id stringlengths 9 20 | title stringlengths 0 3.57k | text stringlengths 35 6.13k |
|---|---|---|
FBIS3-32638_2 | Rosales del Toro Tours Holguin Province | of 1 ton an hour. Likewise, the charcoal producing area is able to produce 3 tons a day by consuming approximately 10 tons of bagasse briquettes. The importance of the experiment is clear to everyone because sugarcane bagasse is a renewable energy resource which yields hundreds of thousands of tons a year. The trick lies in how to turn its immense energy potential into an alternative practical and economic energy source. Rosales del Toro praised the stage of assembly of the experimental plant and added that similar ones are being installed at the Luis Arcos Bergnes Mill, in central Cuba, and the Pablo Noriega Mill in western Cuba. All this is part of an investigation carried out by the FAR, in cooperation with Minaz, as part of the scientific and technical tasks programmed by the national forums. Rosales went on to say that an extraordinary military council would be held in April during which the first secretaries of the provincial committees will participate to analyze, among other issues, this experiment of the Eastern Army. Here, Garcia Ferrer [not further identified] mentioned that the Minister of the FAR had recently pointed out that the most advanced experiment was that of the Eastern Army. The tour through several organic plots in Holguin City was praised by the visiting delegation, which pointed out that this idea has been stressed by Raul Castro, who is also in that province, but busy with other tasks together with Ramon Espinosa, head of the Eastern Army. The first secretary in the Municipality, Jorge Luis Sierra, informed them that the city has 13 organic plots, which have either been completed or are now under construction, in 11 urban councils. These small agricultural production centers have a total of 1900 seed beds [calderos] and 54,000 square meters of cultivatable soil. So far, nine varieties of vegetables are being cultivated, most of which is lettuce because it is in high demand. The products harvested are sold everyday. The population can purchase the lettuce directly from the organic plot for 1 peso a head. Different methods have been established to pay the wages of the workers at the plots, paying each worker according to his effort and productivity. The water used for irrigation at the organic plots is generally extracted from wells built for that purpose. In some cases, the water is pumped with the use of windmills in other cases |
FBIS3-32639_0 | Assembly Discusses Budget Deficit Reduction Measures | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] Delegates to Havana City's Provincial Assembly of the People's Government have analyzed and approved measures aimed at reducing the province's current budget deficit of 193 million pesos. Delegates at the forum discussed the actions aimed at increasing income and reducing expenses that the provincial administrative directorate will be taking. Jose Luis Rodriguez, minister president of the State Committee for Finance, explained that any measure adopted by the country on the issue will be aimed at stimulating labor, increasing production of goods, and eliminating excess currency. He added that sanctions will be applied to organizations that are not up to date on payments or collection of accounts, which could hide embezzlement of resources and misappropriation of funds. Rodriguez went on to criticize those organizations which are profitable in hard currency but not in the national currency. The concluding remarks at the assembly were made by Jorge Lezcano Perez, a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of Cuba [PCC] and PCC first secretary in Havana City Province. Lezcano underscored the importance of making the workers understand that they can make a difference in the reduction of costs and subsidies and in the profitability of their work centers. |
FBIS3-32661_0 | Roundup of Reportage on Economic Activities | Article Type:BFN [Editorial Report] The following is a compilation of reports on economic activities in Argentina through 10 February: The cost of living rose 0.1 percent in January, bringing the inflation rate for the last 12 months to 6.6 percent, the National Institute of Statistics and Census reported on 3 February. Cumulative retail inflation since the April 1991 start of convertibility has been 53 percent. Wholesale prices registered no change last month and fell 0.8 percent compared with January 1993. Building prices fell 1.5 percent, slowing a climb that has meant an 11.7 percent cost increase in the last 12 months. Leisure costs were up 3.6 percent in January, with tourism prices growing 8.3 percent during the first month of summer holidays. Health care costs increased 1.6 percent and housing was up 0.4 percent. Food and beverage prices declined 1 percent, with meat and produce prices falling. Tomato prices were down 49 percent, while lemons rose 28.6 percent. (DYN) (Buenos Aires BUENOS AIRES HERALD 4 Feb 94 p 1) The National Institute of Statistics and Census on 7 February reported that the Argentine trade balance registered a $3.1061 billion deficit in the first 11 months of 1993, an increase of 29.2 percent compared with the same period in 1992. Exports totaled $11.9361 billion and imports $15.0422 billion. The export of industrial manufacturing products increased 27.8 percent; oil and energy, 23.9 percent; and agricultural manufacturing products, 0.7 percent. The import of capital goods grew from $2.72 billion to $3.5885 billion, an increase of 31.9 percent. (Buenos Aires LA PRENSA in Spanish 8 Feb 94 p 1) Government Oil Deposits reported that oil exports increased 122 percent in 1993 compared with the previous year, and cumulative annual production rose 5.3 percent. (Buenos Aires NOTICIAS ARGENTINAS in Spanish 1140 GMT 8 Feb 94) |
