Miami Beach Demonstration for Freedom in #Belarus #August25 Exitosa accion por la libertad de Bielorrusia en Miami

Video!

Photos!

Contact: Young Cubans in Action. http://jcaweb.blogspot.com http://twitter.com/jcaweb 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Miami Joins Global Rallies for Belarus, Thanks to Local Free Cuba Youth Activists

MIAMI – A global series of demonstrations for freedom in Belarus organized by young people taking place today has a Miami connection thanks to a dynamic group of youth activists. Young Cubans in Action demonstrated in the heart of Miami Beach on Sunday August 21, 2011 [photos & video available at http://jcaweb.blogspot.com] to show their support for beleaguered protesters in Belarus, a country commonly referred to as Europe's last dictatorship. The rally, organized by Young Cubans in Action [http://twitter.com/jcaweb], was the first in a worldwide series of demonstrations this week for freedom in Belarus organized by the International Young Democrat Union (IYDU) [http://twitter.com/iydu] and Swedish Member of Parliament Christian Holm [http://twitter.com/christianholm].

“We livened up Lincoln Road with a message of solidarity for those defending basic liberties in Belarus. As young people working to support Cuba's pro-freedom Resistance, we're honored to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our liberty-seeking friends in Belarus and our IYDU colleagues all over the world today,” stated Aramis L. Perez [http://twitter.com/aramislperez], head of Young Cubans in Action and IYDU vice-chairman since 2009.

The Miami Rally for Freedom in Belarus took its cue from recent demonstrations in Minsk, the capital of Belarus, where demonstrators have clapped their hands and set their mobile phones to go off in unison as a sign of protest against the oppressive Alexander Lukashenko regime.

“After more than 70 years of oppression under the Soviet regime, the country got its independence back on 25 August 1991. The freedom and independence did not last for long...Belarus is today the most closed and undemocratic country, often called the last dictatorship, in Europe,” wrote Christian Holm, a Member of Parliament from Sweden's Moderate Party and IYDU vice-chairman, on his blog [http://blogg.vf.se/christian/2011/08/07/manifestation-for-belarus-vitryssland-august-25-sven/].

Around the world, additional IYDU member organizations and friends of freedom will be demonstrating today, August 25, 2011, the date marking Belarus's independence from the Soviet Union. Events announced so far include actions in London, Berlin, Brussels, and Stockholm.

The “Global Manifestation for Belarus” is being organized online through e-mail, and social media platforms such as Facebook (“Global Manifestation for Belarus” [http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=265040436839725], IYDU [http://www.facebook.com/pages/International-Young-Democrat-Union-IYDU/162705093775220]) and Twitter, using the hashtags #August25 and #Belarus.

The island of Cuba, where a growing movement for freedom is gaining traction despite harsh repression, is never far from the hearts of the young activists organizing the rally, however.

“This Sunday, we saw more violent repression against Cuba's Ladies in White who simply attend Holy Mass, pray for their country, and march peacefully for the release of all political prisoners. This Tuesday, brave women activists from the Cuban Resistance demonstrated against repression on the steps of Havana's historic Capitol Building. For Cuba and for Belarus alike, Young Cubans in Action stands united for freedom with our friends around the world,” stated Aramis L. Perez.

Young Cubans in Action works to support the pro-freedom Resistance in Cuba, particularly by promoting international solidarity with the freedom movement on the Island. Young Cubans in Action is a full member organization of the International Young Democrat Union and the Youth of the Christian Democrat Organization of America.

The organization is also a member of the Assembly of the Cuban Resistance, a coalition of over 50 pro-democracy groups in Cuba and abroad, where Aramis L. Perez serves as a member of the Secretariat. Young Cubans in Action works closely with the Cuban Democratic Directorate.

