The National Association of Friendship between Italy and Cuba (ANAIC) began its 14th Congress today in Montesilvano, a town in the province of Pescara, where a review of past work will be conducted and new solidarity initiatives will be planned.
“In an increasingly complex world, we reaffirm our support for the Cuban people, their Revolution, and their right to sovereignty,” states an ANAIC press release regarding this event, which will continue until next Sunday, the 65th anniversary of the organization’s founding.
The association, which already boasts more than 3,500 members grouped into some 70 chapters across this European country, was founded on April 19, 1961, fueled by the support in Italy for the Cuban people during the mercenary invasion at Playa Girón, where the first major defeat of U.S. imperialism in the Americas was inflicted.
This congress will also pay tribute to the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro, on the centenary of his birth, which will be celebrated on August 13, according to its organizers.
“We look to the past with pride for all that we have built from 1961 to today, but we keep our eyes fixed on the future. The journey continues!” states the invitation to this event, where they will “strongly renew their condemnation of the criminal U.S. blockade that has unjustly attacked the island for six decades.”
In statements to the media prior to the start of this congress, the national president of ANAIC, Marco Papacci, emphasized that the decision to hold it in Pescara, a province in the central region of Abruzzo, was due to the outstanding work carried out by the association’s local chapter, which has been very active in its solidarity with Cuba.
Walter Rappatoni, secretary of that chapter, referred to the close ties between the people of both countries and recalled the assistance provided by Cuban medical brigades to Italy during the most difficult moments of the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.
With our solidarity, we express “our support and closeness to the Cuban people and our gratitude to their Revolution,” added Rappatoni during the press conference, which also included remarks from the National Vice President of ANAIC, Enzo Pecattori, and Marco Coco, treasurer of the Pescara branch.
More than 100 delegates elected at local assemblies are attending the meeting. They will work on various committees, including political, solidarity and cooperation, communications, organizational, statutes, and electoral committees, the latter responsible for selecting the new secretariat.
Among the guests are the Cuban Ambassador to Italy, Jorge Luis Cepero, as well as Damián Delgado, Political Affairs Counselor and Deputy Head of the Italian diplomatic mission, and Rigoberto Zarza, Director of the European Department of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP).
Representatives from various political parties, unions, and other organizations in Italy that support Cuba are also participating.
[ SOURCE: PRENSA LATINA ]
