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law.
The signing by the Heads of State and Government of the Proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace, marked a historic step and provides a reference for the relations between our countries and the rest of the world.
Solidarity in Our America will be crucial to advance common interests.
We express strong condemnation of the unacceptable and unjustified unilateral sanctions against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and the continued foreign intervention aimed at creating a climate of instability in that sister nation. Cuba, you know all those stories deeply for having suffered for over 50 years, reiterates its strong support for the Bolivarian Revolution and the legitimate government led by President Nicolas Maduro.
We join Argentina in its claim to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands and the surrounding maritime areas. We support the South American nation and its President Cristina Fernandez, who faces attacks by hedge funds and decisions of venal courts, violate the sovereignty of that country.
We reaffirm solidarity with the people and government of Ecuador, Rafael Correa presiding in support of their demands for compensation for environmental damage caused by transnational Chevron in the Ecuadorian Amazon.
As we have said on other occasions, the Community will be incomplete as missing Puerto Rico. Its colonial situation is unacceptable, and Latin American and Caribbean character does not admit doubt.
In the peace process in Colombia, are significant agreements reached by the government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia - People's Army in the talks taking place in Havana. Never before he had come so far in the direction of achieving peace. Cuba, in its capacity as guarantor and venue of these talks continue providing the necessary facilities and contributing as much as possible to end the conflict and the building of a just and lasting peace in Colombia sister.
Give strong support, as before, the just demand of the Caribbean countries of reparation for the damage of slavery and colonialism, and we will firmly oppose the decision to deprive them of essential funding to consider technocratic pretexts to claim income average.
We welcome the excellent progress in CELAC-China Forum and the links of the region with the BRICS group.
We reiterate concerns about the huge and growing military expenditures imposed on the world by the United States and NATO as well as the attempt to extend the aggressive presence of this to the borders of Russia, with which we have historical and fraternal relations, mutually beneficial. We declare strong opposition to the imposition of unilateral and unjust sanctions against that nation.
The increased aggressiveness of military doctrine of NATO and the development of non-conventional wars, which have had devastating consequences and serious consequences, threatening international peace and security.
For Cuba, the principle of sovereign equality of States and self-determination is inalienable.
The General Assembly of the United Nations should use its power to preserve peace and security to the double standards, excesses and omissions of the Security Council.
You should not wait any longer to ensure their full membership to Palestine, which express the solidarity of the Cuban people and government. It must cease veto in the Security Council to guarantee impunity to the crimes of Israel.
Africa, where our roots are also not need advice or interference, but transfer of financial resources, technology and fair dealing. Always we defend the legitimate interests of the nations with which we fought shoulder to shoulder against colonialism and apartheid and with which we maintain fraternal relations and cooperation. We will always remember his unwavering solidarity and support.
Cuba's voice relentlessly defend just causes and interests of the South and will be loyal to their objectives and common positions knowing that Homeland is Humanity. The foreign policy of the Cuban Revolution will remain true to its principles.
Ladies and gentlemen:
On December 17, they returned to his homeland Cuban antiterrorist fighters Gerardo Hernandez, Ramon Labañino and Antonio Guerrero, who along with Fernando Gonzalez and Rene Gonzalez are for us a source of pride and an example of firmness.
The President of the United States acknowledged the failure of the policy against Cuba applied for over fifty years and the complete isolation that has led to their country; the damage that the blockade causes our people and ordered a review of the obviously unjustifiable inclusion of the island in the list of state sponsors of international terrorism.
Also that day, he announced the decision to restore diplomatic relations with our US Government.
These changes are the result of almost a century and a half of struggle and heroic fidelity to the principles of the Cuban people. They also made possible by the new age living in our region, and the strong and brave claim of the governments and peoples of the CELAC.
They have been a claim for Our America acted in close unity for this purpose in the United Nations and in all areas.
Preceded by the Summit of ALBA in Cumana, Venezuela, the discussions at the 2009 Summit of the Americas in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, led President Obama, newly elected, to raise a new beginning with Cuba .
In Cartagena, Colombia, in 2012, there was a heated discussion with a unanimous and categorical approach against the blockade, at which prompted a senior US official to refer to it as the great failure of Cartagena or disaster 'was the term exact-and discussed the exclusion of Cuba from the events. Ecuador, in protest, had decided to leave. Venezuela, Nicaragua and Bolivia argued that not attend another summit without Cuba and received the support of Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay. The Caribbean Community took the same stance. Mexico and other nations also spoke.
Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela, before his inauguration, announced determinedly to invite Cuba, with full and equal rights to the VII Summit of the Americas and he did. Cuba immediately declared he would attend.
Marti certain shows when he wrote that "a just principle from the depths of a cave can be mightier than an army" (Applause).
To all those present I express the deepest gratitude to Cuba.
For the 188 States who vote against the blockade at the United Nations, who made a similar claim in the General Assembly, international summits and conferences and all popular movements, political parties, parliaments and personalities who mobilized tirelessly to that end, they thank you sincerely on behalf of the nation.
The people of the United States expressed growing opposition to the policy of blockade and hostility, more than five decades, we also reiterate our gratitude and friendly feelings.
These results demonstrate that governments have deep differences can find solutions to problems through respectful and exchanges based on sovereign equality and reciprocity for the benefit of their nations dialogue.
As I have repeatedly stated, Cuba and the United States must learn the art of civilized coexistence based on respect for the differences between the two governments and cooperation on issues of common interest that will contribute to solving the challenges facing the hemisphere and the world.