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Contacto: Jóvenes Cubanos en Acción. http://jcaweb.blogspot.com http://twitter.com/jcaweb 

COMUNICADO DE PRENSA

Miami se une a manifestaciones mundiales por Bielorrusia

Grupo juvenil de activistas por la libertad de Cuba organiza acción en Miami Beach

MIAMI – Un movimiento de manifestaciones internacionales por la libertad de Bielorrusia organizadas por jovenes llego a Miami gracias a un grupo dinámico de activistas juveniles. Los integrantes de Jóvenes Cubanos en Acción [http://twitter.com/jcaweb] se manifestaron en el corazón de Miami Beach el domingo, 21 de agosto de 2011 [video y fotos disponibles en http://jcaweb.blogspot.com] para mostrar su apoyo a favor de los manifestantes bajo acoso en Bielorrusia, país comúnmente considerado la última dictadura en Europa. La acción en Miami fue la primera en una cadena mundial de manifestaciones por la libertad de Bielorrusia que tomarán lugar hoy, 25 de agosto de 2011, organizadas por la Joven Unión Democrática Internacional (International Young Democrat Union – IYDU) [http://twitter.com/iydu] y el parlamentario sueco Christian Holm [http://twitter.com/christianholm].

Miami Rally for Freedom in Belarus - Manifestacion por la libertad de Bielorrusia en Miami

Contact: Young Cubans in Action. http://twitter.com/jcaweb 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Miami Joins Global Rallies for Belarus, Thanks to Local Free Cuba Youth Activists

WHAT: Miami Rally for Freedom in Belarus

WHEN: 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 21, 2011

WHERE: Participants will meet just north of Lincoln Road at the corner of 17^th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, at the parking garage facing Miami Beach City Hall and the Convention Center.

WHO: The event is being organized locally by Young Cubans in Action as part of a series of “Global Manifestations for Belarus” organized by the International Young Democrat Union.

MIAMI – Young people will be demonstrating in the heart of Miami Beach on Sunday August 21, 2011 to show their support for beleaguered protesters in Belarus, a country commonly referred to as Europe's last dictatorship. The rally, organized by Young Cubans in Action [http://twitter.com/jcaweb], will be the first in a worldwide series of demonstrations this week for freedom in Belarus organized by the International Young Democrat Union (IYDU) [http://twitter.com/iydu] and Swedish Member of Parliament Christian Holm [http://twitter.com/christianholm].

“We're going to liven up Lincoln Road with a message of solidarity for those defending basic liberties in Belarus. As young people working to support Cuba's pro-freedom Resistance, we'll be standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our liberty-seeking friends in Belarus and our IYDU colleagues all over the world this week,” stated Aramis L. Perez [http://twitter.com/aramislperez], head of Young Cubans in Action and IYDU vice-chairman since 2009.

The Miami Rally for Freedom in Belarus will take its cue from recent demonstrations in Minsk, the capital of Belarus, where demonstrators have clapped their hands and set their mobile phones to go off in unison as a sign of protest against the oppressive Alexander Lukashenko regime.

“After more than 70 years of oppression under the Soviet regime, the country got its independence back on 25 August 1991. The freedom and independence did not last for long... Belarus is today the most closed and undemocratic country, often called the last dictatorship, in Europe,” wrote Christian Holm, a Member of Parliament from Sweden's Moderate Party and IYDU vice-chairman, on his blog [http://blogg.vf.se/christian/2011/08/07/manifestation-for-belarus-vitryssland-august-25-sven/].

Around the world, additional IYDU member organizations and friends of freedom will demonstrate on August 25, 2011, the date marking Belarus's independence from the Soviet Union.

The “Global Manifestations for Belarus” are being organized online through e-mail, and social media platforms such as Facebook (“Global Manifestations for Belarus” [http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=265040436839725], IYDU [http://www.facebook.com/pages/International-Young-Democrat-Union-IYDU/162705093775220]) and Twitter, using the hashtags #August25 and #Belarus.

The island of Cuba, where a growing movement for freedom is gaining traction despite harsh repression, is never far from the hearts of the young activists organizing the rally, however.

