Machado Ventura Reiterates Cuba´s Solidarity with Venezuela CUBA, July 27, 2010.- José Ramón Machado Ventura, first vice-president of the State and Ministry Councils, reiterated the un-limited support of Cuba for the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, whose peace and sovereignty have been threatened by Colombia. While concluding the main activity in honor of July 26th on Monday in Santa Clara, the official said that for these precise reasons, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez was not present even though he planned to be, due to the fact that he had to be with his heroic people during this difficult time. He reaffirmed the unyielding solidarity of the Cuban people with Venezuela and condemned the deployment of U.S. military bases in Colombia, which he said threaten peace in that region. He emphasized that Venezuela has the right to defend itself and expect the support of Cuba. He also spoke about the objectives to strengthen bi-lateral ties, economic links, and other joint projects between Cuba and Venezuela. Machado Ventura reminded the public of the decision made by the Party to dedicate the activities of July 26th to the Liberator Simón Bolívar, whose 227th anniversary of birth coincides with the July 26th celebrations. He also affirmed that Fidel, whose reappearance is a source of joy for the Cuban people, is present and still fighting on this significant day in Cuba. He said that the assault on the Moncada and Carlos Manuel de Céspedes barracks that occurred on July 26, 1953, opened the path to Cuban liberation, just as February 4, 1992, was the day that initiated a similar process in Venezuela. The first vice-president also spoke about the adverse situation due to the impact of the global economic crisis, and the financial, commercial, and economic blockade of the United States against Cuba, as well as the effects of climate change. He said that the production of food will continue to be a priority, as discussed in the Congress with the National Association of Small Farmers, and spoke about the strategies of land use in suburban agriculture. Machado Ventura also reiterated that Cuba will not allow media campaigns or external pressures to affect it, and that Cuba will never let go of its dreams of sovereignty for itself and for the world. Cuban President Raúl Castro also asserted Venezuela’s right to defend itself when speaking at the Cuba-Venezuela bi-national Presidential Summit that took place at the hotel Ensenachos. (Cubaminrex-RHC) |