Australia-Cuba Friendship Society (Perth)

Statement by Josefina Vidal Ferreiro, Head of the North American Division of the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs

2012-01-21T19:18:00.000-08:00

Statement by Josefina Vidal Ferreiro, Head of the North American Division of the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs

An unfortunate yet unusual event in Cuba has again been distorted and manipulated by narrow self-serving political interests to justify the policy of blockade against our country. The statements of the State Department and the White House are yet another evidence of the permanent policy of aggression and interference in the internal affairs of Cuba and stand out for their hypocrisy and double standards. Indeed, they are more becoming of the record of human rights violations of the United States in its own territory and in the world than they are of the performance of Cuba, where the human person is valued the most.

There was no statement by the President or the State Department when on January 3, in Chicago, prisoner Lyvita Gomes died behind bars as a result of a hunger strike.

It is not in Cuba where 90 prisoners have been executed since January 2010, while another 3,222 inmates remain on death row, awaiting execution. It must be remembered that the United States has already held its first execution of 2012 and its government ruthlessly represses those who dare to denounce the system’s injustice.

It is the Government of the United States which engages in torture and extrajudicial executions in the countries it attacks, and which uses police brutality against its own people.

In a colossal act of cynicism, the U.S. government dares now to accuse Cuba, while it turns a blind eye on and remains silent about the flagrant violations of human rights generated by the injustice, onslaught and destitution that its policy brings for millions of people around the world, including in the United States.

Cuba will continue to be the country where, in spite the U.S.’s economic war against it, fewer children die at birth, where every day efforts are made to raise the already outstanding levels of social justice, levels that remain beyond reach for most people in the world, including in the United States, where there is a growing inequality.
January 20, 2012

Declaración de la Directora de América del Norte del MINREX, Josefina Vidal Ferreiro

Un hecho lamentable, pero inusual en Cuba, ha sido nuevamente tergiversado y manipulado por intereses políticos mezquinos, para justificar la política de bloqueo contra nuestro país. Las declaraciones del Departamento de Estado y la Casa Blanca constituyen una muestra más de la permanente política de agresión e injerencia en los asuntos internos de Cuba e impresionan por su hipocresía y doble rasero. En realidad, se ajustan mejor al record de violaciones de los derechos humanos de Estados Unidos en su propio territorio y en el mundo, que al desempeño de Cuba, país donde el ser humano es lo más valioso.

No hubo pronunciamiento del Presidente ni del Departamento de Estado cuando murió en prisión, en Chicago, a consecuencia de una huelga de hambre, la reclusa Lyvita Gomes, el pasado 3 de enero.

No es en Cuba donde 90 prisioneros han sido ejecutados desde enero del 2010 hasta hoy, mientras que otros 3 222 reos esperan su ejecución en el corredor de la muerte. Hay que recordar que Estados Unidos ya celebró su primera ejecución del 2012 y su gobierno reprime sin contemplaciones a quienes se atreven a denunciar la injusticia del sistema.

Es el Gobierno de Estados Unidos el que practica la tortura y las ejecuciones extrajudiciales en los países que arremete y el que usa la brutalidad policial contra su propia población.

En un acto de cinismo colosal, el gobierno norteamericano se atreve a condenar a Cuba, mientras cierra sus ojos y no alza su voz ante las violaciones flagrantes de los derechos humanos que genera la injusticia, la agresión y el desamparo a los que su política condena a millones de personas en el planeta, incluido su propio territorio.

Cuba seguirá siendo el país, en el que, a pesar de la guerra económica de Estados Unidos, menos niños mueren al nacer, donde se trabaja cada día por elevar los ya importantes niveles de justicia social, inalcanzables todavía para la mayoría de los habitantes del mundo, incluyendo los de Estados Unidos, donde la desigualdad es creciente.

20 de enero de 2012

VI - Conference on Solidarity with Cuba 22-25 March 2012 in Phnom Penh City

2012-01-20T22:04:00.000-08:00

VI - Conference on Solidarity with Cuba

22-25 March 2012 in Phnom Penh City

Thursday22 March

. Arrivalof Delegates in Phnom Penh International Airport

. Delegates are welcomed at VIP room and proceedto the CAMBODIANA Hotel

. Registrationof Delegates

18:00-18:30 . Openingof the painting exhibit “Cubanía enMariposas”

(Nationhood through Butterflies) by AntonioGuerrero

18:45-19:30 . Book Launching on Cuba by Pathfinder PressEditor.

19:30 . PrivateDinner -Venue: (Mekong DeckOpen Air) Cambodiana Hotel

Friday 23March

. 06:30- 07:30. Breakfast -Venue :(Mekong Garden Restaurant) Cambodiana Hotel

. 07:30- 08:15. Registration of Delegates -
Venue :(Foyer at The Grand Ball Room) Cambodiana Hotel

. 08:15- 08:30. Courtesy call to Samdech Akka Moha Ponhea Chakrei Heng Samrin,
President of National Assembly, by all heads ofdelegation.
Venue : (TonleMekong Room) Cambodiana Hotel

. 08:30 - 09:30 First Session(Opening Session)

- National Anthem

- Welcome speechby Hon. Mrs. Nin Saphon,

. Chairperson of 9^thCommission

. President of Cambodia-CubaParliamentary Friendship Group,

. Chairperson of the Conference OrganizingCommittee

- Keynote Speech by the Cuban Header

- Opening Speech by
Samdech Akka Moha Ponhea ChakreiHeng Samrin,

President of the National Assembly

- PhotographySession

. 09:30 - 10:00 : Coffee Break

. 10:00 - 12:30 : Statement by respective delegates ( 5 minuteseach)

. 12:30 - 14:00 : Lunch

. 14:00 - 17:00 : Group Discussion

- First Committee (Topic: The Economic Blockade against on Cuba must be lifted

- Second Committee (Topic: Projectionsfor strengthening solidaritytowards

Cuban people and role of media to spread Cuba’s truth)

Saturday24 March

. 08:30 - 10:00 Second Session

- Documentary Exhibition about Asia and Pacific students in Cuba

- Report by First Committee

- Report by Second Committee

- Final Declaration Adoption

- Adoption the next venue to host the VII Conference on solidaritywith Cuba in 2014

- Acceptance Speech by next Hosting Country

. 11:30 - 10:30 : Closing Session

- Thankful speech by ICAP leader

- Speech by Hon. Mrs. Nin Saphon,

. Chairperson of 9^thCommission

. President of Cambodia-CubaParliamentary Friendship Group,

. Chairperson of the ConferenceOrganizing Committee

. 12:00 - 13:00 : Lunch

. 15:30 - 16:30 : Visit National Museum

. 16:30 - 17:30 : Visit Royal Palac

. 19:00 - 21:00 : Farewell Dinner followed by CulturalPerformance
Venue: Cambodiana Hotel

Sunday 25March :

. 06:30 - 08:00 Breakfast - Venue: (Mekong Garden Restaurant)Cambodiana Hotel

. Departure of Delegates to

- Their respective Home Country

- Visit Angkor Wat Temples in Seam Reap province
(Optional Activity Price ____ USD)

Free the Five logo by Federico Medina, Perth 2012

2012-01-17T06:04:00.000-08:00

We are happy to share with you the design of the FREE the FIVE logo designed by local Mexican artist Federico Medina. This logo is a great contribution to the international campaign to free the Five Cuban heroes unjustly held in US prisons.

We thank Federico for his solidarity to the international campaign to free the Cuban FIVE.

We ask President Obama "Give us Five! release the Cuban Five Now"

In solidarity,

Australia-Cuba Friendship Society, ACFS Perth branch.
January 2012

29th Southern Cross Brigade to Cuba Statement

2012-01-09T15:00:00.000-08:00

Statementby the 29th Southern Cross Brigade condemning the US economic embargo againstCuba.

1. On this day, Thursday 5 January 2012, the 29thSouthern Cross Brigade from Australia proclaims fraternal solidarity to theCuban people and expresses gratitude for the opportunity to meet Cuban peopleand obtain an understanding of the Cuban Revolution’s success;

2. The 29th Southern Cross Brigade congratulatesthe success of the Cuban Revolution, particularly in the areas of health,education, culture and sport, as an example for other developing countries ofthe world.

3. The 29th Southern Cross Brigade condemns theimposition by the US of the economic, commercial and financial blockade againstthe Cuban people. These unjust andunfair actions of the US Government are an attempt to interfere with thesovereignty of the Cuban people, and an attempt to impose US politicalstructures inside Cuba for the benefit of the US.

4. The 29th Southern Cross Brigade considers that theunfair blockade is an agressive act designed to inhibit Cuba’s economic andsocial progress. The unfair US blockade has brought substantial damage to theCuban economy and prevents the Cuban people from achieving the sameopportunities for economic progress and wellbeing that is currently enjoyed byall other peoples of the world.

5. The 29th Southern Cross Brigade calls forworldwide support to the Cuban people in their continuing opposition to theunfair US blockade, and supports all efforts by governments, citizens andcorporations to work against and stop the unfair blockade.

6. The 29th Southern Cross Brigade supports theefforts of the United Nations, the European Community and other Governments inmaintaining normal economic, commercial and financial relationships with Cuba.

7. The 29th Southern Cross Brigade calls on theAustralian Government, its agencies, the Australian people and non-governmentorganisations to express support to the Cuban people and express opposition tothe unfair US blockade in all relevant forums and actions.

ACFS end of year Party

2011-11-19T22:35:00.001-08:00

ACFS end of year Party

The time has come again to get together and celebrate our hard won achievements of 2011.

With your support and hard work we have been able to accomplish our objectives for this year.

For example we have been able to raise enough funds for the "Martires of Las Tunas" Children Hospital in the Province of Las Tunas, Cuba. This $12,000 project will help to improve the lives of cancer sufferers in the province. In this way we materialise our message of solidarity with the Cuban people and their socialist revolution. Our thanks to all our friends and supporters who throughout 2011 have been the back bone of the Australia-Cuba Friendship Society in Perth.

Please join us to celebrate with a surprise film, good company, friendship, political discussion and laughter. A drink/plate to share is highly appreciated. This is open to all members, their families, friends and all our supporters. Free entry. acfsperth@gmail.com

ACFS Perth rallies against the US blockade on Cuba

2011-10-25T10:38:00.000-07:00

The Australia-Cuba Friendship Society, WA Branch gathered in front of the US consulate in Perth, Western Australia to call on the Obama Administration to lift the blockade on Cuba.

The protest took place on Tuesday 25th October 2011 while the Cuban delegation presented a resolution against the US criminal blockade at the UN General Assembly.

The peoples of the world once again for the 20th time voted in favour of the Cuban motion 187 votes in favour, 2 against (the US and Israel) and 3 abstentions.

We call on President Obama to end this act of political barbarism.