“On Sundays, Cuba's Ladies in White attend Holy Mass, pray for their country, and march peacefully for the release of all political prisoners. They're facing increasingly brutal repression. This Sunday as we demonstrate for Belarus, we'll take action for Cuba as well, in addition to having the Island in our thoughts and prayers,” stated Aramis L. Perez.

Young Cubans in Action works to support the pro-freedom Resistance in Cuba, particularly by promoting international solidarity with the freedom movement on the Island. Young Cubans in Action is a full member organization of the International Young Democrat Union (IYDU) and the Youth of the Christian Democrat Organization of America (JODCA).

The organization is also a member of the Assembly of the Cuban Resistance, a coalition of over 50 pro-democracy groups in Cuba and abroad, where Aramis L. Perez serves as a member of the Secretariat. Young Cubans in Action works closely with the Cuban Democratic Directorate.

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Contacto: Jóvenes Cubanos en Acción. http://twitter.com/jcaweb 

COMUNICADO DE PRENSA

Miami se une a manifestaciones globales por Bielorrusia

Grupo juvenil de activistas por la libertad de Cuba organizan acción en Miami Beach

QUE: Manifestación por la Libertad de Bielorrusia en Miami

CUANDO: 1:30 p.m. domingo, 21 de agosto de 2011

DONDE: Los manifestantes se reunirán justo al norte de Lincoln Road en la intersección de la 17 Street y Pennsylvania Avenue, en el edifico de estacionamiento frente al Miami Beach City Hall y el Convention Center.

QUIENES: La acción está siendo coordinada en Miami por Jovenes Cubanos en Accion como parte de una serie de “Manifestaciones Globales por Bielorrusia” organizadas por la Joven Unión Democrática Internacional.

MIAMI – Un grupo de jóvenes se manifestarán en el corazón de Miami Beach el domingo, 21 de agosto de 2011 para mostrar su apoyo a favor de los manifestantes bajo acoso en Bielorrusia, país comúnmente considerado la última dictadura en Europa. La acción, organizada por Jóvenes Cubanos en Acción [http://twitter.com/jcaweb], será la primera de una cadena mundial de manifestaciones por la libertad de Bielorrusia organizada por la Joven Unión Democrática Internacional (International Young Democrat Union – IYDU) [http://twitter.com/iydu] y el parlamentario sueco Christian Holm [http://twitter.com/christianholm].

“Vamos a animar el ambiente de Lincoln Road con un mensaje de solidaridad para aquellos quienes defienden las libertades básicas en Bielorrusia. Como jóvenes que trabajamos en apoyo a la Resistencia cubana a favor de la libertad, vamos a unirnos decididamente con nuestros amigos quienes buscan la libertad de Bielorrusia y nuestros colegas de la IYDU en todo el mundo esta semana”, expresó Aramís L. Pérez [http://twitter.com/aramislperez], líder de Jóvenes Cubanos en Acción y desde 2009 vice presidente de la IYDU.

La Manifestación por la Libertad de Bielorrusia en Miami tomará como ejemplo las manifestaciones recientes ocurridas en Minsk, la capital de ese país europeo, en cuales los manifestantes aplaudían y hacían que sonaran en unísono sus teléfonos móviles en señal de protesta contra el régimen opresivo de Alexander Lukashenko.

“Después de más de 70 años de opresión bajo el régimen soviético, el país recuperó su independencia el 25 de agosto de 1991. La libertad y la independencia no le duraron mucho... Actualmente, Bielorussia es el país más cerrado y antidemocrático, a menudo calificado como la última dictadura, en Europa,” escribió en su blog Christian Holm, quien representa al Partido Moderado en el Parlamento sueco y quien es vice-presidente de la IYDU [http://blogg.vf.se/christian/2011/08/07/manifestation-for-belarus-vitryssland-august-25-sven/].

Internacionalmente, adicionales organizaciones miembros de la IYDU y diversos amigos de la libertad se manifestarán el 25 de agosto de 2011, el día en que se conmemora la independencia de Bielorrusia de la Unión Soviética.

