© YEAR VIII THE Nº 10 MAY 31, 2018 , ISSN 2224-5707 Price: avana eporter 1.00 CUC H YOUR SOURCE OF NEWSR & MORE 1.00 USD A Bimonthly Newspaper of the Prensa Latina News Agency 1.20 CAN Cuba, the EU Strengthen Photo Feature Cooperation Ties

Cuba Promotes New Recreational Options for Tourists P. 11 Economy

P. 3

Cuba to Focus on Inequality & the Caribbean Region as ECLAC President P. 14 Sports

More Cuban Artes de Cuba Women in Politics Wins U.S. Capital

Brazil & Argentina: The Face of Latin America in Russia P. 4 P. 6-7 P. 15 2 TOURISM

Cuba Displays its Potential at Tourism Fair

Text & Photos by RobertoF. CAMPOS

HAVANA.- The Cuban authorities The Cuban minister expressed showed their capacity to recover from confidence in the development of the natural disasters and their flexibility to go tourism industry in the country, because into businesses during the 38th edition of its safety and potential. of the International Tourism Fair FITCuba Marrero described FITCuba as a 2018. successful meeting in which several Held in Cayo Santa María, in the business opportunities were launched. In central province of Villa Clara, the fair this sense, he referred to the E (Encanto, allowed participants to approach a wide Charm) Hotel chain, which inaugurated range of businesses and learn about the the Palacio de Arena and Hotel Sagua ’ endeavor to develop the tourism facilities during the fair. The latter is one of industry, considered the driving force of the most luxurious hotels of the territory. the national economy. After the impact of hurricane Irma, Safety, a variety of attractive infrastructures and service are being recreational modalities, the country’s improved, he added. landscapes and the Cubans’ kindness, In spite of the obstacles Washington were included among the main topics has in place against Havana from the raised at the meeting. economic and commercial points of The participants especially highlighted view, 73 officials of U.S. tourist companies the feeling of safety prevailing in the participated in the event, including the country as one of the essential topics to Marriott chain. guarantee a sustainable development in The Cuban hotel industry is composed this field. of 69, 041 rooms at present – 63 percent Different topics were dealt with during of which are four and five-star hotels and the fair, where participants expressed 74 percent are located on the coast. admiration at the recovery actions About 110, 416 people work in the conducted on the island after being hit Cuban tourism sector. Of this figure, 41.2 by hurricane Irma last September, which percent are women and 48 percent are affected 85 percent of the tourist facilities. under the age of 45. As announced, the 39th edition of the In 2017, the country received 4, 689, International Tourism Fair, to take place 896 foreign visitors, which represented May 7-11, 2019, will be dedicated to Spain an 11.6 percent increase over the as the guest country of honor. Cuban previous year. However, in the first eight Minister of Tourism Manuel Marrero months of 2017, the island experienced commented that in 2019, Havana will a 26 percent increase, a figure that celebrate its 500th anniversary. The city decreased because of hurricane Irma in was founded on November 16. September. Marrero also explained that FITCuba The United States, Russia, Italy and 2018, held from May 2-5, was attended by France were the markets that experienced 319 participants from 62 countries. This the highest growth, though Canada figure includes 168 specialized journalists continues being at the top, with 1, 134, from all over the world. 225 visitors.

A Bimonthly Newspaper of the Prensa Latina News Agency SOCIETY.HEALTH & SCIENCE.POLITICS.CULTURE THE YOUR SOURCE OF NEWS & MORE ENTERTAINMENT.PHOTO FEATURE.ECONOMY HavanaReporter SPORTS.AND MORE President: Luis Enrique González. Graphic Designers: Paola A. Gonzalez Publisher: Agencia Informativa Latinoamericana, Information Vice President: Hector Miranda. Chief Graphic Editor: Francisco Gonzalez Prensa Latina, S.A. Editorial Vice President: Lianet Arias Advertising: Javier García Calle E, esq. 19 No. 454, Vedado, La Habana-4, Cuba. Chief Editor: Luis Melian Circulation: Commercial Department. Telephone: (53)7838-3496 / 7832-3578 Translation: Dayamí Interian / Yanely Interian Printing: Imprenta Federico Engels Fax: (53)7833-3068 E-mail: [email protected] CUBA 3

