Pastors for Peace Reaffirms Solidarity with Cuba will Continue

HAVANA, Cuba, Sep 8 (acn) The Inter-religious Foundation for Community Organization (IFCO) confirmed on Wednesday in this capital the group's decision to continue its solidarity work in support of Cuba.

Manolo de los Santos, representative of the organization in the Cuban nation, told reporters that humanitarian projects will not stop working despite the recent notification from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service that their tax-free status will be revoked for carrying out actions in favor of the island.
As denounced by the IFCO spokesman, the IRS audit began in 2009 in response to the sponsorship by the non-governmental organization of shipments of humanitarian aid to Cuba and Palestine.
He described this fact as a case of repression, in which that mission is demanded for bringing humanitarian support and develop activities of friendship with the Cuban people from the assumption that the Trade with the Enemy Act, of the Department of US Treasury, is violated.
According to De los Santos, this decision is reported in a context in which the U.S. and Cuba move toward normalizing relations.
He recalled that since 1992, IFCO organizes the Pastors for Peace Caravans, bringing the island donations consisting of medicines, educational materials and vehicles intended for churches, schools, hospitals and families.
De los Santos said that traveling to Cuba or practicing solidarity with the Caribbean island can not be denied to them, and confirmed that they will continue to carry out the legal battle, insisting on the right as U.S. citizens and people of conscience and faith to act for the benefit to other countries.
Founded in 1967 by religious leaders and activists, IFCO has supported many peoples, and among its initiatives it has also promoted the administration of medicine scholarships in Cuba for young people from poor communities in the United States.