Las “Manifestaciones globales por Bielorrusia” están siendo organizadas a través de correo electronic y redes sociales en línea como Facebook (“Global Manifestations for Belarus” [http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=265040436839725], IYDU [http://www.facebook.com/pages/International-Young-Democrat-Union-IYDU/162705093775220]) y Twitter utilizando los “hashtags” #August25 y #Belarus.

Pero la isla de Cuba, donde un creciente movimiento a favor de la libertad está logrando avances a pesar de una férrea represión, nunca queda lejos de los corazones de los jóvenes que organizan la acción.

“Cada domingo, las Damas de Blanco asisten a la Santa Misa, rezan por su país y marchan pacíficamente por la libertad de todos los prisioneros políticos. Se están enfrentando a una represión cada vez más brutal. Este domingo mientras nos manifestamos a favor de la libertad de Bielorrusia, también tendremos a Cuba presente en nuestra acción así como en nuestros pensamientos y oraciones” declaró Aramis L. Perez.

Jóvenes Cubanos en Acción trabaja en apoyo a la Resistencia Cuba a favor de la libertad, en particular a través de la promoción de la solidaridad internacional con el movimiento por la libertad en la isla. La organización Jóvenes Cubanos en Acción es miembro de la Joven Unión Democrática Internacional (IYDU) y de las Juventudes de la Organización Demócrata Cristiana de América (JODCA).

Jóvenes Cubanos en Acción también pertenece a la Asamblea de la Resistencia Cubana, una coalición de más de 50 organizaciones pro-democráticas dentro y fuera de Cuba y en el exilio, en cual organismo Aramís L. Pérez sirve como miembro del Secretariado. Jóvenes Cubanos en Acción trabaja estrechamente con el Directorio Democrático Cubano.

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ADVISORY Cubans of All Generations Unite to Support the Resistance in Cuba - Recently exiled young Cubans and leaders of the Resistance on the Island, to exchange perspectives with Miami youth and exiles

MEDIA ADVISORY

Cubans of All Generations Unite to Support the Resistance in Cuba

Recently exiled young Cubans and leaders of the Resistance on the Island, to exchange perspectives with Miami youth and exiles

DATE: Saturday, October 10, 2009

TIME: 8:30 a.m. Press Conference
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Intergenerational Encounter

VENUE: Florida International University (FIU)
University Park Campus
Graham Center 150

Miami. October 6, 2009. Assembly of the Resistance. This Saturday, October 10, 2009 multiple generations of Cubans born on and off the Island will come together for “Freedom and Resistance: An Intergenerational Encounter,” a conference held by the Assembly of the Resistance in Miami. The Encounter will examine the youth struggle for freedom in Cuba through the years, and is being held in solidarity with the opening of the Youth Forum on Democracy and Economics in Cuba, organized by the Cuban Youth Movement for Democracy (Movimiento Cubano de Jóvenes por la Democracia [MCJD]).

“The Intergenerational Encounter in Miami shows that all generations of Cubans who fight for freedom, whether in exile or on the Island, are part of the same Resistance,” stated Aramis L. Perez, one of the Encounter’s organizers and Executive Secretary of Young Cubans in Action, an Assembly of the Resistance member organization.

In addition to bringing together different generations in support of the Resistance, the Encounter will spotlight the Cuban Youth Forum for National Agreement on Democracy and Economics being held by the MCJD on the Island. The Forum in Cuba will consist of a series of meetings beginning Saturday October 10. Last September, MCJD issued a broad invitation to young Cubans throughout the Island and those abroad to take part. MCJD, founded in 1990, is the oldest and most active youth organization in Cuba’s nonviolent opposition movement, best known for its struggle in favor of academic freedom and university autonomy. In March of 2009, MCJD joined the Assembly of the Resistance.


Recently exiled young Cubans who were active in the resistance on the Island such as Liannis Meriño Aguilera, former president of the Youth without Censorship Press Agency, and Virgilio Delat La O, an independent journalist from the Eastern Free Press Agency will be among the featured speakers at Saturday’s Encounter in Miami.