But do not pretend to do so, Cuba has to give up their ideals of independence and social justice, or give up on one of our principles, or assign a millimeter in defense of national sovereignty.
We will not be cause, nor accept any claim to advise or pressure on our internal affairs. We have earned this sovereign right with great sacrifices and the price of the greatest risks.
Could you perhaps restored diplomatic relations without resume financial services to the Cuba Interests Section and its Consular Office in Washington, cut as a result of the financial blockade? How to explain the restoration of diplomatic relations without removing Cuba from the list of state sponsors of international terrorism? What will be, from now on, the behavior of US diplomats in Havana regarding compliance with the standards established by the International Convention for Diplomatic and Consular Relations? This is what our delegation said the State Department in bilateral talks last week and more meetings to address these issues is required.
We have shared with the President of the United States willingness to move towards normalization of bilateral relations, once they are restored diplomatic relations, which involves taking mutual steps to improve the climate between the two countries resolve other outstanding issues and advance The cooperation.
The current situation opens modestly hemisphere an opportunity to find new and higher forms of cooperation which suit the two Americas. This would solve pressing problems and break new ground.
The text of the Proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace is the indispensable platform for this, including the recognition that every State has the inalienable right to choose its political, economic, social and cultural systems, without interference in any form by another State, which constitutes an indispensable principle of international law.
The main problem has not been solved. The economic, commercial and financial blockade, which caused enormous human and economic damage and is a violation of international law, must cease.
I remember the memo undersecretary Mallory, April 1960, that in the absence of an effective political opposition, raised the goal of creating in Cuba hunger, desperation and suffering for the overthrow of the revolutionary government. Now, it appears that the objective is to foster artificial political opposition by economic, political and communications media.
The restoration of diplomatic relations is the beginning of a process towards normalization of bilateral relations, but this will not be possible as long as the blockade, not the territory illegally occupied by the Guantanamo Naval Base (Applause) is returned, not cease violate radio and television broadcasts international standards, there is fair compensation to our people for human and economic damage it has suffered.
It would not be ethical, fair or acceptable to ask anything in return to Cuba. If these problems are not solved, this diplomatic rapprochement between Cuba and the United States would not make sense.
Nor can it be expected that Cuba agrees to negotiate the issues raised by our internal, absolutely sovereign affairs.
Progress was made in the recent negotiation because we treat each other with respect, as equals. To move forward, you have to be.
We have followed with interest the announcement by the President of the United States of some executive decisions to amend certain aspects of the embargo.
The measures published are very limited. Credit persist ban, the use of the dollar in our international financial transactions; individual trips Americans are prevented under the license to the called "people to people", they are conditioned to subversive purposes and are also prevented from traveling by sea. Prohibited the acquisition continues in other markets in equipment and technology with more than 10% of US components and US imports of goods containing Cuban raw materials, among many others.
President Barack Obama could use his extensive executive determined to substantially modify the blockade authority, which is in your hands to do, even without congressional action.
It may allow other sectors of the economy everything has authorized in the field of telecommunications policy objectives with obvious influence on Cuba.
There have been significant decision to hold a debate with Congress with the aim of lifting the blockade.
US government spokesmen have been clear in specifying that now changing methods but not the aims of political, insisting acts of interference in our internal affairs, we will not accept. The proposed US counterparts should not interact with Cuban society in Cuba as if there were a sovereign government (Applause).
No one could dream that the new policy is announced to accept the existence of a socialist revolution 90 miles from Florida.
It wants the Summit of the Americas in Panama is called civil society and that is what Cuba has always shared. We protest what happened in the Conference of the World Trade Organization in Seattle in the Summits of the Americas in Miami and Quebec, at the Summit on Climate Change in Copenhagen, or when meets the G7 and the International Monetary Fund , where he was placed behind steel fences under a brutal police repression, confined to tens of kilometers of events.
Sure assist Cuban civil society and I hope that no restrictions for non-governmental organizations in our country that obviously have no interested in having any status in the OAS but they are recognized by the UN.
I hope to see in Panama to popular movements and NGOs advocating nuclear disarmament, environmentalists, against neoliberalism, the Occupy Wall Street and Occupy in this region, university and secondary students, farmers, trade unions, indigenous communities, organizations that oppose pollution schist, defenders of the rights of immigrants, denouncing torture, extrajudicial killings, police brutality, racist practices, claiming wages for women equal work, which require compensation for damage to the transnational companies.
However, the announcements made on December 17, have attracted worldwide recognition and President Obama has thus received broad support at home.
Some US forces try to abort this process begins. They are the same enemies of just US relationship with Latin America and the Caribbean, they are hindering bilateral relations in many countries of our region with that nation. They are always blackmail and pressure.
We know that the lifting of the blockade will be a long and difficult road will require advocacy, mobilization and resolute action by all people of goodwill in the United States and the world; the adoption by the United Nations General Assembly at its next session, the resolution calling to end and, most notably, the concerted action of Our America.
Dear Heads of State and Government:
Dear Friends:
Congratulations to Costa Rica, the President Solis and his government for their work in front of the CELAC. We welcome and will fully support to Ecuador and President Correa who will chair the Community in 2015.
Thank you very much (Applause).
http://www.cubadebate.cu/opinion/2015/01/28/raul-castro-en-iii-cumbre-de-celac-la-solidaridad-en-nuestra-america-sera-decisiva/#.VqpI7_krLZY
Google Translator