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• 09 / 17 / 2008

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"We are sending an appeal to artists and intellectuals around the world to demand an immediate end to the criminal US blockade and to promote solidarity and support of our country," says the call, published on the website http://www.uneac.org.cu.

"Our country is facing a dramatic situation. We have suffered the wrath of two powerful hurricanes, Gustav and Ike, in just eight days. These natural disasters have seriously affected food production and essential sectors of the economy throughout the country. Although very few human lives were lost, a massive amount of houses, schools and cultural institutions were damaged or completely destroyed," adds the call.

"In view of this tragedy, a debate about the restrictions imposed by the US on Cuban residents to visit and send supplies and money to their families in Cuba has begun. Cuba has requested authorization to buy materials from the US to repair homes and power lines. In addition, Cuba has requested that US companies receive authorization to extend commercial credits to the island to buy food. The Bush Administration's reply has been a ridiculous offer of aid while ratifying their policy of political and economic blockade, even more cruel and immoral under the present circumstances," it says.

The document, signed so far by more than 200 prestigious Cuban intellectuals and artists, including Alicia Alonso, Pablo Milanes, Silvio Rodriguez, Miguel Barnet, Leo Brouwer and Harold Gramatges, was published in Spanish, English and French.

(PL)