Cuba takes centre-stage at the 19th World Festival (Photos)

Source:  TeleSUR
October 22 2017

Russia Hosts the World Festival of Youth and Students

IN PICTURES: More than 20,000 young people from 150 countries are attending the event in Sochi.

The festival has as its theme, “For peace, solidarity and social justice, we struggle against imperialism. Honoring our past, we build the future!”

During the week-long event, discussions are focusing on global political issues, ranging from the fight against xenophobia in the United States to student movements, as well as health and education.

The World Federation of Democratic Youth founded the gathering to combat fascism and imperialism after World War II.

This year’s WFYS is dedicated to Cuba’s revolutionary leader Fidel Castro, for his “legacy, and contributions to … such festivals and the defense of their founding principles,” said Radio Havana.Photo:@CubanitoenCuba

Cuban delegate Rafael Bogonin said, “At a time when Latin American countries are facing a resurgence of hegemonic capitalism, Cuba stands out as a beacon of hope, an example for revolutionary youth”Photo:@CubanitoenCuba

Youth enjoy the many cultural events. Sochi Jazz and the People’s Artist of Russia will also perform.Photo:@CubanitoenCuba

Singers from Cuba entertain the youth participants as part of the evening events at the WFSY.

People from 150 countries are taking part in the event.Photo:Reuters

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin delivers a speech during the festival in Sochi.Photo:Reuters

Youth from across the world condemn U.S. imperialism

Source:  Granma
October 19 2017

By Lissy Rodríguez, Special correspondent | internet@granma.cu

October 18 saw the International Anti-imperialist Tribunal, a space created to denounce imperialist crimes, as part of the 19th World Festival of Youth and  Students

Photo: Prensa Latina

SOCHI, Russia.– October 18 saw the International Anti-imperialist Tribunal, a space created to denounce imperialist crimes, as part of the 19th World Festival of Youth and Students.

Terrorist acts that the United States has perpetrated against Cuba

The Cuban case was presented by Elián González, who referred to the more than 700 terrorist acts that the United States has perpetrated against Cuba resulting in thousands of dead and injured.

He stressed that subversion on the island involves non-governmental organizations, universities, USAID, counterrevolutionary representatives and Freedom House, considered a vehicle for the work of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency. From 1996 through 2015, Elián noted, USAID allocated 284 million dollars to its Cuba program.

The Sahrawi people

Omar Hanesa, representing the Sahrawi people, denounced the illegal Moroccan occupation of their land and demanded justice for the crimes committed against them over decades. He also called for the release of political prisoners sentenced to more than 20 years for defending their people’s cause.

Related:  Cuba Backs Independence for Africa’s Sahrawi People

More than 150 unpunished murders

Similarly, Angela Correa from Colombia denounced the more than 150 unpunished murders of young communists at the hands of government agents in her country, and demanded an observation mission in the face of the avalanche of violence. In addition, she condemned the attacks on Venezuela and the increased military presence in the nine U.S. bases on Colombian soil.

During the day, witnesses from countries such as Brazil and North Korea also lodged their complaints before the Anti-imperialist Tribunal.

Huge solidarity with Cuba in World Festival of Youth and Students

Source:  Cuban News Agency
October 16 2017

A day filled with signs of infinite love, admiration and respect for Cuba was experienced at the XIX World Festival of Youth and Students underway here, a day in which many ratified their condemnation of the unjust US blockade against Cuba.

In a workshop on solidarity with Cuba and Venezuela, and by panelists from both countries, the auditorium was full, with the presence of Aleida Guevara, the daughter of Ernesto Che Guevara, who expressed her pride in being invited to the international forum and narrated her experiences, as pediatrician, on how the blockade affects Cuban children.

Aleidita, as Che called her affectionately, said that the blockade cannot be quantified in material damages, since these are immense and it harms the Cuban people to a great extent; even those who do not yet have a political thought or criterion, such as children, she said.

Out of the 10 new drugs that hit the markets every year, eight come from US companies and sometimes Cuba must have go through several intermediaries to acquire them; not to mention that sanctions range from millions of dollars in fines to a ban on selling them to the Cuban nation.

Referring to everything Cuba does for humankind, Guevara affirmed that if she feels useful is because she was raised as a woman of the Revolution, to which the public responded with an effusive applause, a sign of that affection and respect towards her father, who is also dedicated to the world.

Rafael Bogoni, Executive Secretary of the Latin American and Caribbean Continental Organization of Students, stressed that Cuba’s resistance to the blockade for more than half a century is an example for the world and, at the same time, a political beacon of struggle.

He reiterated that the small Caribbean nation represents a model to be followed by all and therefore deserves many signs of solidarity; while adding that the fact that the world event is dedicated to Fidel and Che shows what Cuba is for those who struggle for sovereignty.