Cuba Works for a Future with Peace and Development VENEZUELA, December 2nd, 2011.- “In the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), Cuba will work with dedication and altruism for a future with peace and justice, and for the will to maintain the independence of what José Martí called Our america”, expressed Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, President of the Councils of State and Ministers of the Republic of Cuba. In his address, during the first presidential session of CELAC Summit, in Caracas, Venezuela, President Raúl thanked the Government and people of Venezuela for the warm welcome in the year of the 200 anniversary of its Independence. President Raul Castro expressed that going so far has demanded efforts, blood and sacrifice, while the imperialist powers have tried to defy the ideals of our heroes. He also stated that we live in a zone free of nuclear weapons which is a contribution to mankind, adding that one day we should be declared free of military bases. Raul Castro considered that depite the prosperity in our region, currently, 120 million Latin American and Caribbeans live in poverty, and that´s a tragedy it won´t even be solved should we fulfilled all United Nations millenium goals. Despite the profound international crisis, Raúl conveyed in his speech, Latin America and the Caribbean exports income has grown. “This scenery offers an oportunity if we act responsibly and with solidarity”, he added. President Raúl made an appeal to face Haiti´s situation, because Latin America and the Caribbean has a historical debt with that nation, who requires our efforts to be rebuilt, and he added that Cuban collaboration, with its modest contribution, will remain in Haiti for the time it is necessary. Raúl Castro highlighted that Cuba, strongly blockaded, is willing to share its poverty with those who has less. The Cuban President explained that beyond our regional boundaries, the big powers violated the international right, attack nations and, for the shame of the United Natinos, they bomb entire cities during eigth consecutive months. Raúl Castro recalled that Cuba has been resisting for more than five decades of imperial hostility and aggression and it suffers a cruel blockade that´s rejected by the Latin American and Caribbean community. The Cuban President thanked the Presidents and Foreign Affairs Ministers for the designation of Cuba as host of the CELAC Summit in 2013. (Cubaminrex)
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