Cuba, the EU Strengthen Cooperation Ties

By LuisaMariaGONZALEZ

PARIS.- Cuba and the European Union extraterritorial impact that affects (EU) strengthened their cooperation European banks and companies. ties during the first Joint Council in The Cuban minister appreciated Brussels, headed by Cuban Foreign the traditional stance the EU has Affairs Minister, Bruno Rodríguez, and adopted against the blockade, a head of the EU diplomacy, Federica siege that has been applied for over Mogherini. 60 years. The meeting, whose significance On the relations with the EU, he was highlighted by both parties, was remarked that the conditions are held after the Political Dialogue and favorable to continue increasing Cooperation Agreement became ties, and added that both sides have effective on November 1st, 2017. shown “the capacity to build spaces The latter was signed by Havana and for dialogue and mutual cooperation, Brussels in 2016 in order to create a and the determination to favor the framework for improved bilateral elements that join us over those that relations. make us different.” At the conclusion of the Council, Mogherini stressed at a NEW COOPERATION press conference the importance AGREEMENTS of the agreement, which “will now The main results of the EU-Cuba provide new opportunities to foster Joint Council included the signing of investment and trade exchange, a cooperation agreement aimed at and will allow to better support the promoting renewable energies in the Cuban economic and social updating Caribbean nation. process, as well as to contribute to its During the meeting, both parties sustainable development.” signed the agreement which will Mogherini also described the allocate 18 million Euros towards the agreement as “ a historical and development of power generation on positive step” that has allowed taking the island through clean energies. relations between Cuba and the The High Representative of the EU European bloc to a higher level. diplomacy also noted that another For his part, Rodríguez denounced agreement is being negotiated in the the blockade imposed by the United field of food safety and sustainable States against his country, which agriculture, and to support exchanges “continues to be the main obstacle as part of the European Year of for the full development of economic Cultural Heritage. and commercial ties between the EU According to the European and Cuba.” Commission, the EU nations are at He added that the government present the main foreign investors in of President Donald Trump has Cuba, from which they import goods strengthened the implementation amounting to 471 million Euros, and of that hostile policy, especially in to which they export goods totaling the financial field, with a strong over 2 billion Euros. Internet PHOTOS: 4 SOCIETY More Cuban Women in Politics By MartaDENIS

HAVANA.- The new organs of the Cuban Lawyer Ana María Mari Machado, 54, People’s Power, the Municipal, Provincial was elected Vice President of the National and National Assemblies, as well as the Assembly, and Miriam Brito Sarroca, 57, Council of State membership, show that was ratified as the ANPP secretary. more Cuban women are taking part in A total of 79 women are members of political decision-making. the People’s Power organs (24.5 percent), The electoral process started last 37 are presidents of the people’s councils year and concluded with the election of (constituencies) and 8 are presiding the new members of the People’s Power over their respective People’s Power National Assembly (ANPP), which is the Provincial Assemblies for the 2019-2023 supreme power of the State, as stipulated term. by the Cuban Constitution. The Council of State, which is the The National Assembly, the only supreme representation of the Cuban body in Cuba that is vested with both government, is presided over by Miguel constituent and legislative authority, Díaz-Canel. It also consists of one first represents the Cuban people’s sovereign vice president and five vice presidents, will and its members are voted on every of whom 3 are women –one serving for five years, the Constitution explains. another term. Of the other members of Established on April 18 and 19, the the Council of State, 12 are women –five ninth legislature consists of the 605 serving for the second time. members elected on March 11, 2018, of which 322 are women, accounting for WHO ARE THE WOMEN IN THE 53.22 percent. This is an unprecedented COUNCIL OF STATE? Leydimara de la CaridadCÁRDENAS event in the history of the Cuban Among the reelected women are Parliament. Teresa María Amarelle Boué, 54, president The youngest of them all, Leydimara of the Federation of Cuban Women, and de la Caridad Cárdenas Isasi, a 19-year- Susely Morfa González, 35, president old technician and district delegate, read of the Young Communist League. the parliamentarian deputies’ oath. Meanwhile, the newly elected members Different generations of Cuban include hammer thrower, Yipsy Moreno women are represented in the new González, 37, one of the country’s Parliament, whose average age is 49 sporting figures. (13.66 percent are under 30); while 87.5 In addition, important Cuban percent are university graduates and 51.8 ministries continue to be headed by are black and mixed-race women. women. The new Council of Ministers Additionally, 55.59 % of them are will be announced before the National constituency delegates and 66.14 were Assembly during an ordinary session elected for the first time. in July. TonyHERNÁNDEZ PHOTO: HEALTH & SCIENCE 5