FBIS3-32675_0 | Ombudsman Requests Information on Crescencio Diaz Case | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [From "The Newscast"] [Text] Human Rights Ombudsman Carlos Mauricio Molina Fonseca has said that even though the UN rapporteur on Human Rights (Pedro Micken) never visited the country, he had to study the Salvadoran human rights situation very closely. It seems that poor coordination between (Micken) and the Salvadoran Foreign Ministry prevented his visit to the country. However, Molina Fonseca has said that disregard for human rights in the country is a matter of concern for everyone. [Begin Molina recording] I believe the human rights situation concerns all of us. We are going through very delicate times. It is a time for much thought. Many deaths are being reported. Bodies are constantly being found, and, unfortunately, these crimes are not being properly investigated. [end recording] With regard to the murder of Crescencio Diaz by U.S. soldier Michael Lopez, the ombudsman said investigations are underway to find out what happened. [Begin Molina recording] What should worry us is finding out how Major Lopez got out of the country. That is what the Salvadoran people should find out. We have opened a file on this case and we have requested information from the Foreign Ministry, immigration, the judge hearing the case, and the National Police director. We want to find out who is responsible for this. [end recording] Molina Fonseca also addressed the Goteras Jail massacre and said that he is very worried because the Justice Ministry has yet to issue a report on the case and establish responsibilities. |
FBIS3-32677_0 | Relatives To Request Compensation | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] Relatives of a bodyguard murdered by a U.S. officer have demanded compensation from the U.S. Embassy in El Salvador to help them through the hard economic situation they are experiencing. The widow, who appeared on television for the first time since her husband's death, said the family's economic situation is precarious and has become even more difficult without Crescencio Diaz' support. Blanca Molina de Diaz and her three children, two of whom are permanently disabled by disease, no longer have the financial and moral support of the head of the family, Diaz, who was murdered while working as a bodyguard for U.S. Major Mike Lopez. This crime has left a mark of deep uncertainty on the survivors. [Begin Molina recording] My husband supported my three children and me. Now we have been left with no support. Who will help us? We have no one to ask for help. My husband was our only support. [end recording] Molina has appealed to the U.S. Embassy for help. [Begin recording] [Molina] I have received nothing except a bouquet of flowers and condolences. [Reporter] Will you request the Embassy's assistance? [Molina] Yes. [end recording] There is no law that could force the U.S. Embassy to compensate the survivors because Diaz worked for a private enterprise under contract with the embassy. The murdered man's brother has said that aid for this home, which has been virtually decapitated, is urgent. [Begin recording] Two of the children are disabled. One of them suffers from mental disorders, and the other is crippled. [end recording] The only assistance the family could get is from the Social Security Fund, which provides a very small amount to the widow for her minor children. No one knows for how long that aid will last. |
FBIS3-32685_0 | Foreign Minister on Diplomatic Agenda | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [All quotations marks as published] [Text] Foreign Relations Minister Gladys Maritza Ruiz Vielman stated yesterday that what was previously described by the government as a human rights "diplomatic offensive," was called off because it was unnecessary and represented an expensive investment which the government has no need to pursue at this time. The minister added that she believes there is great confusion with respect to that issue which needs to be clarified. There was an initiative that entailed several trips to Europe and North and South America by various government representatives to explain the progress made in Guatemala with respect to human rights and the peace negotiations. According to the minister, these trips, which were mistakenly called a "diplomatic offensive," did not materialize due to several reasons. First of all, the human rights issue will be the object of an in-depth analysis during the 50th Ordinary Session of the UN Human Rights Commission currently taking place in Geneva, which will be attended by an official government delegation. What better way than for the Guatemala delegation to take advantage of that opportunity to discuss the issue along with the other delegations and expand more on what has already been covered by our ambassadors at the respective foreign ministries. Second, the cost of a huge tour such as the one that had been organized represented too high an expense for the Guatemalan Government. In addition, it meant duplicating efforts by our delegation in Geneva as well as our embassies in the different nations. Having taken this into consideration, it was decided to specifically undertake trips aimed at presenting the new peace negotiation framework that resulted from the last meeting in Mexico City. Of course, plans for these new trips are much more modest than the previous ones. In most cases, the "delegation" will be made up of one member of the peace delegation, except in one case where two members of the peace delegation will participate. In every case they will be accompanied by our ambassadors accredited in each capital. As can be seen, the new official tour has been reduced to the strictly necessary, and the cost has also been cut dramatically. Finally, the minister indicated that using the term "offensive" together with the description of "diplomatic" is not the most appropriate since an offensive seeks to attack, or assault. Diplomatic task consist of exactly the opposite: |