In solidarity,

ACFS WA

Viva Cuba, End the US blockade, Free the Cuban Five.

End the US blockade on Cuba

2011-10-22T19:10:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday 25th October for the 20th consecutive timeCuba will move a resolution against the US blockade on Cuba at the UnitedNations General Assembly.

The UN General Assembly will again take a vote on the US blockadeagainst Cuba. We should not be fooled that the US has softened its stance, inreality

the Obama administration is imposing tougher sanctions on companiestrading with Cuba in comparison with previous presidential administrations.

It continues also to damage the trading relations with Europeancompanies. Recently The European branch of PayPal, a company thatfacilitates electronic transactions in the Internet, demanded that German firmRum & Co. remove Havana cigars, rum and other Cuban products from their webpage. This despite there being regulations that explicitly allow Europeansto do business with Cuba, were formulated as a countermeasure to the USsanctions against Cuba.

The current intensification against Cuba also jeopardises theNational Transplant Program. A report on resolution65/6 of the United Nations General Assembly states that Washington's stance has negativelyimpacted the acquisition of reagents needed for transplant.

ACFS calls on ordinary people around the world dotake notice of the pain that the US is inflicting on the Cuban peopleand that we join most other Governments and peoples around the world to say itmust stop.

Let's send a A message to the Obama Administration"While you are fixing the world, here’s another issue to add tothe list End the Blockade on Cuba". Please consider bringing yourfriends and contacts and join us in sending this message.

Join the solidaritymovement around the world that calls on the Obama Administration to end thispolitical barbarism.

Fidel Castro's speech at the UN in 1979

2011-10-22T18:53:00.000-07:00

Fidel Castro's speech at the UN in 1979. Cuban film maker Santiago Alvarez.

In Spanish with English Subtitles. It was delivered 32 years ago but his vision of the world and the main enemy of peoples development continue to be valid today.

In solidarity with the peoples of the world.

Gerardo Hernandez's cartoon exhibition. Perth WA

2011-10-21T21:09:00.000-07:00

A complete success in the campaign for the freedom of the Cuban Five.

Australian Premier of Gerardo Hernandez's cartoon exhibition held at the KURB
gallery in Northbridge, Perth, Western Australia from 1-7 October 2011.

Here the photographs taken at the opening night on Saturday 1 October attended by

around 80 people.

Thanks to CHAKETA band for performing on the night and donating their time to
the cause of the Cuban Five.

Exhibition curated by Dr. Christopher Crouch & Eileen Whitehead.
Organised by the Australia-Cuba Friendship Society, ACFS.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hA2aKjtp8qA

2011-10-15T21:27:00.000-07:00

This is the youtube of Gerardo Hernandez having a phone conversation with Carlos Alberto Cremata,
director of La Colmenita (The little bee have) theatre group currently touring the United States.

For more videos please visit: http://www.youtube.com/user/cubadebatecu

Rene will not be completely free until his return to Cuba.

We call on President Obama to free the Cuban Five now!

Join the campaign to join the Cuban Five.
For more information on the case visit:
http://www.freethecuban5.com/
http://www.freethefive.org/

Will the Real Terrorist Please Stand Up!

2011-10-14T21:31:00.000-07:00

To all friends of ACFS and Cuba.

This is a unique opportunity to learn more about the plight

of the Cuban Five.

This will also the last information session on the Southern Cross Brigade to Cuba which departs in December.

www.cubabrigade.org.au

Come along and join us in solidarity with Cuba.

Free Entry

All donations to our health project in Las Tunas, Cuba.

Gerardo Hernandez Cartoon Exhibition

2011-10-02T07:43:00.001-07:00

Grand final weekend for the Freedom of the Cuban Five in Perth

With a welcome to country by Balladong Noongar Man Barry McGuire the exhibition of Gerardo Hernandez cartoons opened at the Kurb Gallery in Northbridge, WA.

On Saturday 1^st October around eighty people defied the grand final weekend and gathered to seeing the political cartoons sketched inside a US prison cell by Gerardo, one of the Cuban five incarcerated since 1998.

Gerardo Hernandez was sentenced to double life imprisonment plus 15 years. He referred to his sentence in these words “but I have only one life to give for my country”.

The case of the Cuban Five took a recent twist when under the Freedom of Information Act members of the solidarity movement in the US uncovered information that confirms the US Government had paid a number of journalists to publish negative articles designed to damage the integrity of the Five Cubans. These five men were tried and sentenced in the media even before going on trial. This new evidence has allowed Gerardo’s legal team to seek leave to have his case reviewed based on this new evidence under a habeas corpus appeal.

The exhibition is made up of thirty of Gerardo’s political cartoons which have been displayed in several cities in the US, Belgium, Ecuador and now Perth WA. Many of his works are devoted to the frustrations of the Miami mafia seeing the Cuban Revolution grow older. Another section of the exhibit portrays the double standards that the US has shown in its war on terrorism. The final selection is dedicated to comandante Fidel Castro marking his birthday each year since the incarceration. In particular there is one that refers to Fidel’s reflections by depicting his pen as a different weapon in the same struggle; the struggle for Cuba’s self determination.

As part of his welcome Barry McGuire dedicated a message in song of oneness and solidarity to the Cuban Five.

This exhibition will go National in Australia; it attempts to break through the deafening silence of the media. A small piece was picked up in the community newspaper the Guardian Express and media attended the event in Perth.

In his intervention Cuban Consul General to Australia Reinaldo Garcia gave an update on Rene Gonzalez, one of the Five, who is due for release on Friday 7^th October. His security is under threat from new orders that will place him under a three year-control order to remain in Miami and extends the inhumane deprivation of the 13 years he has been denied his human right to access to his family.

Several people left messages in a book for Gerardo acknowledging his courage and expressing solidarity. The Exhibition will remain open until Friday 7^th October.

People in solidarity with the cause of the Cuban Five will continue the struggle until the Five are free and returned to Cuba. We renew our calls to President Obama to free the Cuban Five.

ACFS Perth calls on President Obama to release the Cuban Five!

2011-09-11T04:52:00.000-07:00

The Australia-Cuba Friendship Society, ACFS calls on President Obama to release the five Cuban anti-terrorists held in US prisons since 1998.

Around 30 members of the ACFS and their friends and supporters rallied for the freedom of the Cuban Five in Fremantle, Western Australia.

An enthusiastic group of speakers told the crowd and passerby about the plight of the five men detained in Miami for fighting against terrorism organised, financed and carried out from US soil. The Cuban Five as they are known internationally were sentenced to inhumane and ridiculous sentences from 15 to double life imprisonment plus 15 years.

what was the crime committed by these men? NONE! There was never crime committed by the Cuban Five whose only task was to monitor the activities of the Miami mafia whose long list of terrorist activities against Cuba has cost the lives of more than 3000 people.

Cuba's right to self determination has been undermined by the actions of these terrorist groups who are tolerated on US soil. These terrorist acts included the bombing midair of Cubana 455 Flight that killed 73 people in 1976.

In 1997 a wave of bombings that targeted tourist installations including hotels rained down on Cuba. One of the actions resulted in Italian tourist Fabio De Celmo beign killed at the Copacabana Hotel in Havana.

To defend against these attacks and defend the lives of Cubans and visitors to Cuba sent these brave volunteers to gather the information needed to prevent further killings and bombings against their homeland.

They never sought or gathered information that would endanger US national security or hurt anyone nor did they carry any weapons. Their task was solenly to prevent terrorist activities.

The time has come for President Obama to exercise his power and release these five Cuban heroes who have had even their basic rights to see their families denied in breach of international conventions. ACFS Perth joins the millions of people in demanding their immidiate release. Watch on YouTube: http://youtu.be/vXkeZTuh39k

As part of our campaign for the freedom of the Cuban Five, ACFS will exhibit the political cartoons by Gerardo Hernandez from 1-7 October at the KURB Gallery, 312 "A" William Street, Northbridge, Western Australia. Visit our blogsite www.acfs-perth.blogspot.com

Humor from my Pen by Gerardo Hernandez

2011-09-07T00:13:00.001-07:00

AUSTRALIAN PREMIER! An exhibition of political cartons by Gerardo Hernandez, one of the Five Cuban Political Prisoners held unjustly in US prisons since 12 September 1998.

This exhibition is part of the international campaign for their freedom.

Kurb Gallery located on 312 "A" William Street Northbridge, WA
OPENING: Saturday 1st October 2011 from 6-8pm Live music, nibblies and drinks.

Opening address by Cuban Consul General to Australia, Reinaldo Garcia.

Hosted by the Australia-Cuba Friendship Society, ACFS Perth

Exhibition opening times. From Sunday 2 to through Friday 7 October from 2 to 7pm Entry: FREE

For more information visit: www.acfs-perth.blogspot.com
Email: acfsperth@gmail.com
Mobile: 0419812872

Free the Cuban FIVE Rally on Sunday 11 September 2011

2011-08-20T20:34:00.000-07:00

RALLY FOR JUSTICE & FREEDOM
This is an open invitation to join us on Sunday 11 September from 12 noon at the Fremantle Town Hall adjacent park, cnr Adelaide and William Streets

To demand the US releases the Five Cuban heroes incarcerated since 1998
in different US prisons.
On the 13th anniversary of the unjust incarceration of Five Cuban anti-terrorists
the ACFS calls for their freedom.

We call on your support to fight this unjustice.

We want freedom for the Five and Visitation Rights

We want Justice, bring your placards, flags and have your say.

For more information contact ACFS: acfsperth@gmail.com

Guatemala tour 2011 with Ovidio Orellana

2011-08-09T06:16:00.000-07:00

URNG Representative—Ovidio Orellana

The United National Resistance of Guatemala (URNG)/Maiz faces a huge challenge in the upcoming general elections in Guatemala. Forming a broad front (Frente Amplio) of Left forces, Guatemala follows the path of other successful movements in Latin America for a Peoples Unity Government.

Featuring the film:
When the Mountains Tremble

Followed by Discussion, Nibbles/Drinks & Live Music
by Carlos Castellanos & Ovidio Orellana

Wed 17 August, 6-9pm

Maritime Union of Australia
2-4 Kwong Alley North Fremantle

Organised by Friends of Guatemala
Endorsed by Communist Party of Australia & Socialist Alliance

E: president@cpa.org.au P: 0419 812 872 or 9218 9608

ACFS August Newsletter

2011-08-07T21:45:00.000-07:00

Please find below the August 2011 edition of the Perth ACFS Newsletter

ACFS-Newsletter1-8-11 -

Perth Celebrates the 58th anniversary of the M26 July 1953

2011-07-25T20:59:00.000-07:00

On 26th July Cuba celebrates the day of National Revelry. It remembers the attacks on the Moncada and Carlos Manuel de Cespedes military Barracks located in Santiago de Cuba and Bayamo, Cuba.