Operation Miracle, a Project for Those in Need

By ReinaMAGDARIAGA In spite of the difficulties, he added, Cuba has leading-edge technology made HAVANA.- A humanitarian project implemented in in developed countries such as Japan, Cuba 14 years ago has restored vision to more than China, Germany, Italy and France. “Actually, three million patients from 34 countries. if we could buy that technology in our The architects of this initiative, the historic leader of region, the costs would be lower but, the Cuban Revolution (1926-2016), and the fortunately, we can get them,” Ríos noted. leader of the Bolivarian Revolution Hugo Chávez (1954- 2013), made true the dream of returning the vision to OPERATION MIRACLE GOES FAR patients from Latin America and other regions that BEYOND CUBA cannot afford an eye surgery. In its early years Operation Miracle was Millions of appointments and consultations have only implemented in Cuba, but thanks been offered to identify the cases that require surgery, to the formation of human resources, the deputy director of the Ramón Pando Ferrer Cuban we thought it was more convenient and Ophthalmology Institute (ICO), Reinaldo Ríos Caso, told cheaper to take the services directly to The Havana Reporter. the patients, the official indicated. “This is one of the activities that provided a major For that reason, he said, boost to ophthalmology in Cuba. This is why when I ophthalmological centers were created am asked who are the most benefited from Operation in other countries, such as Venezuela, Miracle, I reply: ophthalmology studies and the Cuban Bolivia, and Nicaragua, among others. patients,” the director commented. Our role is to send ophthalmologists, “We had this incredible and accelerated training of technicians, optometrists and nurses. specialists; almost 900 were trained in four to five years. In addition to the Central American, Likewise, the latest technology was introduced at the Caribbean and South American countries, time and was spread nationwide,” he said. our services also benefit some African nations, including Angola and , POPULATION AGING AND EYE HEALTH among others. The aging population in Cuba has been confirmed Ríos mentioned that the Cuban by the latest studies, which show that over 20% of the Ophthalmology Institute plans to continue national population is above 60 years old. developing leading-edge technology as This biological process is connected with the part of its work projections. At present, he appearance of vision problems such as cataracts, which said, we have the latest equipment used in make vision difficult, Ríos added. cataracts surgery: the femtosecond laser- There are other afflictions such as glaucoma, assisted, the most accurate until now. diabetic retinopathy, detached retina, age-related According to the World Health macular degeneration, dry eyes and dropped eyelids, Organization, there are about 285 million commented Ríos, who is also a member of the Cuban people in the world who suffer from visual Ophthalmology Society’s board of directors. impairment. Of these, 39 million are blind “In summary, the visual system is prone to diseases and 246 million have little vision. typical of old age and we are prepared to effectively cope Eighty percent of the total number of with them, which are likely to be ever more apparent visually-impaired cases in the world can be

among our aging population,” he stressed. PL PHOTOS: prevented or cured, the UN organization said.

Cuban Zoo Exhibits New Species By AnaLauraARBESU According to the press release, once the quarantine period is over, HAVANA.- The Cuban National Zoo similar exchanges will be conducted received a donation of 42 animals of with Mexican zoos. 13 species from Guatemala, including The Cuban National Zoo is located the Orix Cimitarra antelope, which in Boyeros municipality, a region had not been exhibited at the zoo for with a markedly varied topography several years now. that allows for the creation of the Three specimens of Bengal tigers appropriate conditions for the and several species of primates – animals. including spider monkeys, capuchin The entity, which exhibits monkeys and baboons, among others specimens from almost all over the –were brought from Guatemala’s La world, received a donation from Aurora Zoo. Namibia at the beginning of this The new collection also consists decade: 144 animals of 22 different of several birds, including some species. specimens of black swans and several Known as Noah’s Ark, the donation species of parrots, such as “the white- included the transfer of antelopes, crowned,” never seen on the island. elephants, rhinoceros, vultures, In a press release, the scientific ostriches, hyenas, lions, leopards and and cultural institution referred to porcupines, among others. the importance of increasing the In December 2014, the institution number of primates in the country welcomed heads of state and and highlighted the significance representatives of the Caribbean of this exchange. This, they noted, Community (CARICOM), who toured allows the recovery, reproduction the zoo as part of the activities and conservation of species without conducted prior to the 5th CARICOM damaging their environment. Summit held in Havana. Courtesy of the Zoo PHOTO: 6 SPOTLIGHT Artes de Cuba Wins U.S. Capital By MarthaANDRES Ambassador CABAÑAS

