Ottawa, Jul 10 (Prensa Latina) The Canadian-Cuba Friendship Association of the city of Kingston, province of Ontario, conducted a meeting on the occasion of the 24th Pastors for Peace Caravan.

The solidarity project organized by the IFCO/Pastors for Peace inter-religious group, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, began its tour July 8 by more than 50 U.S. cities, with events here and in Mexico City.

Rev. Luis Barrios, a member of the Caravan, attended as a special guest. He brought greetings from friends and Cuba solidarity groups from New York.

Father Barrios, a Puerto Rican-born resident in New York, stressed "the courage and passion for the Cubans to fight daily against imperialism, as well as for the whole movement of solidarity with Cuba beyond borders and within the U.S. territory."

He recalled the beginnings of the Pastors for Peace Caravan, and the repeated attempts by the U.S. government to prevent that aid and solidarity reach the Cuban people, especially in the 90's that suffered "the brutal economic effects of the strengthening of the blockade after the collapse of the Socialist Bloc," he said.

Kingston Mayor Mark Gerretsen, and the council representative for the Islands region, Ted Hsu, expressed the importance Canada has to maintain ties with Cuba.The meeting was also attended by Councillor Jim Neil and officials from Cuba's embassy in Canada.

Typical Cuban and Canadian dishes were served during the ceremony, and participants enjoyed the performance of Mario Franco, a musician from Santiago de Cuba.

An event to collect funds to support the Pastors for Peace Caravan will be held on July 11. The Caravan will leave for Cuba with donations, love and solidarity, breaking again the barriers imposed by the U.S. blockade. A number of other activities are organized for the course the Caravan's route, which ends on July 17.

Arriving in Cuba on July 18, the caravan members will stay for two weeks.

Prensa Latina, July 10, 2013