Miami journalist, television personality, and former political prisoner Juan Manuel Cao will also be a featured panelist at Saturday’s event in Miami, sharing his experience of struggle against the Castro regime as a young man, and as a journalist and member of the exile community.


The Encounter will also feature the world premiere of “Verde Amanecer” or “Green Dawn”, a video recorded and produced in Cuba by the MCJD explaining their work for university autonomy and a transition to democracy.

The Assembly of the Resistance is a coalition of over 50 pro-democracy organizations both in Cuba and in exile that support the Non-Cooperation with the Dictatorship Campaign launched by human rights activists in Cuba.

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AVISO: SABADO 10 de octubre- Encuentro Intergeneracional Libertad y Resistencia- Cubanos de todas las edades se unen para apoyar a la resistencia cubana

AVISO DE PRENSA

Cubanos de todas las edades se unen para apoyar a la resistencia cubana

Jóvenes recién exiliados, líderes de la resistencia en Cuba intercambiarán con jóvenes y exiliados en Miami

FECHA: sábado, 10 de octubre de 2009

HORA: 8:30 a.m. Conferencia de prensa
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Encuentro Intergeneracional

LUGAR: Universidad Internacional de la Florida (FIU)
University Park Campus
Graham Center 150


Miami. 5 de octubre de 2009. Asamblea de la Resistencia. Este sábado 10 de octubre, la Asamblea de la Resistencia celebrará en Miami un Encuentro Intergeneracional titulado “Libertad y Resistencia” en solidaridad con el Foro Juvenil sobre Democracia y Economía celebrado el mismo día en Cuba por el Movimiento Cubano de Jóvenes por la Democracia (MCJD).

“El Encuentro Intergeneracional en Miami muestra que todas las generaciones de cubanos que luchan por la libertad, ya sea desde el exilio o dentro de la isla, forman parte de la misma Resistencia,” declaró Aramís L. Pérez, secretario ejecutivo de Jóvenes Cubanos en Acción, organización que forma parte de la Asamblea de la Resistencia y co-organizador del evento.

Además, este Encuentro se celebrará en solidaridad con el Foro Juvenil Cubano de Concertación Nacional sobre Democracia y Economía que realiza el MCJD. El MCJD convocó la participación de jóvenes a lo largo de la isla y en el exterior a través de un llamamiento emitido a principios de septiembre del año en curso. El foro se celebrará mediante un ciclo de encuentros comenzando el sábado 10 de octubre de 2009. El MCJD, fundado en 1990, es el grupo juvenil más antiguo y activo dentro de la oposición cívica cubana, caracterizado por su lucha a favor de la autonomía universitaria.

Entre los participantes en el Encuentro Intergeneracional “Libertad y Resistencia” se encontrarán jóvenes recién exiliados que formaron parte de la resistencia dentro de Cuba como Liannis Meriño Aguilera, ex presidente de la Agencia de Prensa Jóvenes Sin Censura y Virgilio Delat La O, periodista de la Agencia de Prensa Libre Oriental.

Durante el foro también compartirá el periodista y ex prisionero político Juan Manuel Cao sobre sus experiencias como joven luchador en contra de la dictadura castrista y sus experiencias como periodista cubano en el exilio. Además se presentará por primera vez el vídeo “Verde Amanecer”, grabado y editado en Cuba por el MCJD para explicar su labor a favor del cambio democrático y la autonomía universitaria.

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MIX IT UP! with JCA and Friends! Cocktail party Friday, October 9, 2009 from 7 PM - Midnight

You're invited!

Meet like-minded young people who love Cuba and want to see her free at JCA and Friends' FIRST MIXER!

Mingle with our special guest, Channel 41 AmericaTeVe anchor Juan Manuel Cao, better known as "El que le dio el patatu a Fidel!" Here he is in action.

Here's the Facebook event where you can RSVP.

Start Time: Friday, October 9, 2009 at 7:00pm

End Time: Saturday, October 10, 2009 at 12:00am

Location: UVA Restaurant & Lounge

Street: 2626 Ponce de Leon Blvd

City/Town: Coral Gables, FL

View Google Map

See you there!