WASHINGTON.- Cuban artists' López-Gavilán, an artist who was performances at the Kennedy acclaimed because of his virtuosity Center in D.C. have been met with at the piano with Pacheco, told hearty ovations and strong interest. The Havana Reporter. The John F. Kennedy Center for Visual arts also had a great the Performing Arts is the venue of impact on the audience. The works this event which showcases about exhibited represent some of the 400 Cuban artists and singers – over most renowned Cuban artists from 200 of them living in Cuba, and the the island, such as Manuel Mendive, rest, from the United States and Roberto Fabelo and Roberto Diago, other countries. and talented artists living in the “Culture has been a bridge of United States, such as José Parlá and commitment between Cuba and the Emilio Pérez. United States, and we hope that this “Dialogue, hugs and understanding continues to be the case,” said Cuban between people are essential and ambassador José Ramón Cabañas at effective; it’s important that these the opening of the festival on May 8. happen, and I hope more activities The festival features music, visual between Cuba, the United States and arts, theater, dance, films, design the world come up because of this,” and fashion shows. stated Mendive of the festival, which “In Cuba, we still believe that closes on June 3rd. to be cultured is the only way to The Kennedy Center also be really free,” the ambassador welcomed the Malpaso Company said at the beginning of the gala, and its contemporary style, as well which featured the performances as the Irene Rodríguez Company of singers Omara Portuondo and and its strong flamenco style, in Aymée Nuviola; pianists Aldo López- representation of the dance field, Gavilán and Jorge Luis Pacheco, and in addition to the Cuban National the Miguel Faílde orchestra. Ballet and its stunning classical “We gave 11 performances in style. five days,” Ethiel Fernández Faílde, “Being here and having the director of the aforementioned opportunity to share with the orchestra, told The Havana great U.S. audience, and that they Reporter, adding that the festival can learn about the Cuban art, has was an important showcase for been an achievement for all,” Irene Cuban music, particularly the Rodríguez commented about their danzón, the country’s national participation in the event. dance. The theater was also present on In relation to the world of the stage through the El Público music, a wide-ranging number of group - which performed the work performances were conducted, The Bitter Tears of Petra Von Kant – including classical works, jazz and Argos Teatro – which performed and popular dance music. These the piece 10 millions. performances featured Lyceum A screening of six films on the Mozartiano de La Habana; Yissy and occasion of the 40th anniversary Bandancha, and the famous Los Van of the Latin American New Film Van orchestra, among other artists Festival, a fashion show by the Arte and bands. Moda project, and a poster exhibit, “Let’s hope that as a result of this were also included among the festival, other doors open; that the activities conducted as part of the cultural ties grow stronger, and not festival: the major cultural event only the cultural ties, but relations dedicated to Cuba in the United between the two countries too,” States. SPOTLIGHT 7 PL PHOTOS: 8 CULTURE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT [email protected] (THR is not responsible for any changes made by sponsoring organizations)

UPCOMING Lizt Alfonso´s Dance Company (Jun. 1-3 & 8-10) EVENTS

Laura Alonso´s Circuba Festival (Jun. 24-29) Ballet Company (Jun. 15-17)

30th International Festival de Oro (Jun. 19-24) LATIN AMERICA &THE CARIBBEAN 9

Cuban Scientific Center will Strengthen Climate Change Resilience By NeisaMESA on weather forecasts and climate change, CIEGO DE AVILA.- The weather as well as for center recently opened here providing technical will be responsible for the assistance and new workshops Cuba conducts for technical-scientific Caribbean nations on the topic services to sectors of facing climate change. of the economy and For two years now, the island society. has been conducting courses The institution, to specialists of the Caribbean she noted, will be an Community (CARICOM) on essential tool for the the reduction of disasters, management of risks an initiative former Cuban of disaster and for the president Raúl Castro proposed adaptation to climate during the Fifth CARICOM change, in view Summit, held in Havana in 2014. of the Caribbean Cuban Minister of Science, region’s sustainable Technology and Environment development. Elba Rosa Pérez pointed out that “Natural disasters the