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标签： Cuba

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  • The Uruguayan brigade “Fidel Castro” traveled to Cuba with aid

    The Uruguayan brigade “Fidel Castro” traveled to Cuba with aid

    A contingent of Uruguayan citizens representing diverse segments of society has embarked on a humanitarian mission to Cuba, carrying both medical resources and a profound message of international solidarity. The group, formally designated as the ‘Fidel Castro’ brigade, departed from Carrasco International Airport in Montevideo with a cargo of essential medical supplies and pharmaceuticals meticulously packed in their luggage.

    Complementing the tangible aid, the delegation transported a financial contribution of approximately $17,000. This sum was accumulated through a nationwide fundraising campaign orchestrated by the Coordinating Committee in Support of the Cuban Revolution, which saw active participation from ordinary citizens, political groups, and various social organizations. These funds are expressly destined to bolster the Caribbean nation’s public health infrastructure.

    The brigade comprises a cross-section of Uruguayan society, including students, active workers, and retirees, all united by a common purpose. For many, like Lucia Moderneli, a sociology student at the University of the Republic, the journey represents the fulfillment of a deeply personal and political ambition. “I am fulfilling a political dream of expressing my support for the Cuban people, and a family dream, since my father always wanted to make this journey but couldn’t,” Moderneli explained in an interview with Prensa Latina.

    The mission is widely perceived by its participants as a reciprocal act of gratitude. For nearly two decades, Cuba’s Operation Miracle program has provided free ophthalmologic surgeries across South America, notably in Uruguay. Moderneli highlighted this legacy, expressing profound thanks on behalf of the estimated 130,000 Uruguayans—including her own grandfather—who have regained their eyesight through the skill and generosity of Cuban medical professionals. This initiative, she stated, is a modest effort to ‘return Cuba’s internationalism and cooperation with the world.’

  • Cubans residing in Nicaragua reiterate support for Venezuela

    Cubans residing in Nicaragua reiterate support for Venezuela

    The Cuban community residing in Nicaragua has issued a powerful declaration of solidarity with Venezuela, condemning what it describes as systematic aggression and destabilization campaigns targeting the Bolivarian nation’s sovereignty. The statement, disseminated through official social media channels, emerges amid heightened geopolitical tensions in Latin America.

    This proclamation strategically coincides with the 173rd anniversary of Cuban national hero José Martí’s birth, observed annually on January 28th. The timing underscores the deliberate invocation of Martí’s philosophical legacy, particularly his advocacy for Latin American unity and resistance against external intervention.

    The comprehensive statement articulates three primary concerns: the employment of unilateral coercive measures against Venezuela, coordinated disinformation campaigns designed to undermine democratic processes, and systematic attacks on the nation’s right to self-determination. These elements, according to the declaration, represent a concerted effort to disrupt regional stability.

    Drawing direct parallels between historical anti-colonial struggles and contemporary political challenges, the Cuban community in Nicaragua emphasized the enduring relevance of Martí’s vision. The statement characterized current events as a continuation of historical patterns of foreign intervention in Latin American affairs, necessitating renewed commitment to regional integration and mutual defense of sovereignty.

    Furthermore, the declaration reaffirmed Nicaragua’s alignment with Venezuela through the framework of regional cooperation alliances, highlighting existing bilateral agreements and diplomatic coordination mechanisms between left-leaning governments in the region.

    The statement concludes with an impassioned call for strengthened brotherhood between Cuban and Venezuelan peoples, framing this solidarity as both a moral imperative and strategic necessity in confronting perceived external pressures. This diplomatic communication represents the latest development in ongoing ideological alignment among certain Latin American nations advocating for reduced U.S. influence in the region.

  • Cuba celebrates World Day of African and Afro-descendant culture

    Cuba celebrates World Day of African and Afro-descendant culture

    Cuba’s top diplomat has publicly affirmed the nation’s profound cultural and historical connections to Africa, framing the relationship as one of shared heritage and familial bonds. In a statement released on social media platform X, the official characterized Cuban identity as the product of a dynamic fusion of diverse cultures, traditions, and religious practices cultivated over hundreds of years.

    The declaration emphasized that this rich national character stems from a long history of continuous exchange, solidarity, and fraternal ties between the Cuban people and the African continent. “We Cubans feel part of the African continent and children of Africa,” the Foreign Minister stated, underscoring a sense of shared destiny and belonging.

    This recognition coincides with the global observance of World Day of African and Afro-descendant Culture on January 24. The annual celebration, championed by UNESCO, honors the vast and vibrant cultural expressions originating from Africa and its diasporic communities worldwide. The event reinforces the international body’s core mission to advance respect for cultural diversity and human creative expression across the globe.

    This commemoration highlights Africa’s invaluable contribution to world heritage, positioning cultural appreciation as a fundamental pillar for achieving sustainable development, fostering mutual understanding, encouraging dialogue, and maintaining global peace.