Directorio Democrático Cubano entrega Premio Libertad Pedro Luis Boitel a Iván Hernández Carrillo

http://www.google.com/hostednews/epa/article/ALeqM5j4so4osHsnjJci_NgSgJkZh9gaZw

Grupo del exilio cubano entrega premio "Pedro Luis Boitel" a preso político

Por Agencia EFE – Hace 1 día

Miami (EE.UU.), 24 sep (EFE).- La organización del exilio cubano en Miami Directorio Democrático entrega hoy el premio Libertad "Pedro Luis Boitel" al preso de conciencia Iván Hernández Carrillo, encarcelado desde la Primavera Negra de Cuba, en marzo de 2003.

Este galardón es un reconocimiento en su novena edición del "valor cívico y la lucha por la democracia" de Hernández, del "Grupo de los 75" condenados a penas de hasta 28 años de prisión en juicios sumarísimos en abril de 2003, señaló Janisset Rivero, directiva de la organización.

Lázaro de la Paz Abella, ex preso político y exiliado en Miami, será el encargado de recibir el galardón en nombre de Hernández durante la ceremonia, presidida por el estadounidense Carl Gershman, director del Legado Nacional para la Democracia (NED, por su sigla en inglés).

Esta iniciativa premia "la lucha por la democracia de activistas y opositores intramuros" en la isla y es también un homenaje a la figura de Boitel, "cuyo compromiso ético ha renacido dentro de la disidencia", agregó Rivero.

Boitel nació en 1931, participó en la lucha contra la dictadura de Fulgencio Batista y luego contra el régimen castrista. Fue preso político y tras un intento de fuga de la prisión de Isla de Pinos (actualmente Isla de la Juventud) murió en una huelga de hambre.

© EFE 2009. Está expresamente prohibida la redistribución y la redifusión de todo o parte de los contenidos de los servicios de Efe, sin previo y expreso consentimiento de la Agencia EFE S.A.

Fidel Castro and Nuclear Holocaust: Twenty Years of Evidence

Aramis here.


Most people are unaware that the Communist leader of totalitarian Cuba, Fidel Castro, repeatedly demanded a nuclear first strike by the Soviet Union against the United States of America for decades. If a world leader actively lobbying for nuclear holocaust seems unthinkable to you, then you do not know Fidel Castro.

Yet another reason to support the nonviolent Cuban Resistance and return the Island to her people is that Cuba does not want to incinerate her neighbors, unlike the head of the totalitarian regime imposed on her for 50 years.

Here is the evidence:

A letter from Soviet Premier Nikita Khruschev to Fidel Castro about the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis dated October 30, 1962 and posted at the National Security Archive. See paragraph 11:

"In your cable of October 27 you proposed that we be the first to launch a nuclear strike against the territory of the enemy. You, of course, realize where that would have led. Rather than a simple strike, it would have been the start of a thermonuclear world war.

Dear Comrade Fidel Castro, I consider this proposal of yours incorrect, although I understand your motivation."



Now, the New York Times reports the following today:

"In the early 1980s, according to newly released documents, Fidel Castro was suggesting a Soviet nuclear strike against the United States, until Moscow dissuaded him by patiently explaining how the radioactive cloud resulting from such a strike would also devastate Cuba...

The National Security Archive, a private research group at George Washington University, recently made public documents that reveal the nuclear threat in new detail. The two-volume study, “Soviet Intentions 1965-1985,” was prepared in 1995 by a Pentagon contractor and based on extensive interviewing of former top Soviet military officials.

It took the security archive two years to get the Pentagon to release the study. Censors excised a few sections on nuclear tests and weapon effects, and the archive recently posted the redacted study on its Web site.

The Pentagon study attributes the Cuba revelation to Andrian A. Danilevich, a Soviet general staff officer from 1964 to ’90 and director of the staff officers who wrote the Soviet Union’s final reference guide on strategic and nuclear planning.

