World friends reaffirm their support to Cuba in the face of imperialist threats

HAVANA, Cuba, April 28 (ACN) More than 250 friends from the May 1rst Solidarity Brigades, from 20 nations, and from the Canadian Che Guevara Brigade, were received on Monday by the Cuban Friendship Institute (ICAP by its Spanish acronym), which expressed its gratitude for their resolute support in the face of imperialist threats.

The welcoming ceremony for the enthusiastic activists, who traveled to the island to share in the celebration of International Workers' Day and to express their support to the Cuban people resisting the economic and oil blockade and the aggression of the U.S. government, took place at the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology.

Fernando Gonzalez Llort, president of ICAP, expressed his gratitude to the friends, telling them, "You arrive at a complex moment in the history of Cuba and in the reality of the world; your presence is a powerful message of solidarity in support of the defense of the country and its right to be independent."

He emphasized, “We don't want conflict, we want peace and tranquility to develop the country, but if we are attacked, we will defend ourselves knowing we are accompanied by millions of people around the world who will be with us.”

In his speech, which received a long ovation, he highlighted that the people are currently signing the commitment to defend the Homeland, “and you are also signing that commitment with your presence, demonstrating that Cuba is not alone.”

He also greeted the brigadistas. Yasel Ramos, deputy director of the CIGB, evoked the genius of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro, founder of the center in 1986, recalling that five years earlier Cuba produced interferons for the first time, something that was then only beginning to be achieved in developed countries.

In the initial research processes, Cuba did not have access to reagents due to the blockade, but they were obtained thanks to solidarity, he emphasized, and reiterated his welcome to the brigadistas, describing their visit as a gift for the CIGB on its 40th anniversary in the centennial year of Fidel.

At the ceremony, Dominga Flores (Puerto Rico) and Ricardo Haesbaert (Brazil) were presented with the ICAP 65th Anniversary Seal, awarded to outstanding organizations for their campaigns to donate solar panels to the Julio Antonio Mella Camp in Caimito, such as the Latin American and Caribbean Network of Solidarity with Cuba and Just Causes.

Members of the brigades will participate in the May 1rst celebrations and international events held on the island, joining hundreds of friends from other nations who will share in the festivities.