BY MARCE CAMERON

HAVANA — On November 14, a rally of 12,000 people took place outside the US interests section, Washington's unofficial embassy in Cuba. The rally was against the US blockade and was televised that night throughout Cuba and internationally.

Twelve delegates, representing the five regions of the world who were attending the Second World Meeting of Friendship and Solidarity with Cuba, voiced their support for Cuba's independence and sovereignty. The denounced the US blockade of Cuba as immoral and illegal,

Pat Brewer, who is a leading member of the Democratic Socialist Party of Australia, Rosemary Janches from South Africa, Frei Betto from Brazil, Eleonora Contreras from Mexico, Luis Miranda and Jose Antonio Rodriguez (who are Cuban Americans) from the US, Despina Markou from Greece, Fathi Abu Ardat from Palestine, Plamen Bonev from Bulgaria, Rafael Cancel Miranda from Puerto Rico and Lucius Walker, a minister from Pastors for Peace, a US group that has challenged and defied the blockade, spoke.

Speakers emphasised the role and support of Cuba in the fight against apartheid in South Africa, and the assistance Cuba has given to the poor and disadvantaged countries in the form of medical training and education. The problems faced in the West by the dispossessed was also raised. The necessity to extend solidarity and support for Cuba in bringing down the blockade was mentioned by all.

Walker gave a detailed description of the hypocrisy of the US in its accusations against Cuba while ignoring its own appalling record of dispossession, racism and injustice against its own people, and the people of the world. After her speech, Brewer was warmly embraced by Cuban President Fidel Castro.

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