new scientific institution, in the region are located in Ciego de Avila province, increasing and we has the conditions, leading-edge need to be well prepared in proximity of phenomena such phenomenon, so that decisions aimed at strengthening the technology and competent staff advance in order to limit human as hurricanes. can be taken in the due time and overall weather service. to conduct such courses. and material losses,” she stressed. This technology also allows everything is ready to face the We also work in close “We are confident that it can For his part, researcher continuous weather surveillance event,” stressed Benedico. coordination with the ministries become an excellent convention Oscar Benedico, director of the and faster data transmission He also indicated that they of Agriculture and Tourism, center in Cuba’s central region weather center, commented which will contribute to agro- count on a highly-experienced important economic sectors of for the training of future that the center´s leading-edge meteorological issues. staff, which guaranteesthe territory, on future climate specialists in this scientific field,” equipment allows the use “Today, we have all the precision when offeringpatterns related to climate she said. of higher-precision forecast conditions created to inform weather forecasts, in addition change, so that they can adapt Pérez added that this is an models, in addition to an early the population and the state to conducting national and appropriately and mitigate ideal location for holding events warning system that detects the institutions about any potential provincial studies and projects damages. power oftheexhibit. - were alsopart whose plant issedative andhasitsown cigars – which are always respected, and communities, roots, plants, and cactuses, well aselements oftheindigenous Mendieta andthework Mendieta sheconducted Ana artist performance American Chilean Cecilia Acuña, includingCuban- Argentinean Cesar Paternosto, and Carlos Cardillo; Capellán andRimer Uruguayansand Lothar Baumgarten; Lang, Nikolaus Rainer Wittenborn aesthetic’ intheirworks since the1990s. who have included ‘ethnographic work by agroup artists, ofcontemporary ofthe Cuba, ispart 1956)conducted research Leandro Soto(Cienfuegos, of thisexhibit, says that thecultural The pipesaboriginals smoke, as In this sense,In Pujalá refers to Germans PhD Pujalá, Grisel oneofthecurators 10 IN SEARCH OF MEANINGS CULTURE Tabasco, Mexico (1993). contributionresearch to and hisartistic forInstitute hisanthropological oftheNational Indigenous Distinction acknowledgements, suchas the He hasalsobeengranted several United States, and Havana. India in universitieslectures from the amongotherplaces.New Delhi, Arizona, Milwaukee, Ohio, Jamaicaand scholarshipsin been granted artistic over 20 exhibits inthelastdecade, has that’s constantly changing.” as atestimony ofacreative process long forgotten… work canbe seen His communities to save stories that were meanings andinvestigates different traveler and observer, he searches for with theirown style.” in the1970sand1980s, “each ofthem, As aprofessor, hehasconducted Leandro Soto, whohasconducted thecaseofthis artist, In “as a from the Caribbean as a whole –basic based onanapproach from theSouth, shared hisvision,teachings andlearnings and imagesby thepainter-pilgrim, who formats, showed asetofmythologies experiences. philosophical traditions, amongother from Arizona (USA), andeven theIndian in Peru; the Tohono O’odham’s vision inspired by Picchu the Machu sanctuary Building recently, includingpaintings exhibited thiswork at theCuban Art the artist’s travels around theworld. and experiences, whichare theresult of Chronicles) shows ofcultures amixture Soto’s exhibit ‘Crónicas visuales’ (Visual Chronicles & his Colorful Leandro Soto Cuban Artist HAVANA.- The exhibit, whichcomprised different The National Fine Museum Arts By AmeliaROQUE Cuban artist LeandroCuban artist commented. comic, whichisdifferent,” theartist offerings are made ofa following thestyle that are beingchanneled, andthe The goldenlinessymbolize theenergies can approach itinsearch ofprotection. elements andofferings. tree in a combination of lines, African oncanvas theceiba that portrays an acrylic like pieces included inthiswork, ‘Ancestros’, highlighted ofsomethe thepeculiarities told The Havana. artist Reporter can share itwithdifferent generations,” the summarizes several years of research, and I the complexities oflife. present for people to somehow interpret foundations that have until the survived As the ceiba “is a sacred tree, you After touring theexhibition, Soto exhibit becauseit isanimportant “This INTERACTION WITH THE WORKS

