HAVANA — Almost half the population of Havana — 800,000 people — led by President Fidel Castro, marched on October 18 to protest against the false impression being created by the United States that it has relaxed its blockade against Cuba.
At 9am sharp, Castro, dressed in his traditional olive green uniform and waving a Cuban flag, began the demonstration. The huge march passed by the US Interests Section. "Down with the blockade!", young speakers chanted. "Long live the revolution!" It was broadcast live over local radio and television stations.
That same day the US Senate approved a bill to step up the blockade against Cuba by strengthening existing restrictions on US citizens traveling to Cuba and make food and medicine sales more difficult. The measure prevents the White House from lifting the travel ban without congressional approval.
[From Granma <http://www.granma.cu>.]