  • Venezuela’s acting President highlights Program for Coexistence

    Venezuela’s acting President highlights Program for Coexistence

    Venezuela’s interim President Rodriguez has inaugurated an ambitious national security initiative, establishing a 100-day timeline to develop a comprehensive peace plan addressing the nation’s political, social, and economic dimensions. The launch ceremony brought together government ministers alongside representatives from academic, political, private enterprise, and social sectors, signaling a collaborative approach to national stability.

    President Rodriguez emphasized the program’s inclusive nature, noting that a “diverse and pluralistic group of Venezuelans” had already contributed substantial ideas toward what she described as “a common destiny.” The initiative will be administratively coordinated by Culture Minister Ernesto Villegas, with Professor Ana Maria San Juan appointed as executive secretary to oversee daily operations.

    A significant component of the peace initiative addresses economic stability, with Rodriguez highlighting that “peace also depends on economic peace.” The government has collected numerous proposals from entrepreneurs and business leaders, which will form an ideas bank to inform the developing National Plan.

    In a parallel confidence-building measure, Rodriguez announced the release of 626 individuals currently deprived of liberty, characterizing this action as part of Venezuela’s ongoing political process while acknowledging that some parties are attempting to manipulate the situation.

    The administration simultaneously conducted a dramatic demonstration as part of its “We Want Them Back” campaign. Thousands of drones illuminated the night sky over Fort Tiuna’s Military Academies in Caracas, projecting images of Nicolas Maduro and Cilia Flores in a public appeal for the presidential couple’s release.

  • Cabello: We will never stray from the path of Bolivar and Chavez

    Cabello: We will never stray from the path of Bolivar and Chavez

    Thousands of Venezuelan citizens converged in Caracas under heavy rainfall, staging a massive demonstration to demand the immediate repatriation of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. The protestors allege that both figures were abducted by U.S. military forces exactly 21 days prior to the gathering.

    The mobilization, orchestrated by the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), coincided with the 68th anniversary commemoration of the January 23, 1958 civic-military rebellion. Participants assembled at strategic eastern and western points throughout the capital before marching toward O’Leary Square, adjacent to the governmental headquarters at Miraflores Palace.

    During the emotionally charged event, PSUV leader Diosdado Cabello delivered a stirring address reframing the historical significance of the date. He characterized the original 1958 rebellion as “the ultimate betrayal of the Venezuelan people,” alleging that business magnates, political opponents, religious leaders, and imperialist forces conspired to undermine national sovereignty.

    Cabello articulated how this historical narrative shifted with the emergence of Commander Hugo Chávez, who exposed what he described as systemic exploitation of popular movements. The political leader affirmed the crowd’s unwavering commitment to the Bolivarian revolution, declaring that contemporary demonstrations symbolize “absolute loyalty to President Maduro and Cilia Flores” rather than remembrance of past betrayals.

    Emphasizing resilience following the January 3rd incident—described as a devastating blow provoking profound sadness, anger, and frustration—Cabello called for national unity and steadfast dedication to the Chavista political project. He concluded with assurances that external forces would never suppress the will of the Venezuelan people.

  • Ecuador: Warns of “silent dismantling” of state-owned oil company

    Ecuador: Warns of “silent dismantling” of state-owned oil company

    Ecuador’s oil industry is confronting a severe downturn, with official data revealing a significant 8.5% annual decline in crude production for 2025. Total output amounted to 127.4 million barrels, averaging just 349,167 barrels per day. This production slump has been compounded by a parallel decrease in domestic refining capacity, forcing the nation to dramatically increase its reliance on imported fuels. Imports surged by 16.8% year-on-year to 74.3 million barrels, a dependency that analysts warn undermines national energy security and places strain on the economy. The situation is further exacerbated by a drastic 72.97% contraction in public sector investment, with budget execution plummeting to $485.4 million compared to the previous year. The human cost of this crisis has also been severe, with 1,379 workers dismissed, constituting a 13.7% reduction in the industry’s workforce. Adding to these operational and financial concerns, serious legal questions have been raised regarding contracts signed by OCP Ecuador S.A., the state-managed entity overseeing the Heavy Crude Oil Pipeline since its transfer to public ownership on December 1, 2024. Industry groups are now issuing urgent calls for heightened scrutiny from both authorities and the public into the management of the country’s vital energy resources, cautioning that the current trajectory threatens to inflict irreversible damage upon the national oil industry.

  • Chile cancels energy project threatening astronomy

    Chile cancels energy project threatening astronomy

    A major conflict has emerged in Chile between renewable energy ambitions and astronomical research, pitting a green hydrogen initiative against one of the world’s most important astronomical observatories. AES Andes, the Chilean subsidiary of American energy multinational AES Corporation, has faced mounting opposition to its proposed INNA project—a green hydrogen and ammonia production facility planned for the Atacama Desert.

    The project, which entered Chile’s Environmental Impact Assessment System in 2024, has encountered significant regulatory hurdles and widespread objections from both domestic and international stakeholders. The controversy stems from the proposed location just kilometers from the town of Taltal, placing it in immediate proximity to the Paranal Observatory.

    Paranal represents one of the most critical ground-based astronomical facilities globally, housing the renowned Very Large Telescope (VLT) operated by the European Southern Observatory (ESO). The site is also currently constructing the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), projected to become the world’s largest optical/near-infrared telescope upon completion. Scientists anticipate the ELT will revolutionize our understanding of the universe by capturing unprecedented images that could reveal new insights into cosmic history and evolution.