Despite the unsuccessful military action, this event is considered the beginning of the Cuban Revolution that successfully defeat the Batista dictatorship six years later on January 1959.

In Australia we celebrate this event and we send our warmest message of solidarity to all our Cuban friends.

Long live Cuba,
Long live Fidel and Raul!
Hasta la Victoria Siempre, VENCEREMOS!

Film Screening at the West Perth Lotteries House

2011-07-17T23:49:00.000-07:00

This is an open invitation for all ACFSers and their family and friends.

A great opportunity to discuss greening Cuba and its example for a sustainable
and greener world.

Learn about the Southern Cross Brigade to Cuba from 28 Dec 2011 to 20 Jan 2012
www.cubabrigade.org.au

Join us and spread the word.

More information: acfsperth@gmail.com

Cuban Revolution Party

2011-06-08T16:47:00.001-07:00

JOIN US TO CELEBRATE THE CUBAN REVOLUTION
AT KULCHA IN FREMANTLE.
DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY WITH LATIN FUSION
ENJOY LATIN FOOD AND DRINKS.
HURRY TICKETS SELL FAST

Sat 23 July 8pm
SANTIAGO DE CUBA CARNIVAL
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Cuban Rhythm Revolution. Come and join the Australian Cuban Friendship Society in this explosion of Latin culture celebrating one of the biggest festivals in Cuba, the Santiago de Cuba. The festival celebrates the spark of the Cuban Revolution in July, 1953. Dance the night away with Latin Fusion and enjoy food, drinks, a raffle and surprises galore! All proceeds go to support a school for children with disabilities in the province of Las Tunas. It's a night of unforgettable original Cuban rhythms and passion - get in quick, this event always sells out. Viva Cuba!

Community music/dance - http://www.kulcha.com.au/1107/index.html#SANTIAGO DE CUBA CARNIVAL23
0419812872/0893364544

Cuban Film: LISTA DE ESPERA, (WAITING LIST)

2011-06-06T16:53:00.001-07:00

Join us on Sunday 26th June from 3pm at the FTI Fremantle to enjoy the screening of Cuban Film

LISTA DE ESPERA (WAITING LIST). A film in Spanish with English Subs. Film starts at 4pm. Join us for some nibbles/drink and a warm chat @ 3pm. http://www.fti.asn.au/events/479

Tickets at the door or if you prefer buy them in advance by email: acfsperth@gmail.com or call 0419812872. Surprise your friends or relatives with a movie ticket pass they will love it!!

All of the proceeds to the oncology unit at the Las Tunas Hospital in Cuba.

Cuban Five T-shirts on sale now!

2011-04-23T01:42:00.000-07:00

Cuba Five T-shirts:

Join the campaign to free the Cuban Five

Help us spread the word, buy and wear a

Men and Women sizes, t-shirt $ 20 P/H included in Australia.

Methods of payment: EFT to ACFS WA bank account

Post a money order/chq to ACFS WA. PO BOX 1455 WA 6951

Orders: acfsperth@gmail.com or call 0419812872

ACFS Raffle

2011-04-16T17:29:00.000-07:00

Dear ACFSers: The photos below show a photograph by Cuban photographer Brayan Collazo. His work is the first prize for our annual ACFS Perth raffle for 2011. The raffle will be drawn on Saturday 23rd July 2011 at the Santiago de Cuba Carnival to be held at Kulcha in Fremantle. A celebration has been organised with local band Latin Fusion at KULCHA from 8pm. For more information visit: http://www.kulcha.com.au/ or send us an email to: acfsperth@gmail.com Raffle tickets are $5 each, get as many as you can to increase your chances of owning this fantastic prize. Get your raffle tickets early to avoid disappoitment. All proceeds to go to support the oncology unit of Las Tunas provincial hospital in Cuba.

Order your tickets by phone: 0419812872 or by email: acfsperth@gmail.com or write to us to ACFS: PO BOX 1455 South Perth, WA 6951 In friendship, Vinnie Molina Branch President

Cuban educator Ezequiel Morales in Perth

2011-04-11T08:16:00.000-07:00

These photos are from the successful presentation by Cuban Educator Ezequiel in Perth on April 9, 2011. Ezequiel spoke about the "reordering" of the Cuban economy being discussed in the lead up to the forthcoming Cuban Communist Party congress.

He explained the reasons that these changes are necessary and emphasised that this was not a change in the socialist character of the Cuban revolution.

He also noted the protections that workers will have in the new situation.

Public meeting with Cuban educator Ezequiel Morales

2011-03-29T08:08:00.000-07:00

Public meeting:

Listen to Cuban Educator Ezequiel Morales.

Saturday 9 April, 4-7 pm @ the MUA, North Fremantle

Entry by gold coin donation

The Australia Cuba Friendship Society is pleased to be hosting Ezequiel Morales from ICAP Cuba. We would like to invite you to a public meeting to welcome him and get first hand information about education and life in Cuba.

Please join us on the 9th April at the Maritime Union of Australia, MUA rooms in North Fremantle, 2-4 Kwong Alley cnr Queen Victoria Avenue from 4:00pm. (See Flyer attached for details and to distribute to your networks).

Ezequiel was born to a peasant family and spent his early years before the Revolution cleaning shoes and selling cakes in order to help support his family and to pay a ‘teacher’ to tutor in reading and writing. He was eight years old when the revolution triumphed and from then on he was able to attend a School Centre.

His vocation as a teacher began in 1961 when he joined the Cuban Literacy Campaign and at only ten years old taught illiterate peasants how to read and write. Since that time he has dedicated most of his career to the education sector as a teacher and later as a union leader. Ezequiel has participated in the continuous improvement of the National System of Education as a member of the Team of Authors.

Since 1996 Ezequiel has worked with the Cuban Institute for Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP) and has become well known to Australian brigadistas joining the Southern Cross Brigade each year as the official translator.

His mastery of the English language has been very useful to carry out his work as a political official at ICAP, being able not only to lecture on many subjects, but also to serve as interpreter for a great number of outstanding personalities. In November 2007, he joined the 59th Global Edition Voyage of the Peace Boat. On this occasion, he was invited by the Japanese Organisation Peace Boat, to travel on the Japanese Cruise from Spain to Cuba, to deliver lectures on board to regular audiences of more than 400 people.

In Friendship,

Elizabeth Hulm

Branch Secretary

ACFS Perth

0421113343

acfsperth@gmail.com

ACFS December Newsletter

2010-12-12T21:42:00.000-08:00

Please find December 2010 Newsletter for Perth ACFS

ACFS-Newsletter1-12-10 -

Assange's accuser Anna Ardin a 'Cuban CIA collaborator'

2010-12-08T18:40:00.000-08:00

[The information below is from Tim Anderson, 8 December 2010.]

Cuban news agencies Granma and Prensa Latina says that Julian Assange's 'rape' accuser, Anna Ardin, is a Cuban CIA collaborator who has been working with Miami-based, US Government paid agencies. They say Ardin is linked to the anti-Cuban terrorist Carlos Aberto Montaner.

After leaving Cuba, Ardin worked with web sites financed by USAID and controlled by the CIA. One of these sites was 'Miscelánea de Cuba', run by the Cuban Alexis Gainza. Through Gainza she became linked to Swediish agencies, including Dagens Nyheter and SVT, and entered the Swedish social democrat party.

Gainza is linked to the German Internationale Gesellschaft für Menschenrechte (International Human Rights Society), a group linked to German and US intelligence and has some former nazis (such as Ludwig Martin) and ex military figures (Dieter von Glahn) in its ranks.

The current president of the IGFM, Martin Lessenthin, works closely with the Venezuelan oppsoition party Primero Justicia, led by the anti-Chavez terrorist Alejandro Peña.

Primero Justicia, in turn is the main partner of the International republican Institute, and extreme right wing group funded by the US Government's National Endowment for Democracy.

International Cuban Five action on Human Rights Day

2010-12-02T16:46:00.000-08:00

Dear ACFSers,

I am forwarding this very important message received from the International Committee for the Freedom of the Cuabn 5about a decision made by the International gathering in solidarity with the Five, VI International Colloquium for the Freedomof the 5 Heroes and Against Terrorism, in Holguin. Sorry for any cross postings but I didn't want to miss anyone, we need to activate faxes, calls and emails from all members and societies and support this important 5 day action.

Please read below for the message received and then get ready to hit the phones, emails and faxes from the 10th to the 15th Dec.

In Friendship

Elizabeth

Branch Secretary

ACFS WA

On December 10

International Day of Human Rights
Lets raise our voices for the heroes

5 DAYS FOR THE 5

Delegates from Latin America and Europe who were present at the VI International Colloquium for the Freedom of the 5 Heroesand Against Terrorism, in Holguin, proposed to put in place an immediate plan of action for December 10, International Day of Human Rights.

On that day, from 9AM to 5PM (Eastern Time), and for 5 consecutive days LETS CALL, OR SEND FAXES, OR SEND E-MAILS,to the WHITE HOUSE to demand President Obama Free the 5 Cuban Patriots imprisoned in the United States for defending their homeland.

The significance of this day is that on December 10, 1948, the UN General Assembly approved the Universal Declaration of Human Rightsand established that day as the International Day on Human Rights.

In a report issued on October 13, 2010, Amnesty International asked the US government to review the case of the Cuban 5 and to mitigateany injustice through the process of clemency or any other appropriate means, in case that new legal appeals do not provide a timely remedy.

President Obama has more than enough proof of the innocence of the Cuban 5, he knows that they never were a threat to US National Security,that they carried no guns and that their only objective was to monitor terrorist organizations based in Miami to avoid the death of more innocent people.

On the International Day of Human Rights, and making use of the rights conferred by the US Constitution, we are asking President Obama as a lawyer,as a father, as a son, as a husband, as a decent justice loving person, and as a winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, to END THIS COLOSSAL INJUSTICE AND TO FREE THE 5 NOW!!!

DIFFERENT WAYS TO REACH THE WHITE HOUSE

By phone: 202-456-1111If calling from outside the United States, dial first the International Area Code + 1 (US country code) followed by 202-456-1111

By Fax: 202-456-2461If fax is sent from outside the United States, dial first the International Area Code + 1 (US country code) followed by 202-456-2461

To send an electronic message write to: HTTP://WWW.WHITEHOUSE.GOV/CONTACT <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=yre9a4cab&et=1103981281059&s=0&e=0016256HTdUsnqYvmWD4bpJgdLCAzdCAzYKswb7sgE29y2vblcJxp790t2EJUePhBCE4gETzBpTBsjy_QCRk_25zQxSnlMqXp6S3JfKfb_VxZ2GsH_iS6P7OQ==&id=preview>

President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20500
EE.UU.