PHOTO: PL PHOTO FEATURE 11 Cuba Promotes New Recreational Options for Tourists

Text & Photo by SahayETAYO

CIEGO DE AVILA.- The Rocarena Climbing Park, located in the northern keys of the Ciego de Avila province, is the only of its type in Cuba. The park was opened as part of strategies aimed at offering new recreational activities to national and foreign visitors. The center, situated in Cayo Coco, is certified by the German company TuvSud and run by the Cuban Group Palmares. The park includes 90 different types of horizontal climbing attractions of varying degrees of difficulty. Rocarena is 13 meters high, distributed among three levels and 18 flagpoles, each measuring 32 meters. The recreational center has a capacity of 120 people. Courtesy of Cuban Speleologists Courtesy of Cuban PHOTOS: 12 POLITICS

USA-LATIN AMERICA Revival of Operation Condor? The intention of this operation at the time was to Operation Condor, though now it is implemented silence the opposition’s voice through murder, torture through the judicial coup. and disappearances. At present this plan uses many “When a left president or governments that opposes different ways to politically disqualify the left. the policy of plunder emerges, these coups are staged,” A new Operation Condor is in force in the region, said Morales wrote in his Twitter account. former Ecuadorian president Rafael Correa, who added The Bolivian president himself was the target of that now, through false accusations of corruption, these a media war in 2015 aimed at damaging the center of plans try to delegitimize former presidents with the gravity of the process of change. purpose of damaging their reputation and pushing A defamation campaign tried to damage the image them out of the electoral arena. of Bolivia’s first indigenous head of state, in spite of the The most recent case is that of the Brazilian Workers’ major beneficial changes made in that country since Party (PT) founder, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, imprisoned Morales took power. following an order of first-instance judge Sergio Suffices to say that in about a decade, Bolivia Moro,after being sentenced by a court to 12 years and was removed from the list of South America’s most one month of imprisonment for an alleged case of underdeveloped countries and became the first in the corruption - without any evidence. region’s economic growth. In that period, over 2 million Lula’s detention caused a wave of uproar in the region, people were lifted out of poverty. where political leaders denounced that the true intention President Morales has pointed out that OAS Secretary of the process against the former Brazilian president was General Luis Almagro is behind the plans against the left to prevent him from running as candidate in the new and progressive governments. presidential elections, to take place in October. The reimplementation in Latin America of methods Until now and in spite of his illegal imprisonment, the used in the past to generate chaos and violence and PT founder leads the opinion polls, with a great advantage create a pretext for a U.S. intervention is a topic that has over the extreme right-wing candidate Jair Bolsonaro. also been raised by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Lula’s persecution is a new stage of the judicial “The Right, both in Venezuela and in the region, is parliamentary coup conceived by the Brazilian senate encouraged by the Operation Condor, which hopes to in 2016 against president Dilma Rousseff, accused of an take us back to the time of control, of plunder. That’s the alleged violation of the fiscal norms. oligarchy we have in our country,” Maduro once said. By CarmenESQUIVEL Rousseff, democratically elected by over 54 million Some experts consider that there are similarities people, was removed by the senate with 61 votes in between the dirty war waged on the Bolivarian HAVANA.- False accusations and media campaigns have favor and 28 against. Revolution in Venezuela and what the Chilean newspaper been launched against Latin American governments to This kind of ‘soft’ or ‘gentle’ coup – because the military ‘El Mercurio’ did from 1970 to 1973 against the democratic remove their leaders from the political life, a strategy force is not used –had already been staged in 2012 in government of president . that many consider a revival of the Condor Plan - though Paraguay against the then president Fernando Lugo, who Forty years after the mass repressions and the coups the methods are different from its earlier iteration. was removed from his post as a result of an express trial d’état staged in South America, history repeats itself, This plan, also known as Condor Operation was promoted at the Parliament by the opposition. although today other methods are used to destabilize implemented in the Southern Cone from 1970 to 1980 by In relation to the campaign against the Latin the governments, including the psychological war, the military regimes sponsored by the United States with the America´s progressive governments, Bolivian president media campaigns, the promotion of street violence and purpose of eliminating the opposition, mainly from the left. Evo Morales warned that the region faces a second incitement to discontent and social disobedience. Mike Pompeo’s Daunting Tasks The worsening of the Middle East policies on topics such as drugs, the JCPOA was an important achievement By RobertoGARCIA conflict as a result of the escalation of immigration and security, and especially in terms of the non-proliferation of aggressive actions against on Venezuela. nuclear weapons, as well as in the field of Syria and Iran, as well as On July 2017, when he was still the international diplomacy. Washington’s withdrawal CIA director, Pompeo openly said at Another issue that has occupied much from the nuclear pact an event on security held at the Aspen of Pompeo’s time is the arrangement with the Persian nation Institute, in Colorado: “We strongly of the summit between Trump and and the transfer of the U.S. hope that a transition can take place in the leader of the People’s Democratic embassy to Jerusalem, Venezuela and the CIA is doing its best to Republic of Korea (PDRK) Kim Jong-un, to are some of the matters understand the dynamics there.” be held on June 12 in Singapore. the new head of the U.S. Another controversial issue in In over a month, the U.S. Secretary diplomacy must address. hemispheric relations is the North of State travelled twice to Pyongyang. These topics have American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), The most recent visit took place on reduced the former CIA which Trump considers to be absolutely May 9 and 10, after which he returned director´s time and energy negative to U.S. interests. to Washington with three U.S. citizens to tackle issues related who were imprisoned there. They were to the Latin American THE MIDDLE EAST & THE KOREAN released by the North Korean authorities and Caribbean countries. PENINSULA as a gesture of goodwill. Some experts consider Pompeo will be very busy with the In light of these events, few analysts HAVANA.- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to be Trump’s most loyal policy topic of the Middle East, particularly expect that links between the United Pompeo must solve many difficult tasks executor in the region. after the White House announcement States and Latin America will improve in in his role as one of the main ‘firefighters’ The new Secretary of State has taken on May 8 when Trump stated his country the coming months. Rather, specialists on and executors of President Donald his post at a time in which Washington’s would withdraw from the so-called Joint the topic predict a virtual neglect of the Trump’s policies, which have been links with Latin America and the Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) region. described as erratic and contradictory on Caribbean are characterized by high signed in 2015 between Iran and the Group Nevertheless, it seems the U.S. is occasions. levels of mutual distrust, as a result of 5+1 (United States, United Kingdom, able to find the time to implement and Pompeo officially took on his position Trump’s xenophobic statements and France, Russia and China, plus Germany). strengthen any measures in the region on May 2 after receiving the endorsement controversial stance. Washington’s withdrawal from the aimed at advancing their interests, of the Senate (on April 26) by 57 votes in Experts consider Pompeo’s stance pact caused widespread rejection among namely aggressive policies against favor and 42 against – one of the closest to be more conservative than that of his the international community, including any nation or progressive movement margins in the recent history of Secretary predecessor – Rex Tillerson–suggesting Secretary General of the that might interfere with Washington’s of State endorsements. he is capable of implementing tougher António Guterres, who commented that hegemonic wishes. ECONOMY 13

