Cuba campaign launched in Melbourne
By Roberto Jorquera
MELBOURNE — The Australia Cuba Friendship Society initiated a meeting here on March 5 to discuss the solidarity with Cuba campaign in the coming year. The public forum, attended by 50 people, heard Joan Coxsedge speak on her visit to Cuba in January.
Coxsedge stressed the courage and determination of the Cuban people in their 33-year struggle, in which they have had to fight against foreign interference and the United States economic embargo. She pointed out that "since the Gulf War and the takeover of the United Nations by the United States", the pressure on Cuba had been increased.
Though the situation was getting harder, the "Cuban people are finding new and very creative and imaginative ways in which to overcome the shortages which they have started to experience". For example, there is increased use of bicycles because of cutbacks in oil imports.
Coxsedge emphasised "the need to increase the pressure on the Australian government to give full diplomatic recognition to Cuba and encourage trade with Cuba, so that it does not face continued economic problems".
The Cuba Solidarity Campaign will be organising a large number of activities throughout the year. These include sending a shipload of wheat and powdered milk to Cuba. For more information, ring Dave Deutschmann on (052) 633 100.