THIS COLLECTIVE ACTION WILL ONLY BE EFFECTIVE IF PEOPLE FROM THE US, AND ALL OVER THE WORLD, CALL, OR SEND FAX, or E-MAILS , FROM DECEMBER 10 TO DECEMBER 14.

IF YOU CAN NOT REACH ANYBODY BY PHONE, PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE.

TOGETHER WE CAN DO IT!!!

ACFS brigadistas farewell

2010-11-17T18:59:00.000-08:00

Unbelievable we are almost at the end of another year and it is time to farewell the brigadistas again. It's a good opportunity as well to take time out to have an informal get together to finish up another busy year. This year the branch has decided to have a breakfast on the foreshore at the end of the South Perth Esplanade at 9:30am on Sunday 28th November. Look at the attached link - east of the Mends Street Jetty where there are BBQ's and a playground. Look for the Cuban flag.

ACFS will provide eggs, bacon, chorizo, buns and more. You are welcome to bring a drink or something to share and bring your families. We look forward to seeing you all there. Please RSVP to this email to help with catering.

In Friendship

Elizabeth

Map reference:

http://maps.google.com.au/maps?hl=en&q=mends+street+jetty+south+perth+esplanade&safe=off&ie=UTF8&ll=-31.972661,115.855905&spn=0.003968,0.009602&z=17

Amnesty International Seeks Review of Case of the ‘Cuban Five’

2010-10-13T19:02:00.000-07:00

Dear ACFS supporters,

I would like to share this news with you. It is the first time AI backs up the case of the Cuban Five. An opportunity to lobby AI Australia to follow suit.

In solidarity,

Vinnie Molina

http://www.amnestyusa.org/document.php?id=ENGUSA20101013001&lang=e

http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/asset/AMR51/093/2010/en/9911673a-a171-49db-b757-581f2fbdfe11/amr510932010en.pdf

Amnesty International Seeks Review of Case of the ‘Cuban Five’

Human rights organization calls on US government to review case and mitigate any injustice

Contact: AIUSA media relations office, 202-509-8194

(Washington, D.C.) In a report released today, Amnesty International outlines its concerns with the fairness of the trial of five men convicted in 2001 of acting as intelligence agents for Cuba, among other charges. The five men are serving terms ranging from 15 years to life in US federal prisons.

In a letter sent to United States Attorney General Eric Holder on October 4, Amnesty International noted doubts about the fairness and impartiality of the trial which have not been resolved on appeal. The human rights organization has not taken a position on whether the five men are guilty or innocent of the charges against them.

The five -- Cuban nationals Fernando González, Gerardo Hernández and Ramón Labañino, and US nationals Antonio Guerrero and René González -- were tried in Miami and convicted on various counts, including acting and conspiring to act as unregistered agents of the Republic of Cuba, fraud and misuse of identity documents and, in the case of three of the accused, conspiracy to transmit national defense information. Gerardo Hernández was further convicted of conspiracy to murder, based on his alleged role in the 1996 shoot-down by Cuba of two planes operated by a US anti-Castro organization, Brothers to the Rescue, in which four people died.

Amnesty International’s report said holding the trial in Miami, given the pervasive hostility to the Cuban government in that area, along with media and other events before and during the trial were factors that made it impossible to ensure a wholly impartial jury.

Other concerns included questions about the strength of the evidence to support the conspiracy to murder conviction in the case of Gerardo Hernández, and whether the circumstances of the pre-trial detention of the five men, in which they had limited access to their attorneys and to documents, may have undermined their right to defense.

Amnesty International has called on the government to review the case and mitigate any injustice through the clemency process or other appropriate means, should further legal appeals prove ineffective.

Amnesty International has also reiterated its concern about the repeated denials by the US government of temporary visas to allow the Cuban wives of two of the prisoners, René González and Gerardo Hernández, to visit their husbands. The organization is concerned that such a blanket or permanent bar on visits with their wives constitutes additional punishment and is contrary to international standards for the humane treatment of prisoners and states’ obligation to protect family life. Amnesty International continues to urge the government to grant the wives temporary visas on humanitarian grounds.

Amnesty International is a Nobel Peace Prize-winning grassroots activist organization with more than 2.8 million supporters, activists and volunteers in more than 150 countries campaigning for human rights worldwide. The organization investigates and exposes abuses, educates and mobilizes the public, and works to protect people wherever justice, freedom, truth and dignity are denied.

Video from Perth Cuba Five action

2010-09-21T01:08:00.000-07:00

Video by Zeb Parkes

Check out the NEW ACFS newsletter

2010-09-14T05:00:00.001-07:00

Perth ACFS Newsletter 14-9-10

Perth rallies for the Cuban Five

2010-09-12T20:11:00.000-07:00

12 September 2010: Around 25 gathered at the Wesley Church corner in Perth city to mark the 12th anniversary of the unjust incarceration of the Cuban Five. Shoppers were told about the 3,400 people who have been brutally murdered by the actions of terrorist groups based in Miami.

Speakers spoke about the injustice against these 5 Cuban Heroes who harmed no one but were imprisoned after giving information they had collected about these terrorist groups operating against Cuba from U.S. soil to the U.S. government, hoping the U.S. would live up to its rhetoric against terrorism and intervene to jail the terrorists. Many shoppers stopped to find out more and to sign a petition for the freedom of the Five.

Following speeches the rally marched through the Hay Street Mall handing out leaflets to interested shoppers, calling for Obama to exercise his power to rectify the grave injustice of this politically motivated attack on Five brave men who were fighting against terrorism.

Written by Elizabeth Hulm. Photos by Alex Bainbridge. Video by Zeb Parkes here.

Cuba Brigade information session

2010-09-04T18:43:00.000-07:00

The Australia-Cuba Friendship Society, ACFS is organising the 28th Australia-NZ Southern Cross Work-Study Brigade to Cuba.

We organise the Southern Cross brigade as the best way for people to see for themselves what the Cuban revolution has been able to provide to its people in the way of free access to education and health, housing and jobs.

This is the 28th Brigade which is the very same number of years since the friendship societies were established in Australia.

We work closely with the Cuban Institute for Friendship with the Peoples, ICAP which has links with friendship organisations in over 120 countries.

As part of our solidarity work we organise educational forums and exchange information about Cuba and its revolution. We also sponsor health, education and other projects in Cuba. Currently we are funding the reconstruction of a school for children with special needs in the province of Las Tunas. Brigadistas as we call people travelling with the Southern Cross Brigade will carry and hand in the monies collected throughout
the year for the above mentioned project.

So far we have a number of people who have expressed interest in attending the brigade from Perth. Rhonda Andrews is the National Brigade coordinator who can give you more details of the number of people attending from Perth and other parts of Australia and NZ.

ACFS Perth will run an information session for people interested in the brigade on Sunday 19th September from 3-5pm at the Activist Centre 15/5 Aberdeen Street East Perth, information attached. Visit: www.cubabrigade.org.au

The sessions are good because you get to meet others who have been on previous brigades and to ask questions etc.

If you would like to have a chat please feel free to call 0419 812 872 anytime or contact Rhonda Andrews on 92472731 after 6pm or by email: bowgadabird1@hotmail.com

Take Action for the Cuban Five 12 September 2010

2010-08-25T22:13:00.000-07:00

As you might be aware the Australia Cuba Friendship Society (ACFS) has organised a rally to protest the incarceration of Five Cuban anti-terrorists known as "The Cuban Five". They have been in US prisons for 12 long years for no crime ever committed.

Join us on Sunday 12th September from 12:30pm at the Wesley Church grounds for a peaceful protest rally, calling for freedom of the Cuban Five.

The Cuban Five are five Cuban men serving four life sentences and 75 years collectively in US prisons, after being wrongly convicted in the US federal court in Miami, on June 8, 2001. They are Gerardo Hernández, Ramón Labañino, Antonio Guerrero, Fernando González and René González.

The Five were falsely accused by the US government of committing espionage, conspiracy against the United States, and other related charges. But the Five pointed out vigorously in their defence that they were involved in peacefully monitoring the actions of Miami-based terrorist groups, in order to prevent terrorist attacks on their homeland Cuba.

For more than 40 years, Cuba has been the target of terrorist attacks by anti-Cuba terrorist organizations based in Miami. Such groups operate with complete impunity from within the United States to attack Cuba—with the knowledge and support of the FBI and CIA.
More than 3,000 Cubans have died as a result of these terrorists’ attacks.

But instead of arresting the terrorists, the FBI arrested the Cuban Five anti-terrorists on September 12, 1998. The Five were illegally held in solitary confinement for 17 months in a Miami prisons.

The campaign for the release of the Cuban Five has been supported by declarations from hundreds of parliamentarians in Britain, Italy, and the European and Latin American Parliaments. The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detentions, with five judges, ruled that there were irregularities in the Five’s trial and arrest, effectively denying them a fair trial and calls on the US government to remedy this injustice.
Around Australia, Australia-Cuba Friendship Societies have been working hard to raise awareness about their case. The rally we will hold on September 12, will be a peaceful assembly and distribute fliers to raise awareness of the case.

More information on the campaign can be found at http://www.freethefive.org.

FREE THE CUBAN FIVE!

Yours in solidarity,

Vinnie Molina
Branch President
Australia Cuba Friendship Society

Perth Celebrates the 26th July Assault on the Moncada Barracks

2010-07-25T07:14:00.000-07:00

On Saturday 24th July the city of Fremantle in Western Australia wore the colours of the Cuban Revolution. The Australia-Cuba Friendship Society (ACFS) threw a big Revolution party, a unique event for Perth.

The party kicked off with a warm welcome from Cuban ambassador to Australia, Mr Abelardo Curbelo, who kindly accepted the invitation to visit Western Australia for the celebrations. He highlighted the significance of the historical event, the spark of the Cuban revolution, in the city of Santiago de Cuba which sees the town shut down its activities for a week to dance the days and nights away to rhythms of Cuban music.

Almost 200 people attended the big revolution party which featured local band Latin Fusion. ACFS secretary Elizabeth Hulm talked to people about the aims of the friendship society in Perth that for 16 years has been strengthening the friendship between the peoples of Australia and Cuba.

She told the attendees that it is only their solidarity that would enable the ACFS to raise the dollars needed to fund this year’s project in the province of Las Tunas, Cuba. ACFS Perth is currently sponsoring the rebuilding of the local school for children with special needs whose dream is to attend the Paralympics sometime in the future.

Branch president Vinnie Molina invited those present to visit Cuba in the upcoming Southern Cross brigade to Cuba due on Boxing Day. He also talked on the plight of the Cuban Five men unjustly incarcerated in US prisons for no crime and whom are unable to get visits by their wives. The night ended at midnight with a chant of Viva Cuba!

Revolution party at KulchaSantiago de Cuba Carnival

2010-07-08T05:17:00.000-07:00

Cuba brigade slide info night

2010-05-28T03:43:00.001-07:00

Why not join our next work & study tour to Cuba?

