Cuba Headed CELAC under the Principle of Respect for Diversity

HAVANA, Cuba, Jan 22 (acn) Cuba developed its pro-tempore presidency of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) in 2013 with high commitment and under the principle of respect for diversity, said deputy foreign minister Abelardo Moreno.

In statements to Cuban television, Moreno said that the Cuban agenda always included at least one aspect related to the fight on poverty, hunger and inequalities.

The government official said that there is still a long way to go in this regards, though the Cuban presidency made steps on the right path as the island committed to the full incorporation of Caribbean nations to the regional bloc.

We must consider that these countries have a special situation, they are more vulnerable to world economic crises and factors, such as climate change, so they require a different kind of treatment, he noted.

Among the documents to be debated at the 2nd CELAC Summit, to take place January 28 and 29 in Havana, there are many proposals by Caribbean nations, which the deputy minister described as an unprecedented element revealing the strength gained by the Community.

The consolidation of the bloc’s international presence was another major objective, said Moreno who added that the world acknowledges CELAC as the interlocutor for Latin America.

And despite all differences in thinking, economic and political models, CELAC defends consensus, which consolidates the unity of the Community, said the deputy foreign minister.

Puerto Rican Independence Activists will Follow Celac Summit in Havana

HAVANA, Cuba, Jan 22 (acn) Members of Puerto Rican Independence-oriented organizations will come to Havana in the context of the Second Summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, which will promote the membership of Puerto Rico.

The co-president of the National Hostosiano Independence Movement of Puerto Rico, Wilma Reveron, said that a group from her organization would first travel to Caracas to to take part at a cultural and political forum called by the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry, as a prior action to their travel to Havana.

The independence leader said they expect to have necessary international support to achieve the inclusion of Puerto Rico as member of the Latin American and Caribbean bloc.

Costa Rican Ambassador to Cuba Reaffirms Regional Integration

Havana, Jan 22 (Prensa Latina) Costa Rican Ambassador to Cuba, Hubert Mendez, said the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) strengthens regional integration.

According to television reports, Mendez confirmed that with this political event of great significance, regional countries went from being naturally bonded to integrally united, not only in political, but also in cultural and environmental aspects.

CELAC is the step we are waiting to have an integration system in which all Latin American and Caribbean countries are represented, he noted.

He also stated that the success of the Community is in the respect to diversity and, on this basis, in search of common elements to achieve integration.

The 2nd CELAC Summit, to be held in Havana on Jan. 28-29, will be a moment to show we are building a zone for peace, sustainable development, social justice, and democracy, he said.

After the meeting, Costa Rica will occupy the pro tempore presidency of the bloc, a responsibility currently played by Cuba.

Homage to Jose Marti in Plaza Bolivar in Caracas

Caracas, Jan 21 (Prensa Latina) Plaza Bolivar in Caracas, where Cuban independence hero José Martí (1853-1895) stopped to pay tribute to the Liberator, today rendered homage on occasion of the 133th anniversary of this historic event.

From Port Cabello in Carabobo state, Martí arrived in Caracas, in January 21,1881. On his arrival, he went to the top of La Pastora, to contemplate Caracas and then followed road to the Plaza Bolivar.

By intervening in the political-cultural event the director of the National Library, Edgar Paez, highlighted the importance of this fact, of great connotation for the continent.

Martí in his request to visit Plaza Bolivar, intended to reach the site where Venezuelans honored their liberator and thus join the tribute, he said.

Tributes for the 133th anniversary of the Marti visit began yesterday at the monument to Bolívar and Martí, located in La Pastora, this capital.

Sponsored by the Venezuelan Ministry for Culture and the House of Our America José Martí, among others, the celebrations are also dedicated to the 161 anniversary of his birthday, on January 28.

Cuba Dedicates International Ballet Festival to Shakespeare

Havana, Jan 21 (Prensa Latina) The Cuban National Ballet (BNC) will dedicated the 24th International Ballet Festival to pay tribute to English playwright William Shakespeare, announced today the organizing committee of the event.

The Festival presided by Cuban prima ballerina assoluta Alicia Alonso will celebrate the 450 years of the poet’s birth staging some of his works which have been transferred to ballet language.

"Dance For Shakespeare" will be the topic of this event scheduled to begin on October 28 and conclude on November 7, 2014, in the National, Mella and Kart Marx Theatres, of Havana, as main venues.