Mariel Container Terminal: For a More Competitive Foreign Trade

By IvetteFERNANDEZ significant increase compared to last year’s traffic, Baker indicated. HAVANA.- The Mariel Container In fact, last year the entity Terminal, located in the Special operated 335 TEU, which was 2% Development Zone was granted more than in 2016. the Authorized Economic “At present, 26 movements per Operator (AEO) certificate, which crane-hour are being conducted will contribute to increasing there on average. Thus, if a ship the terminal’s efficiency and needs one thousand movements competitive capacitites. and two cranes are used, the Charles Baker, general operations finish in 24 hours,” manager of the entity, said that Baker said, this endorsement will allow Equipped with camera meeting the clients’ safety systems, sensors and safety standards. mechanisms, the terminal The terminal is located in includes different facilities and the northern region of Artemisa state-of-the-art technology. province, about 45 kilometers At present, the entity is run by west of Havana. the company PSA International, of AEO is a condition through Singapore – a world leader in port which the terminal is considered development, investment and a safe and reliable port operator operation. in Cuba’s foreign trade’s chain of The Mariel Special supply. Development Zone covers 465 After conducting an square kilometers and has, at inspection, the General Customs present, 34 clients and one dealer of the Republic of Cuba (AGR) - whose productions and services decided to grant the certificate will be offered either to the local to the terminal for a three-year market or to export. period. The entity’s priorities include “This shows that the entity is the design of strategies aimed adequately meeting the safety at attracting investment in the standards and its customs and tax country, which is done through obligations,” said Idalmis Rosales, incentives, including customs tax AGR Deputy Director. exemption.

“Recognition from other EmilioHERRERA PHOTOS: international customs entities will allow speeding up the arrangements of the import and export processes, and will make them more efficient,” Baker noted. The official also highlighted that the terminal aims to become an entity of reference for the transfer of goods in the region. Since the opening of the port, in 2014, investments have been directed towards extending the dock, developing the road infrastructure and dredging the bay. The latter will allow the entry of deep draft ships to the port; CharlesBAKER that is, the entry of the so-called Pospanamax ships, which are 335 meters long. With that purpose in mind, for the rest of the year and during the first nine months of 2019, dredging will be conducted. After that, a transfer traffic could be established in Cuba, the official said. In order to start these operations, talks are being held with some shipping companies. The Mariel Container Terminal looks forward to operating 340, 000 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) by the end of this year. Such a figure would constitute a 14 REGIONAL AFFAIRS

Cuba to Focus on Inequality & the Caribbean Region as ECLAC President

By MasielFERNANDEZ which acknowledges people as the core of a HAVANA.- Cuba, as temporary president sustainable development. of the ECLAC, has defined the fight We will strive to promote against inequality and a renewed focus unity within diversity,” the on the Caribbean region as major pillars president stressed. of its two-year term. For his part, Cuban “We take on the pro-tempore Minister of Foreign Trade presidency of the Economic Commission and Investment Rodrigo for Latin American and the Caribbean Malmierca highlighted (ECLAC) with great commitment and that the country will pay awareness of the challenges we are facing, closer attention to the and we are focused on further promoting topic of inequality during cooperation among the countries of the the presidency of the region,” stated Cuban president Miguel Commission. Díaz-Canel during his speech at the 37th “Our country, as well session of ECLAC, held in Havana at the as ECLAC, is of the opinion beginning of May. that we are facing a key “We will concentrate our efforts in issue: no development supporting ECLAC’s vocation to attain can be reached without a fair, equitable and inclusive world, equality, just like equality

cannot be President MiguelDIAZ-CANEL PL PHOTOS: achieved without development,” which can be reached according to Cuba is part of the Caribbean. Cuba has the minister told the press Cuba’s perspective. In fact, the island is expressed its willingness to support the in the framework of the one of the few countries that fulfilled Caribbean.” meeting, held from May the commitments previously made “The island is an important leader 7-11. as part of the so-called Millennium in many of the areas promoted by the The official noted that Development Goals, endorsed by the ECLAC, and I would say that it also has there are also similarities United Nations. that beauty, as former president Raúl between the United The minister emphasized that Castro said here during the ECLAC Nations’ sustainable implementing the goals is difficult for summit, of how we integrate, of how development goals for many developing countries, due in part we join together as part of our diversity; 2030 (SDGs) and Cuba’s to the challenges related to neoliberal unity within diversity,” she stressed. goals, as stated in the globalization, whose devastating effects Bárcena added that as mentioned medium-term plan and increase inequality and misery in the during the ECLAC meeting, Latin America the conceptualization of world. and the Caribbean is a peace zone, a the national economic “As part of the pro-tempore region with a huge potential to achieve and social development presidency of ECLAC, we will endeavor a higher integration, especially in view model. to support the search for solutions,” the of the complex multilateralism and the The idea then is minister indicated, while recalling the uncertain global scenario. to modestly support particularly complex situation the insular The Caribbean faces problems that the the efforts ECLAC and Caribbean states face because of their region as a whole should address as part of other organizations – vulnerability to climate effects. their solidarity, including its vulnerability to including the Community Rich countries try to reduce the natural disasters and the foreign debt, she of Latin American and economic development measurement commented. Caribbean States (CELAC) criteria in relation to macro-economic “The entire region should declare its – are making to promote indicators such as the Gross Domestic solidarity with this area. Cuba has done regional cooperation and Product, but that is insufficient, he so, and doing it in Cuba is very important. integration, he added. commented. All the ECLAC meetings, from now on, will According to the Meanwhile, ECLAC Executive Secretary deal with the topic of the Caribbean in expert, the SDG include Alicia Bárcena told The Havana Reporter, their first session. I think that’s essential,” Minister RodrigoMARMIERCA ambitious objectives, “we are really optimistic, first of all because she concluded. SPORTS 15