The Australian Cuban Friendship Society’s

28^th Southern Cross Brigade to Cuba

December 27^th 2010 - January 20^th 2011.

Join other Australians & New Zealanders on the trip of a lifetime as you experience life in Cuba from a different perspective to that of the ordinary tourist.
                           www.cubabrigade.org.au


         Drinks & nibbles provided

Médicos cubanos en el Himalaya - Parte 1

2010-05-26T06:02:00.000-07:00

Cuban Foreign Minister to speak in Perth 7 June 2010

2010-05-23T19:43:00.000-07:00

The Australia-Cuba Friendship Society
invites you to a public talk with

Cuban Foreign Affairs Minister

His Excellency Bruno Rodriguez-Parrilla

Speaking on:

Cuba Today &

Australia-Cuba relations

Minister Bruno Rodriguez-Parilla has a degree in law and worked as a professor of International Public Law at the University of Havana. From February 1995 - December 2003 he served as the permanent Representative of Cuba to the United Nations. From 2003 - 2004 he was Deputy Foreign Minister in charge of Latin America and the Carribbean and for information and communication. In 2004, he was appointed First Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs. He led the humanitarian medical missions to Haiti in 2004 and to Pakistan in 2005-2006.

6:30pm, Monday 7 June
Social Sciences Lecture Theatre, UWA
(entrance: carpark No 4 off Hackett Drive)

For more information: ACFS on 0419 812 872 or 0421 113 343
Email: acfsperth@gmail.com or http://acfs-perth.blogspot.com/

Doctors of Tomorrow

2010-02-22T01:43:00.000-08:00

Doctors of Tomorrow
A special screening of the documentary by Tim Anderson about cooperation between Cuba and Timor Leste. It includes interviews with some of the 850 East Timorese students studying medicine with the Cubans in the biggest medical college on Earth. From 2010, these young people will begin to take control of their country's health system. Filmed in Timor Leste & Cuba.

7:30pm (following ACFS branch meeting at 6:30pm)
Monday 1 March

Perth Activist Centre (15/5 Aberdeen St, East Perth - next to McIver station)

Organised by Australia-Cuba Friendship Society
PO Box 1455, South Perth 6951

Email: acfsperth@gmail.com

Jose Marti commemoration by Perth ACFS

2010-01-28T21:10:00.001-08:00

On Thursday 28^th January the ACFS Perth called for a special meeting to celebrate the 157^th anniversary of birth of Cuban hero of independence Jose Marti.

It was a very moving celebration to pay homage and remember one of the greatest Latin American poets and revolutionaries who committed their lives to the people.

The ACFS screened the documentary on the life of Marti, ‘Soldier of light” which gives a brief description of the rich life of the apostle of Cuba. Members of the society discussed the life of Jose Marti and read one of his famous poems: “Versos Sencillos”.

ACFS also discussed Cuban’s contribution in Haiti as well as condemned the occupation carried out by the Obama Administration in contrast with Cubans medical assistance.

The attendees demanded Cuba be removed from the US list of countries sponsors of international terrorism.

ACFS has sent letters to the US ambassador based in Canberra demanding the removal of Cuba from the US terrorist list. ACFS also sent an open letter to the Australian Foreign Affairs minister, the Hon Stephen Smith asking the government to make a donation of medicines to the Cuban health brigade in Haiti.

ACFS read a message of solidarity sent by local member Dr Katherine Edyvane who is currently working with a team of Cuban doctors in East Timor.

Finally, we all enjoyed a delicious cake specially baked for the occasion by local member

Rhonda Andrews.

Viva Cuba,

Viva Jose Marti

Long live the friendship between Australia and Cuba!

Open letter from ACFS to Stephen Smith re Haiti

2010-01-27T19:08:00.000-08:00

ACFS

AUSTRALIA-CUBA FRIENDSHIP SOCIETY, WA BRANCH

PO BOX 1455 SOUTH PERTH WA 6951

acfsperth@gmail.com

28th January 2010

Open Letter to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Stephen Smith

PO Box 6022                                                      PO Box 901
House of Representatives                                       Inglewood WA 6932
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600

To the Honourable Stephen Smith

We write with a letter of request for you to consider sending financial assistance from Australia to supply medicines and medical supplies to the Cuban doctors in Haiti.

We believe this is the best way to deliver aid effectively to Haiti. Cuban doctors already have 11 solid years of helping Haiti with doctors and health professionals. After the earthquake they were there first, setting up a hospital beside the collapsed national hospital.

By noon on day 2 more medical teams arrived from Cuba and currently there are around 400 doctors and nurses and other technicians in eight separate field hospitals. Already over 13400 consultations, 1070 surgical interventions of which 550 were considered major surgeries have been performed and the need is ongoing with secondary infections and gangrene now appearing.

The U.S. blockade on Cuba impacts greatly on the cost of medical supplies to the Cuban doctors and despite this Cuba continues to supply free medical aid – the Cuban government funds the personnel – on a scale unmatched even by the World Health Organization and Médecins Sans Frontières.

The earthquakes in the Kashmir region of Pakistan in 2005 illustrates well the extent of this assistance when Cuban doctors were the only attending medical teams that set up field hospitals in the most hard to reach areas to the north. Often the most seriously ill patients are transported to Cuba for treatment including Vietnamese Kim Phuc, the little girl shown in the famous war photograph running naked along a road, her skin burned by napalm and some 19,000 adults and children from the three Soviet republics most affected by the Chernobyl nuclear accident of 1986

The Norwegian Embassy in Cuba has signed an agreement with the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Trade and Investment (MINCEX) to donate five million Norwegian crowns (approximately US $885,000) as emergency aid to the Haitian people. The money will be used to buy and send medical equipment and supplies to the Cuban Health Brigade working in Haiti.

We strongly encourage you to follow the example of Norway and make a contribution from Australia.

Regards,

Elizabeth Hulm

Branch Secretary

0421 113 343

Jose Marti celebration 28 Jan 2010

2010-01-17T18:26:00.000-08:00

Please join us for a celebration to commemorate Jose Marti's birth. A short documentary will be screened, join us and feel free to invite your friends along. There will also be a brief discussion about the latest developments of US policy on Cuba such as the inclusion on the list of 14 countries that sponsor terrorism. Bring a plate to share, we will have drinks there.

Thursday 28 January

6.30pm Perth Activist Centre

(15 / 5 Aberdeen St, East Perth - next to McIver station)

[Please note this meeting doesn't replace our first branch meeting for 2010 which will be held at the activist centre on Monday 1st February at 6:30pm]

Royal Ballet and upcoming ACFS event

2010-01-13T17:02:00.000-08:00

Dear ACFSers:

We have posted here a video on the Royal Ballet recent visit to Cuba. You can also look at the comments posted by viewers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlOYra_wzKU

The anniversary of birth of Cuban hero of independence Jose Marty is on this Thursday 28th January. We will endeavor to organise a short meeting to pay homage to him. Details to follow.

We will also include a discussion on the recent inclusion of Cuba as a country sponsor of international terrorism by the Obama administration.

In friendship,

Vinnie Molina

ACFS end of year BBQ 6 Dec 09

2009-12-02T19:02:00.000-08:00

Shake your Maraca for Cuba

After a busy year it's time to get together, relax and farewell the brigadistas!

Sun 6 Dec

12noon, Synergy Park (next to Zamia Cafe), Kings Park

BYO plate or drink to share

More info: acfsperth@gmail.com
Ph 0421 113 343

Ibero-America asks Obama to end the blockade of Cuba

2009-12-02T16:11:00.000-08:00

ESTORIL, Portugal, December 1.—The 19th Ibero-American Summit, which ended today in this city, approved a joint declaration demanding the end of the economic, commercial and financial blockade of Cuba, mounted by the United States for 50 years, which was signed by the 22 member countries of the bloc.
The special communiqué asked Washington to immediately halt the implementation of measures adopted against the island in the last five years to intensify the blockade’s impact, and reaffirms "that in the defense of free exchange, transparent practices and international trade, the implementation of unilateral coercive measures is unacceptable."
"We reiterate our most energetic rejection of the implementation of laws and measures contrary to international law" that have tightened the blockade and "exhort the U.S. government to put an end to their application," reads the text, which also condemned the imposition of the arbitrary Helms-Burton Act.
The Summit asked Washington to comply with the 18 resolutions condemning the U.S. coercive unilateral policy passed by the UN General Assembly.
The Estoril Summit likewise demanded an end to the impunity enjoyed by the terrorist Luis Posada Carriles, the mastermind of many attacks and violent acts against Cuba.
In a communiqué the dignitaries from 22 countries rejected condemned the fact that the criminal, responsible for a bomb explosion aboard a Cuban passenger plane in 1976, has still not been put on trial for acts of terrorism.
The forum reaffirmed the value of extradition legislation as an essential tool in combating terrorism and called on states that receive such applications from Ibero-American nations to duly consider them, in full adherence to the applicable legal framework.
At the same time, delegates to the meeting established a common position for confronting climate change with a global, effective and immediate response, guided by justice and equity.
The position of the Ibero-American community was reflected in a special communiqué adopted by the Summit in the Cascais Miragem Hotel in this Portuguese resort 25 kilometers from Lisbon.

Consulate General of Cuba

Tel: (02) 9698 9797

Fax: (02) 8399 1106

Email: asiscuba@cubamission.com

Web: http://embacuba.cubaminrex.cu/australiaing

Action Plan for release of the Cuban Five

2009-11-30T04:45:00.001-08:00

Action Plan adopted by participants at the 5th International Colloquium

"For the Release of the Cuban Five and Against Terrorism"

Nov. 21, 2009

The 5th Colloquium held in Holguin is especially relevant after the rejection by the Supreme Court to review the case in June, 2009; the resentencing process of Antonio on October 13th with the unjust sentence of 21 years and 10 months, the next resentencing of Fernando and Ramon dated for December 8th; and the unchanged sentences of Rene and Gerardo, the latter being the most difficult, and the current rejection to grant visas to Adriana and Olga.

This has been a political case, but it was never before required to exert the power of international condemnation and solidarity before Obama´s Administration that has the legal and constitutional power to put an end to this injustice.

All our efforts in the struggle for the release of the Five are intended to influence United States, where the big media continues to ignore the case. The work of more than 300 committees in over 100 countries has begun to bear some fruit. This a fact acknowledged by the prosecution in Miami itself in the view for the resentencing of Tony: "There is much international noise around the case, it is necessary to improve the image of U.S. justice."

Regarding this, we need to set our goals towards strengthening those aspects that we will work harder on.

Main proposals made by participants to attain the release of the Five

1 - Widen working spaces

• Continue spreading the case and demand solidarity among all social movements and broaden the political spectrum of sectors to which we bring our message, mainly governments, parliaments, religious organizations, celebrities, legal organizations, human rights organizations, trade unions.

