[NYTr] Cuba, African Union Sign Memorandum of Understanding
 
Date: Tue, 18 Sep 2007 22:55:27 -0500 (CDT)

Via NY Transfer News Collective  *  All the News that Doesn't Fit
 
Agencia Cubana de Noticias (ACN)
http://ainch.ain.cu/mailman/listinfo/ingles

Cuba-African Union Sign Memorandum of Understanding

Havana, Sept 18 (acn) Cuban Foreign Minister, Felipe Perez Roque, and 
the President of the African Union, Alpha Oumar KonarC), have signed a 
memorandum of understanding on Monday in this capital aiming to 
strengthen the bilateral relations.

The document establishes the legal mechanisms to diversify and 
systematize cooperation in fields of mutual interest in the spheres of 
politics, economy and culture.

According to KonarC) the inking of the Memorandum is an act of faith and 
commitment to continue working together in an environment of humanism, 
solidarity and justice for Africa's integration.

Before the signing ceremony, the Malian politician delivered a keynote 
lecture at the island's Foreign Ministry headquarters, which was 
attended by his accompanying delegation, the African diplomatic corps 
accredited in Havana, and representatives from Cuban institutions and 
organizations.

In his speech, KonarC) pointed out that life expectancy in Africa barely 
reaches 47 years -30 years less than in Europe- and noted that famine, 
poverty and pandemics are common in that continent despite the huge 
reserves of natural resources in the region.

He said this critical situation is the result of centuries of 
plundering, exclusion, dependency and colonial rule maintained even 
after decolonization.

"Without integration there is no future for Africa. We must join 
forces, otherwise we will be crushed by free trade policies and 
globalization," said KonarC).

At the end of the lecture, Perez Roque thanked the visiting diplomat 
for his words and noted Africa does not need international donations 
but justice. He also ratified Cuba's support to the cause of the 
African Union whose main goal is continental integration.

Alpha Oumar KonarC) has visited Cuba in several occasions. In 1998, he 
received the Jose Marti Medal, the highest distinction awarded by the 
Cuban Council of State.

                                 *
=================================================================
 NY Transfer News Collective     *    A Service of Blythe Systems
           Since 1985 - Information for the Rest of Us
            Our main website:   http://www.blythe.org
   List Archives:       http://blythe-systems.com/pipermail/nytr/
   Subscribe:     http://blythe-systems.com/mailman/listinfo/nytr
=================================================================