By Marg Gleeson
SYDNEY — Activists from around Australia met here on November 3 for the annual national consultation of the Committees in Solidarity with Latin America and the Caribbean (CISLAC).
The consultation was preceded by a public seminar on November 2 about the effects of neo-liberal economic programs and the people's in the Latin American region. The seminar covered the Mexican political situation, recent trade union struggles, Cuba and the international response to the US government's attempts to tighten the blockade against Cuba, the recent elections in Nicaragua, and prospects for a negotiated settlement of the 40-year civil war in Guatemala.
The consultation discussed political perspectives which would determine its work for the next 12 months. Three political campaigns were recommended as national priorities, to be ratified by CISLAC in each city. They are: "End the blockade" on Cuba; "Free the political prisoners in Mexico"; and "Solidarity with the FSLN" in Nicaragua.
The consultation was mindful of recent decisions by the federal government to savagely cut aid grants to non-government organisations (NGOs) such as CISLAC. The minister concerned has specifically mentioned CISLAC as a target for cuts. However, the consultation also noted that as a small but effective aid agency which had completed many projects over 10 years in seven countries, CISLAC had established good relations with a range of NGOs in Central and Latin America. A reduction or cancellation of government funding would not, therefore, signal an end to CISLAC's aid work.
CISLAC's aid projects will be tied to its political campaign priorities. A decision was also made to produce a new national promotion leaflet on CISLAC's work which will be used in a membership drive in 1997.