• Promoting the participation of activists for the freedom of the Cuban Five in the U.S. Social Forum 2010.

• Continue to strongly denounce the double standards of the U.S. government that keeps five innocent people in jail and shelters, self-confessed terrorist like Luis Posada Carriles and Orlando Bosch.

2 - Working with Parliamentarians

• Bond the request of parliamentarians from every country to U.S. Congressmen.

• Favor the visit of activists for the freedom of the Five to U.S. Congressmen and to the Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi herself.

• Bring about the visit of parliamentarians from other countries to the five in their prisons.

3 - Working with Trade Unions

• to have activities organized by or related with trade unions impacting on U.S. counterpart trade union.

• To carry posters of the Cuban Five in the demonstrations to take place coming May 1st in each country.

4 - Expand the use of new ICT (Information and Communications Technology)

• Use youtube to upload videos on personalities that could have an impact in the U.S. audience.

• Improve our websites, bulletins and messages, use the social networks that provide the opportunity to create Blogs, and use Facebook and Twitter.

• Achieve a larger presence in big media, even publishing a page on a national newspaper in the U.S.

• Disseminate www.cubadebate.cu and www.antiterroristas.cu sites as language reference centers on the case of the Cuban Five.

5 - Cultural Resources

• Spread knowledge about the intellectual work and artistic sensibility of the Cuban Five.

• Make use of all cultural events, ranging from concerts to exhibitions, including world known personalities and to strengthen our efforts to bring the case to the media.

6 - Solidarity

• Thousands of people work in the world to lift the genocidal blockade against Cuba, for several reasons not all of them work for the release of the Cuban Five. We must gather the work of all those who are in solidarity with Cuba because demanding the release of the Five is to demand the right of Cuba to live in peace.

7. Nobel Peace Prize for the Five

8. Demand that the U.S. government must grant humanitarian visas to Olga Salanueva and Adriana Perez.

* Take advantage of the existence of the International Commission for the Right to Family Visits, whose members are recognized international figures from 27 countries.

* Carry out actions in every country where there are members of the Commission in order to petition for visas and join with other important personalities who are not involved.

The petitions should be directed to Barack Obama, and other officials of the United States government.

* Take advantage of important dates for families and women: Christmas and New Year’s, Valentine’s Day and International Women’s Day.

9. Continue the support for the legal battle of the case

* Regularly report on developments in the case.

* Publicize the contents of the amicus briefs delivered to the Supreme Court, as well as other published legal documents.

*Continue identifying important figures in the judicial sector in order to involve them in the struggle to free the Cuban 5.

10. Work with Governments

* Obtain statements on the case by heads of state and other high officials of governments

*Ask heads of state to request that Obama commute the sentences of the Five

11. Work with the younger generations

* Prioritize teachers as sources to get out information about the Five

* Use literary work by and about the five to teach young people and reinforce in them ethical and human values

* Produce literature and other educational tools for people of very young age

* incorporate the subject of the Five as a component of community projects

Important dates to Remember:

December 8: Resentencing of Fernando and Ramón

December 10; International Human Rights Day

December 24, 25: Christmas Eve and Christmas

December 31, January : New Years Eve and 51st Anniversary of the Cuban Revolution

February 14; St. Valentine's Day

March 8: International Women's Day

May 1: International Workers Day
2nd Sunday of May: Mother's Day

June 17: Anniversary of the Open Letter to the People of the United States

Participants of the Colloquium for the Freedom of the Cuban 5, Holguin, Cuba

The San Francisco Labor Council Passes a Resolution in Support of the Cuba Five.

2009-11-01T06:57:00.000-08:00

The San Francisco Labor Council Passes a Resolution in Support of the Cuba Five. Comité Internacional por la Libertad de los Cinco 2009-10-28

http://www.antiterroristas.cu/index.php?tpl=./interface.en/design/reading/special-article.tpl.html&aNews_lang=en&aNews_obj_id=1002118

On Monday October 26th, 2009, the San Francisco Labor Council (SFLC) passed a resolution in support of the Cuban Five and their rights for family visitation.

The Cuban Five are five men who came to the United States to monitor anti Cuban terrorist groups in Miami to protect the lives of not just Cubans but U.S. citizens as well. They are facing lengthy sentences and have been incarcerated for over 11 years. As this case gains international support there has been a significant increase in the number of resolutions by unions and city councils and the support of personalities in the U.S.

This particular resolution was brought up to the Executive Board of the SFLC by the American Federation of Teachers local 2121, that passed a similar resolution on August 25th and amongst other things stated that they will ask the SFLC for endorsement.

The San Francisco Labor Council is the local body of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) and serves as headquarters to the Labor Community in San Francisco. The SFLC represents more than 100,000 union members and their families who belong to over 150 affiliate unions. The AFL-CIO is the largest federation of unions in the United States and Canada.

The SFLC Resolution, calls for President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to consider the violation of International Covenant and due process for a fair trial associated with the conviction and imprisonment of the Cuban Five. The resolution also calls for diplomatic improvement in the relationship between the United States and Cuba.

Additionally it calls for the pardon and release of the Cuban Five to their homeland. It also demands that the US government to immediately grants visas to Olga Salanueva and Adriana Perez to visit their husbands in prison. And finally the SFLC calls on President Richard Trumpka of the AFL-CIO to send a letter to President Obama expressing support for content of the resolution.

Copies of this important resolution will be sent to President Obama, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Attorney General Eric Holder, California Senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein, the Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and other Bay Area Congressional members, including State Senate members Mark Leno and Leland Yee, California State Assembly members Tom Ammiano and Fiona Ma, and all the members of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.

For more information please visit: http://www.antiterroristas.cu

UN General Assembly says enough is enough

2009-11-01T04:11:00.000-08:00

ACFS Perth Statement

United Nations General Assembly Resolution on Necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba, October 2009

The Australia Cuba Friendship Society Perth Branch applaud the 187 principled countries for the stand they have taken to condemn the United States blockade of Cuba in the United Nations General Assembly for the 18th consecutive year.

The vote in favor of the resolution to condemn the blockade was higher than ever, with 187 votes in favor of the condemnation, 3 votes against (the United States, Israel and the tiny Pacific island of Palau), and two abstentions (The Marshall Islands and Micronesia, also tiny Pacific states which, like Palau, are highly dependent on U.S. aid).

Every year of voting sees increasing condemnation of this inhumane blockade. The brutality of the blockade is so blatant that every single one of the United States NATO allies voted to condemn the U.S. policy.

We applaud also the spirit of the Cuban people who continue to move forward with great humility and dignity sharing freely with others in need what they have been able to achieve despite the blockade.

This US blockade, classified, as genocide by Section C of Article II of the Geneva Convention of 1948 must end. President Obama must exercise his presidential prerogative to cease this murderous policy.

We demand

That the new Obama administration accepts the UN Resolution 63/7 and end the US blockade against Cuba immediately as this is political barbarism. The recent measures taken by the Obama administration don’t go far enough and do not represent a serious attempt to remedy the policies regarding Cuba of the last 10 US administrations.

That the Obama administration immediately closes the Guantanamo Naval base and returns full sovereignty over the land to the Cuban people.

That the US administration grants visas to the wives of Gerardo and Rene, Olga Salanueva and Adriana Perez.

That the Obama administration releases the Cuban Five heroes because the charges brought against them and their imprisonment is politically motivated.

Perth, Western Australia, 31^st October 2009.

Latin Night 7 Nov 2009

2009-10-22T03:59:00.000-07:00

Dear ACFS contact list:

Please find attached information on a Latin Night celebration to raise awareness and funds for a youth project in El Salvador.

Please if you can attend support this cause.

Yours in friendship,

Vinnie Molina

2009 Cuba brigade information session

2009-10-05T17:51:00.000-07:00

Cuba Today
"A better world is possible"

We encourage all interested people to come along to this information session about the Southern Cross work/study brigade to Cuba. Hear from past brigadistas about their first hand experiences of the cultural, political and social conditions in revolutionary Cuba.

Learn about this year's program that explores Cuba's innovative approaches to the environment and climate change. Cuban brigades are suitable for all ages and Cuban hosts always take great care of visitors.

Sat 24 Oct
3pm at the Activist Centre (15 / 5 Aberdeen St, East Perth - next to McIver station)

Presented by the Australia-Cuba Friendship Society

For more info: Elizabeth 0421 113 343 or email acfsperth@gmail.com

Calls at UN for anti-Cuba blockade to be lifted

2009-09-24T20:28:00.001-07:00

• Leaders speak in favor of reforming the organization

NEW YORK, September 23.— Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva stated that without a political will, obsolete measures such as the U.S. blockade of Cuba will continue to exist. The dignitary was the first speaker at the 64th Session of the UN General Assembly, which took place today.

For his part, Uruguayan President Tabaré Vázquez, stated that as Americans, "we feel the ethical duty and political responsibility of likewise reiterating in this international forum that we will persevere in our efforts toward American integration without exclusions, exceptions, or blockades like the one affecting Cuba."

Likewise, Bolivian leader Evo Morales stated that in order to change the world, "we will first have to change the UN and end the blockade of Cuba."

Meanwhile, during yesterday’s session, U.S. President Barack Obama called for a "new era of commitment" to the world and promised to work alongside other nations while defending his own country’s interests.

"The time has come for the world to move in a new direction. We must embrace a new era of engagement based on mutual interest and mutual respect," said Obama during his speech before the Assembly.

Meanwhile, French President Nicolas Sarkozy proposed reaching an agreement on a provisional reform of the Security Council before the end of the year. "The crisis is forcing us to demonstrate imagination and boldness," he said, stating that, "in politics, the economy and environmental policy, the need for global government is imperative," EFE reports.

Libyan leader Muammer Gaddafi also called for a reform of the UN, by transforming the General Assembly into its central apparatus and transferring the prerogatives of the Security Council to that authority.

He also commented that, according to the UN Charter, all countries are equal, irrespective of their size, but the vast majority of them are not represented on the Council.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and Libyan diplomat Ali Treki, General Assembly president for the next period, both called for a reinforcement of multilateralism.

For the former, this is the time to act with a spirit of renewed multilateralism, to create "a United Nations of genuine collective action".

Among the most important issues facing the international organization, Ban mentioned nuclear disarmament and the battle against poverty and climate change.

Meanwhile, Treki alerted delegates to current challenges related to peace and international security. He identified the challenges of conflicts among states, civil wars, weapons of mass destruction, terrorism, organized crime, the deterioration of the environment, extreme poverty and the spread of infectious diseases.

The Libyan diplomat called on members to work for the revitalization of the General Assembly and "a more representative and reformed Security Council." He also reaffirmed a commitment to the environment and a non-selective approach to the issue of human rights.