In the early 1980s, the study quotes him as saying that Mr. Castro “pressed hard for a tougher Soviet line against the U.S. up to and including possible nuclear strikes.”

The general staff, General Danilevich continued, “had to actively disabuse him of this view by spelling out the ecological consequences for Cuba of a Soviet strike against the U.S.”

Directorio: March in Santa Clara Demands End to Repression, Surprises Secret Police

From the Cuban Democratic Directorate.

March in Santa Clara Demands End to Repression, Surprises Secret Police
Message to the dictatorship: No more impunity. Message to Juanes: More so than concerts, we need freedom.

Santa Clara. September 14, 2009. Cuban Democratic Directorate. On Friday afternoon, September 11, the women of the Rosa Parks Feminist Movement for Civil Rights led a march against repression and impunity and for the dignity of the Cuban people down a main Santa Clara thoroughfare. The members of the Rosa Parks Movement, dressed in black in sign of mourning for the oppression suffered by the Cuban people, carried signs reading: “March against impunity,” “End repression,” “Youth, Awaken!” “We All Are the Resistance,” and



”Juanes: Moreso than concerts, what we Cubans need is freedom and respect for human dignity.”

Read more.

Cuban Youth Movement for Democracy announces Forum on Democracy and Economics for October 10, 2009

Cuba. 8 September 2009. Cuban Democratic Directorate. The Cuban Youth Movement for Democracy (Movimiento Cubano de Jóvenes por la Democracia [MCJD]) has called on all Cuban youth to participate in theCuban Youth Forum for National Agreement on Democracy and Economics that will begin with a conference on October 10, 2009 and will continue in other events to be announced. MCJD, founded in 1990, is the longest active youth group in the Cuban civic opposition movement, known for their advocacy for university autonomy and academic freedom on the Island.

The Forum aims to focus the will and energy of the Cuban youth toward what the organizers call “a charge for real and lasting freedom for Cuba and all Cubans,” according to a statement issued by MCJD.

“The Cuban Youth Movement for Democracy and its University Students without Borders project calls upon all Cuban youth on the Island and abroad to participate in the next Cuban Youth Forum for National Agreement on Democracy and Economics. We also invite the University Student Federation (Federación Estudiantil Universitaria [FEU]) and the Young Communists Union (Unión de Jóvenes Comunistas [UJC]) to take part in the debates,” reads the statement.

Additionally, the young activists invited representatives of young democratic international community, governments, and media to the forum. Their aim is to make participation in this gathering an “unavoidable moral duty” given the “manifest inability of government authorities to face up to and respond satisfactorily to the accumulated crisis of this nation, whose roots are in the regime-established authority and repression,” according to the group.

The organizers are asking youth participants to prepare 3 to 5 page papers on democracy and economics, touching on topics detailed in their official announcement such as freedom, constitutionality and civil society, family and society, land distribution problems in Cuba, the two-currency system, private property, and self-employment. The papers can be e-mailed to MCJD at mcjduniversitariosinfronteras@yahoo.es or forojuvenilcubano@yahoo.com until November 27, 2009. They can also be sent to the coordinators in exile for the group: Janisset Rivero, Cuban Democratic Directorate at info@directorio.org.

Below is the MCJD’s invitation to the Forum and an excerpt from the document detailing the topics and procedures for the event.

Invitation to the Cuban Youth Forum

                
The Cuban Youth Movement for Democracy (Movimiento Cubano de Jóvenes por la Democracia) and its University Students without Borders project call upon all Cuban youth on the Island and abroad to participate in the next Cuban Youth Forum for National Agreement on Democracy and Economics. We also invite the University Student Federation in Cuba (FEU) and the Young Communists Union (UJC) to take part in the debates.

We invite the Christian Democrat, Liberal, and Socialist youth of theAmericas and Europe as well as all people of goodwill around the world to take part as observers. We request the presence of national and international press, as well as of the accredited diplomatic bodies in Havana.

