National gathering discusses Cuba solidarity

The Australia-Cuba Friendship Society held its 2007 national consultation in Canberra on April 13-15, attended by some 60 activists from around Australia. The gathering was also attended by Cuba's consul and consul general in Australia, Nelida Hernandez Carmona and Ifrahim Miranda Leon, as well as representatives of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples, vice-president Buenaventura Reyes Acosta and Alicia Corredera Morales.

The two-day meeting reflected on the completion of 10 aid projects over the past year and a 28-strong "Southern Cross" work brigade to Cuba in January. Almost all ACFS branches reported increasing public interest in Cuba's socialist system, as well as a growth in ACFS membership.

The meeting adopted resolutions condemning the US blockade on Cuba and calling for the release of the Cuban 5, and agreed that next January's brigade, the 25th to visit from Australia, would be a special focus for all branches.

From GLW issue 707