Juanes: this Concert is the Greatest Deam of Love and Peace( Videos)- (Eng.& Span.)

2009-09-21T06:20:00.000-07:00

Van Van Closes Peace without Borders Concert

HAVANA, Cuba (acn) Van Van, the popular Cuban band, was in charge of closing the 2nd Peace without Border Concert in this city, attended by over one million Cubans.

Worldwide Repercussion over Peace Concert in Havana

ACN Breaking News: Over One Million People at Peace Concert

Concert for Peace: Jovanotti Returns to Havana

World Music Stars Parade on the Peace Concert Stage in Havana

Love and Peace in Mega-concert in Havana

Puerto Rican Olga Tañon Opens Peace without Borders Concert

Juanes: this Concert is the Greatest Dream of Love and Peace
HAVANA, Cuba, Sep 20 (acn) “This concert is the greatest dream of peace and love I have experienced after the birth of my children,” affirmed on Sunday Colombian singer Juanes before over one million Cubans enjoying the Peace without Borders presentation in this city.

More news

¡Más de un millón de cubanos
cantaron con Juanes a la Paz!
En la Plaza de la Revolución este domingo. Fusión de pueblo y artistas, de sueños y esperanzas. El cierre del fabuloso espectáculo fue con Los Van Van. Conmovedoras palabras de despedida de los participantes y estremecedor abrazo de Juanes, Olga Tañón y Miguel Bosé en el escenario. Muchos lloraron por la emoción de haber logrado este noble propósito. Agradecidos los cubanos aclamaron al elenco manifestándole cariño y admiración. Fue un regalo para Cuba y un hermoso tributo a la solidaridad

Participantes en el concierto Paz sin Fronteras: Juanes, Miguel Bosé, Víctor Manuel y Luis Eduardo Aute, Juan Fernando Velasco, Jovanotti, Olga Tañón, Danny Rivera, Silvio Rodríguez, Amaury Pérez, el grupo Orishas, Carlos Varela y X Alfonso, Cucu Diamante y Yerba Buena y la orquesta Los Van Van. los artistas de España, Colombia, Italia, Ecuador y Puerto Rico, coincidieron en destacar al pueblo como el gran protagonista de la jornada.
Video de Juanes Video de Danny Rivera

De los intérpretes en el espectáculo

Juanes: a pesar de las diferencias todos somos hermanos, el amor es más fuerte que el odio y nada hay más importante que la paz. Aquí vemos lo importante que es el amor y la paz, este es el mensaje no más.Todos estamos conectados. Lo importante es el amor, lo importante es la paz. No creo lo que mis ojos ven, este concierto es el sueño más grande de paz y amor.

Van Van cierra a ritmo cubano, bailar sin parar, ¡la candela!
Carlos Valera canta Colgando del cielo
Luis Eduardo Aute: habrá un antes y un después de este histórico concierto
Silvio Rodríguez canta El Escaramujo y Ojalá
Orichas : ¡que se sienta Cuba en todo el mundo!
Cucú Diamante y Yerba Buena: Cuba, que viva Cuba
Jovanotti: en el concierto se habla el mismo idioma, el de la paz
Miguel Bosé: la paz, el derecho más grande que tiene el ser humano
Víctor Manuel: feliz de estar nuevamente en Cuba
Amaury Pérez cantó Yo tengo un amor difícil y Hacerte venir
Juan Fernando Velasco: agradecido por la oportunidad de enviar al mundo un mensaje de paz
Danny Rivera: hay que luchar por la justicia
X Alfonso canta con un coro de niños
Olga Tañón: Cuba y Puerto Rico son de un pájaro las dos alas
Olga Tañón inició el desfile y dejó caliente la pista
Víctor Manuel, Amaury, Miguel Bosé, Carlos Varela, Jovanotti, Cucú Diamantes y Yerbabuena

Después del concierto:
Juanes: la alegría que siento es indescriptible, muy fuerte, estoy muy emocionado, queremos muchísimo a los cubanos y deseamos que esta relación sea más intensa
Olga Tañón: nunca me arrepentiré de haber venido, este es el viaje más importante de mi vida
Víctor Manuel: ha sido la tarde de domingo más completa
Amaury Pérez: me siento orgulloso de ser cubano y haber tomado parte en el concierto
Danny Rivera: parecía que el mundo estaba cambiando
Antes del concierto:
Olga Tañón: será el concierto del siglo
Miguel Bosé: canto a los mejores sueños de los seres humanos
Yotuel Romero: vi en los ojos de Juanes la pureza y la paz
Jovanotti: será una experiencia única, inolvidable
Danny Rivera: es como si toda América pueda tocarse con las canciones

ACFS group booking at Che film premiere

2009-09-20T23:30:00.000-07:00

CHE Film - with Australia Cuba Friendship Society	6:00 PM
Please join the Australia Cuba Friendship Society for the opening of the Benicio Del Toro film on the life of Che Guevara at the cinema Paradiso in Northbridge on Thursday 1st October -- The evening will commence at 6:00pm with greetings from the Branch President of the Society followed by the latest hits from Guatemalan singer/songwriter Carlos Castellanos --- The film starts at 6:30pm with drinks and nibbles to follow for those who wish to stay on after the film. Tickets are available now by ringing Vinnie on 0419 812 872 or Elizabeth 0421 113 443 - Bookings and tickets available now! please dont miss out as numbers are limited -- Prices: $15 ($20 solidarity) All proceeds to go to Las Tunas Children's hospital in Cuba -- Please collect your raffle door ticket at the door and try your luck for a surprise Cuban prize.
Vinnie Molina ACFS president 0419812872

CHE Film - with Australia Cuba Friendship Society

6:00 PM

Please join the Australia Cuba Friendship Society for the opening of the Benicio Del Toro film on the life of Che Guevara at the cinema Paradiso in Northbridge on Thursday 1st October -- The evening will commence at 6:00pm with greetings from the Branch President of the Society followed by the latest hits from Guatemalan singer/songwriter Carlos Castellanos --- The film starts at 6:30pm with drinks and nibbles to follow for those who wish to stay on after the film. Tickets are available now by ringing Vinnie on 0419 812 872 or Elizabeth 0421 113 443 - Bookings and tickets available now! please dont miss out as numbers are limited -- Prices: $15 ($20 solidarity) All proceeds to go to Las Tunas Children's hospital in Cuba -- Please collect your raffle door ticket at the door and try your luck for a surprise Cuban prize.

Vinnie Molina ACFS president 0419812872

Review of new Che Guevara film

2009-09-20T00:53:00.000-07:00

Join ACFS at the opening night in Perth on October 1, 6.30pm, Paradiso.
Email: acfsperth@gmail.com for details

Che Film in two parts
Film directed by Steven Soderburgh
Review by Richard Titelius

According to the notes accompanying the release of the movie there were 7 years of research and filming undertaken to make this movie of the life of Che in two parts which comes in at just over four hours.

Upon seeing the movie one will be struck by the efforts taken to present a historically accurate, passionate and compelling rendition of the life of arguably the world’s most iconic revolutionary.

The movie received its world premier at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2008, for which Benicio Del Toro received the award for Best Actor for the colourful, engaging and serious portrayal of the Argentine physician who went on to lead the Cuban revolution with Fidel Castro in the 1950’s.

The movie has gone on to receive mixed reviews around the world where the First World bourgeois media feels compelled to acknowledge the icons enduring legacy in front of the rest of the world, while also pandering to those who support its capitalist interests which Che fearlessly denounced on their own soil and in front of their own institutions.

The movie played to mild protests from Cuban expatriates at its opening in Miami and on the other side of the Florida Straits a few days later in November 2008, the movie played to a strong ovation, according to the official Cuban media Granma.

The movie has been released in Australia and is unlikely to receive much interest from the Cinema multiplexes around Australia and will spend much of its release in art house cinemas where its thoughtful and difficult though universal themes of justice, freedom and liberty will receive a more receptive audience.

The movie starts with the auspicious meeting of Fidel Castro (Mexican actor Demian Bichir) and Ernesto “Che” Guevara in the home of a Cuban friend in Mexico City in July 1955.

The movie follows in tone and sentiment with 2004’s “The Motorcycle Diaries” which traced the journey of the young Che Guevara with his friend Alberto Granado from Argentina, through Chile and Peru and eventually to Venezuela. It was on this trip that the young Che saw the harsh conditions and exploitation under which many people lived in the Latin continent and awoke in him the fierce desire to change the material conditions under which these people lived.

Soderburgh’s Che then passes from Mexico City to the southern shores of Cuba via the good ship Granma and on to the mountains of Sierra Maestra where the revolutionaries scored their first significant victories.

Part I alternates in grainy black and white film to the occasion in 1964 when Che visited the United States and gave an interview to the US media and delivered a passionate and fiery speech to the UN General Assembly on the resolve of the Cuban people.

The movie has its strong portrayals of battle with the armed forces of the government of Fulgencio Batista though these battles do not glorify war or violence in any way but show that a people who want justice, liberty and a better life must be prepared to fight those who will use violence including torture and other deprivations to resist the struggle of the people for a better life.

The movie contrasts with the texture of the usual Hollywood movies about the wars fought in the interests of capital where the protagonists of the conflicts and its soldiers have little interest in bringing freedom, justice and a better life to the lands where the wars are fought. In this sense Che the movie is the antithesis of most war movies (the wars of imperialism) where the protagonists of these movies are usually seen engaged in destruction and messing around with the women and messing up themselves. In this war Che makes it clear that any revolutionary can leave at certain times if they are not ready or able to continue and are given explicit instructions about the rules of engagement with the masses and the consequences for transgression which can include death. The revolutionaries also take care of the wounded of their enemy as well as their own.

The first part of the movie was shot in Cuba itself and the smaller part actors are peppered with the accents of indigenous Cuban actors and the vegetation and buildings in the towns and countryside are also reminiscent of a recent visit to Cuba-as are the old yet immaculately kept US cars from the late 1940’s and 1950’s which adorn the set in the urban settings. Part II is shot in Bolivia and Spain.

Part I of the movie concludes as the army buoyed by their victory in Santa Clara head on to the final victory in Havana.

If the tone of this Part I is predominantly upbeat as one knows the outcome of the Cuban Revolution, the tone of the second part is grim and forbidding though still engaging as is the enigma that surrounds much of this period of Che’s when he withdrew from his posts in Cuba and went to Bolivia.

He went there ostensibly to start the liberation of South America where the oppression and contradictions were at their greatest.

The colour and setting are more austere in Bolivia in line with the tone or theme of this part of Che’s life.

Though Fidel Castro had advised his comrade and friend against going to Bolivia as the timing was not right and to wait for things to calm down, it was Che who said to Fidel in Mexico at the start of their adventures together that if the Cuban campaign was successful that he did not want to be stopped from taking the revolution to Argentina and Bolivia.

