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CUBA, December 19, 2008. Cuban President Raul Castro said on Thursday that only integration can save Latin America and the Caribbean from the unpredictable consequences of the current financial and economic crisis that affects the world. Raul also expressed his gratitude at Brazil’s rejection of Washington’s almost fifty-year-old economic blockade of the Caribbean nation. “I’m very satisfied and happy with this visit to Brazil that will contribute to strengthening the historic relations between our two peoples,” Raul said. “Step by step, with our own voice, with respect and without any intermediaries, Cuba and Brazil have come to share common positions in defense of international law, multilateralism and self-determination and against any impositions from foreign powers. We are determined to continue working towards Latin American political integration and in favor of social justice and the dignity of human beings,” the Cuban leader stressed. In reference to the First Latin American and Caribbean Summit on Integration and Development held this week in Salvador de Bahia, Brazil, Raul Castro added that it was another step towards regional integration. “Cuba will do everything possible to achieve this objective, always respecting our differences,” he noted. “We, Latin Americans, are old enough to have our own voice and to speak with our neighbors to the North, with Europe, Asia, and the rest of the world,” Raul added. “I’m leaving next morning but not because they kick me out but because I’m afraid of falling in love with Brazil and its people,” the Cuban President concluded. (Cubaminrex- ACN) |