Ceremony to mark 40th anniversary of Operation Carlota
The ceremony to mark the 40th anniversary of Cuba’s internationalist mission in Angola was presided over by the First Vice President ofthe Councils of Stateand Ministers,Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, EstebanLazo,president of the Cubanparliament,andother members of the Party’s Politburo
Author: Redacción Digital | internet@granma.cu
november 5, 2015 09:11:26

Photo: Ramón Pacheco Salazar
As a symbol of Cuba’s internationalism, a cultural-political act and military parade to commemorate the solidarity and military support of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Cuba to the People’s Republic of Angola was held today, marking the 40th anniversary of the start of Operation Carlota.
At the former Triunvirato sugar plantation in Matanzas, now the RebelSlaveMuseum, the ceremony was presided over by theFirst Vice President ofthe Councils of Stateand Ministers, Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, EstebanLazo,president of the Cubanparliament,andother members of the Party’s Politburo.
At the start of the cultural-political act and military parade, a floral wreath was laid at the monument to the fallen, sent by Fidel and Raúl.
The Cuban military mission in Angola was named Operation Carlota in honor of the legendary rebel slave of the Triunvirato sugar plantation, Carlota, who led one of the largest slave rebellions in Cuba, which took place on November 5, 1843.
Guests at the ceremony included members of the diplomatic corps and the military diplomatic corps accredited in Cuba, internationalist combatants of the FAR and Minint, a representation of the families of the martyrs killed in internationalist missions, a delegation from the Republic of Angola and the Five Cuban anti-terrorist heroes.
Meanwhile, the diplomatic corps of the African nation recalled the feats of the Cuban and Angolan forces and reaffirmed the eternal gratitude of the Angolan people to the Cuban heroes who gave their lives during the mission. In the words of Raúl Castro, “The supreme glory and merit belong to the Cuban people, the real protagonists of this epic feat.”

Ceremonia de la bandera en el acto político-cultural y parada militar por aniversario 40 del inicio de la misión militar internacionalista de Cuba en la República de Angola, Operación Carlota, efectuado en los predios del antiguo ingenio Triunvirato, en el municipio Limonar, en Matanzas, Cuba. Foto: AIN

Parada militar en el acto por el aniversario 40 del inicio de la misión militar internacionalista de Cuba en la República de Angola, Operación Carlota, efectuado en los predios del antiguo ingenio Triunvirato, en el municipio Limonar, en Matanzas, Cuba. Foto: AIN

Jóvenes integrantes de la Policía Nacional Revolucionaria en la Parada militar por el aniversario 40 del inicio de la misión militar internacionalista de Cuba en la República de Angola, Operación Carlota, efectuado en los predios del antiguo ingenio Triunvirato, en el municipio Limonar, en Matanzas, Cuba. Foto: AIN

Carmen Lidia Madem y Danza Espiral, en el momento del acto político-cultural y Parada militar por el aniversario 40 del inicio de la misión militar internacionalista de Cuba en la República de Angola, Operación Carlota, efectuado en los predios del antiguo ingenio Triunvirato, en el municipio Limonar, en Matanzas, Cuba. Foto:

Elections in the US: Trump or Sanders?

by Ricardo Alarcón de Quesada
tranaslation Cuba -Network in Defense of Humanity

The nightmare that Trump could be defeated; but “Trumpism” continues to be a threat while the Empire exists. Sanders, probably would not receive the nomination but “Sanderism” will exist until the United States is a true democracy.

The public declarations of the multi billionaire and contender to the presidency of the United States, Donald Trump has amazed people around the world. By what he says and also his vulgar presence. The racism, arrogance and aggressiveness of his speech, plagued with lies and falsehoods and crude insults of the immigrants and Latin Americans and women make him anything but a statesman or politician partially sincere. To top it all off he intends to be the supreme commander if the largest super power in History.

Every day alarmed voices arise south of the Rio Bravo but also in Europe and other parts of the world. A candidate such as this in any of those countries would be punished with ridicule and jest and no one could imagine that he could win an election.

Although in the United States there is also a rejection of the Hispanics and women, they fortunately feel shame in face of this comic person.

What is true, according to surveys, Trump has rapidly become the main contender within the Republican Party. Every sign of arrogance and ignorance produces a substantial increase of support that now surpasses comfortably all the rest. Whatever the final result there is no doubt that until now, the publicity media show that is called ”political debate” of this unbelievable filthy rich person of becoming the most important protagonist. He is mentioned every day, articles are written about him; editorials; he is a reference and comparison of a dozen of rivals who follow him in the long distance and the most advantageous who would defeat the president by more than two digits.

On the Democratic front the results are also surprising. Against Hillary Clinton who looked unbeatable an unsuspected challenger presents himself: Senator Bernard Sanders. His is a veteran and, as independent, for 25 years is a representative of the Federal Congress of the small state of Vermont. Since his announcement to run in the election the “experts “and large press thought it was impossible.

Because Sanders is the only congressman of the country who defines himself as a “socialist” and calls for fundamental changes in health, education, social security and the environment and is opposed to the aggressive and interventionist policy of the Empire. His program goes no further from than the European social democracy that will bend to the neo-liberal dogma, but is a radical in a country in which President Obama is described as “communist”.

He doesn’t have the electoral machinery; his campaign depends on contributions of the common citizens and has rallied a growing number of young enthusiasts.