    The Atacama Desert has earned global recognition among astronomers for its exceptional observational conditions, combining high altitude, minimal atmospheric interference, and exceptionally dark skies—attributes that make it uniquely suited for cutting-edge astronomical research.

    Environmental assessors and scientific organizations have raised concerns that the INNA project could severely degrade these pristine conditions through multiple mechanisms: light pollution from facility operations, atmospheric emissions that could affect air clarity, and potential vibration impacts from industrial activity. The conflict highlights the growing challenge of balancing renewable energy development with the preservation of scientifically critical environments.

  • Cuba commemorates International Education Day

    Cuba commemorates International Education Day

    In a powerful address disseminated through social media channels, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla has reaffirmed his nation’s steadfast dedication to advancing free, universal, and inclusive education as an indispensable human right. The diplomatic statement emerged amid growing international concerns regarding global educational disparities.

    Citing alarming UNESCO statistics, Rodríguez highlighted the profound crisis facing worldwide education systems, noting that 244 million children and adolescents currently lack any form of schooling. Further compounding this emergency, an additional 617 million young learners demonstrate insufficient proficiency in fundamental literacy and mathematics skills, creating what experts describe as a global learning poverty epidemic.

    The Cuban diplomat positioned educational access as more than simply an academic concern, framing it as a critical mechanism for fostering international peace, cross-cultural understanding, and social inclusion. Rodríguez emphasized that strengthening educational frameworks represents a foundational pillar for sustainable human development and the eradication of systemic discrimination.

    This declaration aligns with Cuba’s longstanding educational policy, which has historically prioritized comprehensive literacy programs and accessible education despite economic challenges. The Caribbean nation’s educational model has frequently been cited by international organizations for achieving remarkable literacy rates and educational participation levels.

    The timing of this statement coincides with increased global attention on educational inequality following pandemic-related school disruptions that disproportionately affected developing nations. United Nations agencies have warned that without significant intervention, current educational deficits may severely hamper progress toward international development goals.

  • Innovation leaders in the Cuban Press receive awards

    Innovation leaders in the Cuban Press receive awards

    Several Cuban media organizations have been recognized for journalistic excellence and innovative practices during a prestigious awards ceremony held at the Union of Cuban Journalists (UPEC) headquarters. The honorees included Ideas Multimedios, Radio Sancti Spiritus, the satirical publication Palante, and Radio Cumanayagua from Cienfuegos province.

    The awards specifically acknowledged groundbreaking efforts in developing and implementing innovative editorial solutions that address contemporary challenges in journalism. The competition bears the name of Juan Antonio Borrego, the late director of Escambray publishing house, honoring his legacy in Cuban media.

    Dr. Ana Teresa Badia, renowned journalist with Radio Rebelde and chair of the judging committee, reported exceptionally strong participation in this year’s competition. She noted that the majority of entries demonstrated significant commitment to developing practical solutions for the evolving challenges facing modern journalism.

    Special recognition was awarded to Radio Sancti Spiritus for its comprehensive coverage commemorating the centennial of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro’s birth, an honor bestowed by the Institute of Information and Social Communication. Ideas Multimedios received distinctive acclaim for its multimedia section titled ‘The Century of Fidel,’ which earned a special prize created specifically for this occasion.

    In a parallel achievement, the Faculty of Communication at the University of Havana presented Escambray publishing house in Sancti Spiritus with an award for its scientific approach to media management. This recognition aligned perfectly with the same category honored through the Juan Antonio Borrego Award, highlighting consistent excellence in journalistic management practices.

  • Lula confirms candidacy and highlights historic role of the MST

    Lula confirms candidacy and highlights historic role of the MST

    In a significant address, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva framed the upcoming October elections as a critical juncture for the nation’s political trajectory. The Workers’ Party leader emphasized the electoral process as decisive in both shaping Brazil’s future direction and combating the pervasive spread of disinformation.

    President Lula presented a comprehensive review of his administration’s economic and social achievements, highlighting record-breaking employment levels as a cornerstone of his current term. “We have achieved the lowest unemployment rate in Brazil’s historical records alongside the highest number of active workers and economic engagements,” the president declared with emphasis.

    The address also spotlighted additional economic indicators showing substantial progress, including expanded export volumes, increased foreign and domestic investments, elevated minimum wage standards, and the revitalization of key strategic sectors within the national economy.

    Lula issued a compelling call to action for enhanced political involvement from social movements nationwide, particularly applauding the Landless Workers’ Movement (MST) for endorsing and fielding their own candidates in the upcoming elections. He articulated that such movements should take pride in their productive outputs and actively seek positions within decision-making bodies to safeguard and advance working-class rights and interests.

    Preceding the presidential speech, Paulo Teixeira, Minister of Agrarian Development and Family Farming, made a significant announcement regarding land reform initiatives. Minister Teixeira confirmed that promised land allocations would be formally delivered in April, a move expected to benefit thousands of families currently without land ownership across Brazil.