However, almost as soon as he got there he found that he did not have the support of the Bolivian Communist Party, partly because they did not trust a foreigner, notwithstanding that Simon Bolivar who helped liberate Bolivia from the Spanish in the 19th Century was also a foreigner from Venezuela.

The film follows the errors and disappointments of the Bolivian campaign, as Che and his Bolivian, Cuban and other Latin revolutionaries find their mission becoming increasingly compromised and unable to build a better world where children no longer have to work in mines and the average miner will live longer than 30 years.

The complicity of the USA in the fate of Che which feared another Revolution in Bolivia similar to Cuba, is well featured in the movie and includes a special appearance of Matt Damon as a negotiator.

The end of the movie is tense, dramatic and unpredictable though not the typical Hollywood fare notwithstanding that this is a Hollywood movie.

Though Che the revolutionary and freedom fighter died an ignoble end without seeing his dream of a revolution coming to Bolivia, ironically 40 years later, it would be a native from Bolivia, Evo Morales and the Movement Towards Socialism (MAS) who would herald in a better world for the majority of Bolivians and they would remember Che at this time.

19th September 2009

Photos from the Perth protest for freedom for the Cuban 5

2009-09-12T03:14:00.001-07:00

SMH: Impoverished Cuba sends doctors around the globe to help the poor

2009-09-07T05:04:00.000-07:00

CUBA, one of the world's few surviving communist nations, is quietly expanding relations in the Pacific region, and Canberra and Washington are said to be watching developments with concern.

Cuba has been flooding some poorer parts of the region with doctors and humanitarian workers since the tsunami tragedy in Indonesia on Boxing Day, 2004. Swathes of the Pacific, from Kiribati to East Timor, are becoming dependent on Cuban medical aid, and the Cubans appear to be winning hearts and minds. Following the Java earthquake in May, teams of doctors were quickly flown to affected areas.

MORE: http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/impoverished-cuba-sends-doctors-around-the-globe-to-help-the-poor/2006/10/27/1161749315614.html

Interview with Attorney Richard Klugh on Cuban 5

2009-09-03T08:32:00.000-07:00

[Transcript of telephone interview given by Miami based Attorney Richard Klugh, who legally represents the Cuban Five in the appeals process, to Bernie Dwyer for Radio Havana Cuba on 1st September.

[Three of the Cuban Five, Ramon Labañino, Antonio Guerrero and Fernando Gonzalez are in the Federal Detention Center in Miami waiting to attend a district court hearing on their re-sentencing as recommended by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta .

[They are being held in solitary isolation in the same Special Housing Unit that they spent 17 months awaiting trial in 2001. The re-sentencing hearing is due to be heard on 13th October 2009.]

Interview

Bernie Dwyer (RHC): Three of the Cuban Five, Ramon, Antonio and Fernando are now in the Federal Detention Center in Miami . Can you give us the background to their move from their separate prisons and the reason they are in Miami now?

Attorney Richard Klugh (RK): Ramon, Antonio and Fernando were transported to Miami within the last two weeks from their various institutions in Kentucky , Colorado and Indiana , in order to attend and be re-sentenced at a hearing by the district court judge as ordered by the court of appeals.

BD: Do they have any contact with each other?

RK: As of right now they are all separated from each other and separated from all of the other inmates. They are in the isolation units ordinarily used for special housing and it's unclear whether all of them will be allowed to leave the special housing units or isolation unit prior to re-sentencing or not. It’s our hope that it will happen.

BD: Are they permitted to have contact with their attorneys?

RK: Yes. The attorneys are visiting and are able to talk to them. The re-sentencing hearing is about a month and a half away so they need to be talking to them. That’s exactly where it stands right now. It’s a relatively short period of time before the re-sentencing occurs.

BD: Are they allowed to have family visits and phone calls?

RK: They will be allowed to have them. There is always a delay when there is a transfer such as this but they are not precluded from having family visits.

BD: Can they receive letters from supporters and friends?

RK: Absolutely and of course everybody is very encouraged to do that, to write to them in the names in which they are listed in the Bureau of Prisons directory at the address of the Federal Detention Center in Miami .

BD: Can you give a background as to why three of the Five, Antonio, Fernando and Ramon are being allowed to go back to court for re-sentencing and not Gerardo Hernandez and Rene Gonzalez?

RK: Gerardo, because of the disputed conviction with regard to the Brothers to the Rescue matter was not eligible for a re-sentencing hearing because he has already received a life sentence as to that accusation and we were unsuccessful in the direct appeal in reversing that conviction.

He was deemed to be ineligible for re-sentencing. With regard to Rene, his sentence was based on offences as to which he really didn’t have much of a right to appeal. They were not sentences with which the District Count had any real legal limitations on what could be imposed.

And so the arguments that applied to the counts and convictions that Ramon, Antonio and Fernando had did not apply to René. That first fifteen years of the sentence is not subject to review under the federal sentencing guidelines because there is no guideline for the offence of conspiring to or acting as an unregistered foreign agent.

BD: How would you actually term this court appearance that is coming up?

RK: It’s an opportunity to have a re-consideration of the prior sentencing decisions and to basically start at a lower level of sentencing for each of them and hopefully that will result ultimately in a substantial lowering of sentences.

They would have a right to appeal from this re-sentencing decision if there are legal errors made in regard to the imposition of these sentences.

BD: Is there any chance that the judge could re-sentence them to longer terms in prison?

RK: There’s always theoretically a possibility of such a change however I think that it is well known that each of the Five has been exemplary in their conduct while incarcerated. I think they are highly regarded by other personnel within the federal prison system for their good conduct, their good works with other prisoners, etc. There really is nothing that would indicate any reason to punish them any more than they what they have already been punished for.

BD: If we look at somebody like Rene who is serving 15 years. Is there any mechanism that he can get time off for good behaviour?

RK: There is a limited provision for a reduction of sentence under the federal system so it is our hope that within the next two years at least that Rene might be able to be released.

There is sometimes a need for litigation to force them to allow the prisoner to be released in the latter stages of incarceration. I don’t know whether we will be in that position of having to litigate that with Rene or not but definitely we are prepared to insist that he be given every opportunity for early release.

BD: Do you know already who the judge is going to be at the re-sentencing hearing?

RK: it will be the same district judge that imposed the original sentences and essentially the same personnel. Some of the government attorneys are no longer with the government but essentially it will be the same personnel.

BD: Does that put prosecution and Judge in a position that if they re-sentence it appears that they made a mistake in the first sentencing?

RK: The court of appeals has already held that some of the provisions that were applied in the original sentencing were too harsh and that is the reason why we are having the re-sentencing. So those principles that were established by the court of appeals will form the basis for the re-sentencing process. And certainly it is our hope that as a result of that these sentences will be substantially lowered.

BD: The opinion that some of the original sentencing provisions were too harsh came from the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta ?

RK: Yes

BD: Do you feel that with the change of administration that you could expect any thing different at all in the approach taken by the court to the case of the Five. They were sentenced during the Bush administration. Do you think it will make any difference under the Obama administration?

RK: I don’t believe it necessarily would. So much time has passed. So many changes have occurred since the original sentencing. Everything that people have learned about what is and what is not something that merits a significant punishment I would think would help us in this process.

But I don’t know at the political level, the individual decisions in this case will have that effect. What I have found is that it does not have that effect ordinarily.

For us the most important part of the case that remains deals with Gerardo and trying to do something that will give him an opportunity to be released.

BD: Can you talk at this stage about how the re-sentencing case will be presented in court?

RK: Each of the three will be represented by their principal attorney. Joaquin Mendez represents Fernando. Leonard Weinglass represents Antonio and Bill Norris represents Ramon. They are each preparing individual arguments and explanations for why substantially lower sentences should be given.

It’s very important to remember that Antonio and Ramon had life sentences and the hope is that the sentences will become significantly reduced to a sentence that is more in keeping with an offense in which there was no actual commission of espionage.

[This interview with Attorney Richard Klugh was broadcast by Radio Havana Cuba on the 1st September 2009]

Three of the Cuban Five await resentencing in Miami

2009-09-01T19:06:00.001-07:00

RAMÓN Labañino, Antonio Guerrero and Fernando González are now being held in Miami’s Federal Detention Center to attend a resentencing hearing scheduled for October 13, the CubaDebate website reports.

Before Joan Lenard, the same judge who condemned the five Cuban antiterrorists to long and unjust sentences in 2001, a jury will have to consider the instructions from an appeals court — the 11th Circuit in Atlanta — which said the “sentences were incorrectly imposed” and thus annulled them.

According to the website antiterroristas.cu, since Fernando, Ramón and Tony arrived at the Federal Detention Center in Miami they have been kept in solitary confinement, in the same unit where they were held for the first 17 months following their arrest in September 1998.

Meanwhile, the legal team defending the Five is continuing the battle in the courts. According to statements by the lawyers during a recent visit to Havana, they hope that the life sentences will be eliminated and the new sentences will be “reasonable.”

However, what they are most concerned about is Gerardo’s situation. No resentencing was ordered for him — nor for René — and Gerardo is now serving two life sentences for the unproven charge of “conspiracy to commit murder.” Within the injustice and illegality of this case, the treatment given Gerardo has been even worse, defense layers agree.

As stated many times by Ricardo Alarcón de Quesada, president of the National Assembly of People’s Power, the Five have remained in prison longer than other people who have been sentenced for actual espionage, and the resentencing should lead to their immediate release, because they have already been unjustly imprisoned for more than 10 years.

Cuban Ambassador in the Perth Activist Centre

2009-08-31T06:25:00.001-07:00

Cuban Ambassador, Abelardo Curbelo spoke to members and supporters of the Australia-Cuba Friendship Society on August 27. He spoke about the continuing blockade against Cuba and answered questions about the attitude of the new Obama administration which has toned down some of the diplomatic aggression towards Cuba but so far shows no sign of ending the blockade or freeing the Cuban Five.

A video was shown about the case of the Cuban Five and a birthday cake was brought out to mark Fidel Castro's birthday.

Rally to "Free the Five" 12 Sept 2009

2009-08-31T05:35:00.000-07:00

Rally for the Cuban Five - stop the injustice!

The "Cuban Five" have, between them, been sentenced to four live terms and 75 years in United States prisons. They were falsely charged with espionage conspiracy.

Their real "crime"? They were peacefully defending Cuba from US-backed terrorist groups based in Miami.

Rally
Sat 12 Sept
12 noon, Stirling Gardens

Info: acfsperth@gmail.com or phone 0421 113 341

Contact

2009-08-30T22:56:00.000-07:00

ACFS WA Branch

Phone:
Vinnie: 0419 812 872

Email:
acfsperth@gmail.com

Post:
PO BOX 1455
South Perth WA 6951