France hosted the opening of the 18th Meeting of Cubans Residing in Europe (ECRE) on Friday, which coincided with the start of the 4th “Cuba with Me” (“Cuba conmigo”) Cultural Festival and a symbolic rose-planting ceremony at the Cuban Embassy.
As the ECRE marks its 20th anniversary, representatives from the new generation of the Cuban diaspora participated in the symbolic planting of roses — a gesture evoking the Cuban national hero, José Martí.
During the opening ceremony, Cuba’s Ambassador to France, Yurielkys Sarduy Martínez, and Haydelin Díaz, president of the Coordinating Body for Cubans Residing in France, spoke about the significance of the event during a difficult period for the island.
Also in attendance at the opening was Ana Teresita González Fraga, Director General for Consular Affairs and Services to Cubans Residing Abroad at the island’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Sarduy Martínez noted that the event will feature several panels this Saturday, including one focused on the intensified U.S. blockade against Cuba—a topic that has taken on particular urgency.
The Cuban ambassador pointed out that on the 28th, a resolution against this U.S. blockade will be put to a vote at the United Nations — a year in which the blockade has been tightened more than ever.
The event will also include a panel on “Cuban roots” that addresses the battle in the communications sphere, as well as sessions on initiatives to support Cuba in the lead-up to the centenary of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro, and on the economic and social transformations currently underway in Cuba.
Also scheduled for Saturday is the closing of the “Cuba conmigo” (“Cuba with Me”) festival in the town of Malakoff, on the outskirts of the capital—an event that, at its opening at the Cuban Embassy, featured performances by soprano Iliana Jiménez and singer-songwriter Carlos Nápoles.
[ SOURCE: PRENSA LATINA ]
