Members of Cuban organizations based in over 40 countries will gather in Havana on March 19-21 during the Meeting of Cubans Abroad against the US Blockade and Terrorism.

Carlos Zamora, director of the Consular Affairs and Cuban Residents Abroad Division of the Cuban Foreign Ministry told reporters that some 150 representatives from Europe, Canada, Mexico and the United States are expected to participate at the meeting called by the foreign ministry.

Zamora noted that last year, 20 percent of all Cubans based in other countries visited Cuba, a figure similar to previous years.

The official said topics to be discussed include the US economic blockade of Cuba and the actions taken to denounce its impact; the Bush Plan against Cuba and its measures against the Cuban family; and the solidarity movement with the Cuban Five, imprisoned for nearly 10 years in US prisons.

A statement issued by the Foreign Ministry explains that the meeting will contribute to further strengthen relations between Cubans abroad and their homeland.

The gathering, to be held at Havana’s Hotel National, includes work sessions, panels on specific topics and presentations on issues of common interest, adds the statement.

Participants will also mark the 30th anniversary of the Antonio Maceo Brigade, a symbol of the youth movement in the United States in the defense of their homeland. Two members of that brigade, Carlos Muñiz Varela and Eulalio Negrin, were murdered by anti-Cuba terrorists in Puerto Rico and New Jersey respectively.

Over the past years Cuba has strengthened relations with Cuban émigrés, who have increased their actions through the setting up of new organizations.

Other actions taken by Cuba in that direction include "The Nation and its Emigration" conferences whose third edition took place in 2004. (ACN)

Granma 18-03-2008