Young Cuban: in our actions today lies the sacred destiny of our country and of tomorrow's man. Your duty is to decisively say “present” when our nation calls: to gather for a charge for real and lasting freedom for Cuba and all Cubans.

Our  e-mail forojuvenilcubano@yahoo.com.


RULES OF THE FORUM
1 .- Upon notification, registration, and approval all representatives of organizations, movements and currents of Cuban thought sufficiently recognized for their role in independent civic action in Cuba may participate in the Cuban Youth Forum for National Agreement on Democracy and Economics. Also, under the same rules of the forum, we extend our invitation to young Cubans living outside of Cuba, as well as to young people who are members of official organizations such as the Federation of Cuban Students (FEU) and the Union of Young Communists (UJC).
2 .- The Cuban Youth Forum for National Agreement on Democracy and Economics is designed exclusively for analysis and decision making about the problems of Cuban society regarding issues of democracy and economics.
3 .- Those interested in participating in the Forum are required to give notice as early as possible on the subject or subjects they wish to address, for which they must send their personal information and the information on the organization they will represent, along with a summary of no more than two paragraphs on the subject or subjects. The papers sent to the addresses outlined below or to the territorial delegations will be accepted until November 27, 2009, as work will continue for future meetings on these issues.
4 .- The participants must draft their papers, of no more than five and no fewer than three typed pages, in a clear and precise manner and submit two copies. Once edited, as a historical memory of the event, they may be collected, along with  the programmatic platform that will be developed in accordance with the civic proposals of the movements, organizations and elements that make common cause for freedom in Cuba and for Cubans.
5 .- The papers of a comparative nature or based on statistics must be supported by posters or charts to ensure they will be fully understood.
6 .- The topics placed to be analyzed pertinent to the necessary solutions to the difficult Cuban problem detailed in the above mentioned items, may drew with equal appreciative interest on all opinions and formulations, from ground-level experiences to the broadest topics of the macroeconomics of society.
7 .- The organizers of the Forum on Democracy and Economy especially invite a select number of persons from Cuban civil society and with proven expertise in the subjects to be considered for national agreement. Additionally, active representatives of organizations, institutions and movements with high social prestige for defending civil liberties and restoration of the rule of law in Cuba, as well as representatives of respected news agencies accredited in Havana and diplomatic personnel who have given special attention to the Cuban civic movement will all be invited as guests.
8 .- The papers must be sent to the following addresses: mcjduniversitariosinfronteras@yahoo.es or forojuvenilcubano@yahoo.com 
Also to the coordinators for the Cuban Youth Movement for Democracy abroad:
Janisset Rivero of the Cuban Democratic Directorate: info@directorio.org

DEMOCRACY 
1.- Freedom. Understood and practiced as the first principle inherent to human beings, who have full faculties and the right to decide to take conscious actions focused on goals and purposes of both personal and collective natures.
2.- Constitutionality and civil society in Cuba. Analysis and proposals for a constitutional assembly in Cuba.
3.- The rule of law and civil order in Cuba. The democratic system of government. The elected nature and the ability to revoke the functions and political and administrative offices of the State. Equal opportunities for all eligible citizens with intellectual competence and public respectability to elected office.
4- Family and Society. Rescue of moral values and the moral dignity of Cuban society.
5- Education and faith. The absolute freedom of individuals to choose the type, manner and place they want to educate and instruct their children as legitimate parental rights usurped by the Castro regime. 
6.- SPECIAL TOPIC OF THE FORUM IN THE SECTION ON DEMOCRACY
UNTRAMMELED NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION OF THE CUBAN CIVIC MOVEMENT AND THE PRESSING NEED FOR AMNESTY FOR ALL POLITICAL PRISONERS AND PRISONERS OF CONSCIENCE. 
The immorality of governments that place economic interests before dignity, justice and solidarity with the suffering people of Cuba who are subjected militarily. Disloyalty of the United Nations to the principles and precepts that constitute its fundamental basis in matters of freedom and human rights.

El Maleconazo en fotos- Maleconazo freedom uprising in pictures

Photos courtesy of Karel Poort.