His public events with thousands of sympathizers widely surpass those of the other contenders and his Facebook page has 1,6 million who like Sanders and almost half a million more than Clinton and much more than
the other contenders, democrats of republicans.

In his words he has explained that “our campaign is about creating a political revolution that tells the multimillion classes they can’t have everything. This country, this country belongs to all of us”.

There is still a long way ahead for the parties to choose their candidates. Almost all discount Trump and Sanders.

But no one can ignore the contradictory phenomenon that both represent. It is worrying and hopeful at the same time. On the one hand the support of reactionary attitudes and on the other the potential renovation of the new generations.

The nightmare of Trump that could be defeated but “Trumpism “continues to be a threat while the Empire exists. Sanders will probably not achieve the nomination but “Sanderism
” exists until the United States becomes a true democracy.

Farewell to one of the most faithful revolutionaries

During the funeral service, the first honor guard was led by José Ramón Machado Ventura, second secretary of the Party Central Committee and vice president of the Councils of State and Ministers
Author: Yudy Castro Morales | internet@granma.cu
september 30, 2015 09:09:40

Floral wreaths were placed alongside the ashes of the outstanding revolutionary, Jorge Risquet, on behalf of the leader of the Cuban Revolution Fidel Castro and Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, President of the Councils of State and Ministers.

Photo: Jorge Luis González

The Cuban people paid posthumous tribute this Tuesday, September 29, to devoted revolutionary Jorge Risquet Valdés-Saldaña. The Veterans’ Pantheon at the Colón Cemetery is Havana, saw a moving tribute by family, friends, compañeros and important leaders of the Party and government.
During the funeral service, the first honor guard was led by José Ramón Machado Ventura, second secretary of the Party Central Committee and vice president of the Councils of State and Ministers; member of the Party Political Bureau Miguel Díaz-Canel, first vice president of the Councils of State and Ministers; and the Ministers of the Revolutionary Armed Forces, Corps General Leopoldo Cintra Frías; and the Heroine of the Republic of Cuba, Brigadier General Teté Puebla.
Other figures and friends also guarded the ashes of the prominent internationalist and founder of the Communist Party of Cuba, next to which were placed floral wreaths on behalf of the leader of the Cuban Revolution Fidel Castro and Army General Raúl Castro, President of the Councils of State and Ministers.
Similarly, wreaths were sent by the ambassadors of Algeria, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Benin, among others, as an undeniable sign of affection and consideration on the part of these African countries, which Jorge Risquet defended throughout his life.
His ashes will be transferred to the Mausoleum of the Frank País Second Eastern Front at a later date.

Cuban Revolutionary Jorge Risquet Valdés-Saldaña Dies in Havana

Havana.- Cuban revolutionary Jorge Risquet Valdés-Saldaña died of cancer Monday morning in Havana at the age of 85.

In 1943, at the age of 13, Risquet joined the revolutionary youth movement, in which he carried out responsibilities as a member of Socialist Youth and of the People’s Socialist Party. He served as chief editor of the newspaper “Mella”, and secretary general of the Socialist Youth’s National Committee.

Before the triumph of the Cuban Revolution in 1959, he was arrested on several occasions for his revolutionary activities. Henchmen of the Batista dictatorship kidnapped and tortured him and in 1958, he joined the Rebel Army as a combatant with the “Frank País” Second Eastern Front.

After 1959, Jorge Risquet represented Cuba and Latin America at the World Federation of Democratic Youth. A founder of the Cuban Communist Party, Risquet led the Cuban delegation at the tripartite negotiations that led to the independence of Angola and several other African countries from South Africa’s Apartheid regime. (RHC)

Raúl’s attendance at UN General Assembly confirmed
Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez confirms President Raúl Castro’s plans to travel to United Nations headquarters in New York, during a press conference in Havana, while also addressing other issues

Author: Laura Bécquer Paseiro | laura@granma.cu
september 16, 2015 15:09:07

Photo: Yaimí Ravelo
Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez announced today in a press conference that Cuban President Raúl Castro will participate in the United Nations General Assembly sessions and high level discussion, on September 25 and 28, respectively.
During his stay in New York, the Army General and President of Cuba’s Councils of State and Ministers will additionally attend a conference on the empowerment of women, and hold meetings with sectors of U.S. society and representatives of the solidarity with Cuba movement, Rodríguez said.
He also reported that the General Assembly sessions this year will be focused on the post-2015 development agenda, and are taking place within the context of the United Nations’ 70th anniversary.
On another issue, Rodríguez described Pope Francis’ visit to Cuba as an “extraordinary event,” emphasizing, “Cuba will welcome Francis with respect and solidarity.”
He highlighted the role played by the Pontiff in the process of reestablishing diplomatic relations between Cuba and the United States.
During the press conference, which took place at the Foreign Ministry, Rodríguez referred to the report Cuba has prepared on the need to end the blockade, to be submitted to the international community, at the UN General Assembly, October 27.
Rodríguez, said that the report this year includes two new paragraphs hailing the reestablishment of bilateral relations with the United States, and acknowledging President Barack Obama’s willingness to work for the elimination of the blockade.
Nevertheless, he noted, the hostile policy remains in place, a violation of the civil rights of both Cubans and U.S. citizens.
Rodríguez denounced the current campaign against Venezuela, a part of a crusade against progressive and left governments which have made progress in asserting their sovereignty, emphasizing that Cuba categorically rejects interference in the internal affairs of Venezuela.