WORLD FOOTBALL CUP Brazil & Argentina: The Face of Latin America in Russia

By YasielCANCIO world, neither Maradona nor Pelé won a & MoisésPEREZ world cup on their own. No matter how much fans try to glorify the legends, HAVANA/BRASILIA.- As has been the both players depended a lot on the case for years now, the Brazilian and performance of their teammates – Argentinean teams will be Latin America’s goalkeepers, defenders, mid-fielders and greatest hope during the World Football forwards. Cup. The upcoming games will take place That’s precisely the point in which in several Russian cities from June 14 to Argentina fails, although nobody can July 15. forget that this country is the present Sixty years after winning the Jules world runner-up – after being defeated Rimet Cup in Sweden, the Brazilian by the powerful and fearful German squad will arrive in the Land of the Tsars team in the Brazilian 2014 final by 1-0, in convinced that under the guidance of overtime. Adenor Leonardo Bacchi “Tite”, winning The Argentineans don’t take real the world cup is possible. advantage of the fact that they are When introducing the 23 men that blessed by having Messi on their squad. will wear the “verdeamarelha” shirt, the And in several instances, many world Brazilian manager praised the level of his class players preferred to leave all the athletes, based on “the games they played responsibility to the genius from Rosario during the South American qualifying instead of optimizing the game and tournament and the friendly matches so diversifying tactical variants. (Confusing far held, and on the team’s consistency.” and I don’t understand) Only Thiago Silva, Marcelo, In the qualifying rounds of the Fernandinho, Paulinho, William and Russian World Cup, Argentina was able to Neymar Junior know what competing qualify just by pure chance – in the last in this kind of event is like, in which, phase of the South American qualifying according to Tite, the psychological and tournaments. It seemed unbelievable. emotional factors are essential. The superstars played as plebeians and Of the 23 players selected, only six the prestigious coaches turned into are champions of the Confederations obsessed conservatives. Everybody Cup and four have won the Olympic walked up and down the runway of title, including Neymar, the figurehead shame. Only Messi was able to save the of a squad in which the absence of right honor of the two-time world champion. winger Dani Alves – because of an injury And now what? With Jorge Sampaoli – will no doubt be felt. as manager of the team, it seems a time of According to Rodrigo Lasmar, the progress and improvement would begin. team’s doctor, Neymar is recovering from But everything remains almost the same: a toe surgery and will be ready to play Argentina is playing poorly and depends in the friendly match against on Messi. scheduled for June 3 in Liverpool, the While Brazil is the main candidate to United Kingdom. the world title in Russia 2018, together In the Russian World Cup, Brazil will with Germany, Spain and France, the compete in Group E, where it will have to Argentinean squad also has chances of face Switzerland on June 17; Costa Rica on winning the title, though in order to get the 22nd, and on the 27 in order to to the podium, all the stars should play have a chance at their sixth world title – a together. dream that, according to a poll conducted That is, Di María should avoid injuries by the MDA Institute, 51.9 percent of the during the crucial moments of the Brazilians think can come true. championship; Higuaín, Agüero and the Argentina, for its part, will have to face forward players should send the ball to a lot of uncertainties in Russia. the back of the net – and not to the stands For Lionel Messi, the team’s main – defenders and Mascherano should leader, the World Cup will be essential to work closer and avoid the “leaks”, and his hopes to sit at the same table as Pelé Sampaoli’s offensive should understand, and Maradona. According to critics, he once and for all, the meaning of the word must win a world title in order to beat- or ‘teamwork’. even reach – those football gods. For the time being, the ‘crack’ “I hope football pays me back its debt,” promised to travel all the 70 kilometers the star of the FC Barcelona club said at that separate his native town of Rosario the end of 2017. Messi is considered by from the sanctuary of the Virgin of San most of the experts as the best footballer Nicolás if he’s able to lift the trophy of of the recent decade and one of the most champion on behalf of his country. brilliant of all time. But no matter how many matches he wins - with sublime genius - as part of his progress as a player, Messi has a clear maxim: football is a team sport. Nevertheless, it will be a challenging tournament for Argentina this year. In spite of being canonized in their respective countries and all over the 16