FBIS3-32686_0 | Suit Filed Against U.S. Before GATT on Tobacco Imports | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Excerpt] The suit filed before the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade against the United States by Guatemala and other nations for restrictions imposed by U.S. import regulations on tobacco was confirmed yesterday by Agriculture Minister Luis Arturo del Valle and Foreign Trade Minister Eduardo Gonzalez. Del Valle said that Guatemala's intention is for the maximum institution on world trade to voice its opinion on the legality or illegality of the U.S. ruling with regard to the import of this product. The agriculture minister indicated that the United States has forced the large cigarette companies to purchase 75 percent of their tobacco needs from U.S. producers, thus violating a GATT regulation. That measure, he noted, implies that the nation's import of tobacco would be limited to 25 percent of consumption. This is the reason it was decided to file the suit before the GATT so it may in turn issue its opinion as to whether this measure is in keeping with its mechanisms or not. Gonzalez said that nations in Latin American, including Brazil, that have been adversely affected by the U.S. measures also joined in the suit. The foreign trade minister said that Guatemala maintains close contact with these nations to set up a structure similar to the one organized for the banana case, that is, to unite Latin American positions in this regard. In another turn of events, the foreign trade minister said that the meeting slated for 7-8 February between Mexico and the Central American Northern Triangle [El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras] has been postponed until a latter date that could be 21 February. Gonzalez indicated that the reason for suspension of the meeting was that the Group of Three (Mexico, Colombia, and Venezuela) did not reach an agreement. This situation forced the Mexicans to request the meeting to be delayed to analyze its current position. To conclude, Gonzalez said that Guatemala's position is to gain better access for our products in the Mexican market, as a series of difficulties have been registered with merchandise such as carton boxes, lamina [not further specified], and sugar. [passage omitted] |
FBIS3-32694_1 | Government `Victory' in Congress on Social Fund Analyzed | it will be difficult to balance the budget if salaries of public servants and military men are not frozen at 93 levels (in real-terms, of course) -- the Law on Budget Guidelines [LDO] lifts the requirement to withhold 20 percent of education-related salaries -- and at the same time approves housing expenditures three times above 1992 levels. Balancing the budget under these conditions will be made especially difficult since the executive branch agreed to remove from the amendment the article which empowered the administration to cut the budget whenever revenues fell short of expenditures. The administration managed to prove it can control Congress, although the finance minister was forced to make a few concessions in the LDO. The congressional advisers of the military ministries (who acted openly in favor of salary hikes for public servants in 1994 and 1995) made their objective very clear -- and they won. Everything has been approved and it is now up to the banks to pay up and balance the budget, and the Federal Revenue will carry on. The votes cast last night have led to a partial success in the effort to correct, during the next two years, some of the imbalances that the 1988 Constitution inflicted on the distribution of revenues and services between the Federal Government, the states, and the municipalities, and to reduce (or eliminate) the allocation of certain percentages of the revenue to specific expenditures which slowed down the implementation of any government policy. It remains to be seen whether, after enduring a lot of pain from the Budget Investigating Committee, Congress has not managed -- in a roundabout way without actually setting down anything in writing -- to change the budget from discretionary to compulsory by removing from the executive branch the possibility of cutting expenditures if there are not enough revenues. Let us not be deluded by the praise that will be lavished on Congress for its patriotism and on the minister for his unselfishness. The FSE amendment will come up for the second vote on 23 February. A formal vote will also take place on the same day for the promulgation. The finance minister also hopes to see the final text of the amendment published in the 24 February issue of the official gazette. There is a little problem that must be solved first before the executive branch can implement its economic recovery plan without first |
FBIS3-32706_0 | Cuba's Lage Discusses Bilateral Investment Agreements | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Report by Mariangela Velasquez] [Excerpt] Cuban Vice President Carlos Lage yesterday met with Venezuelan Investment Fund [FIV] Minister Abdon Vivas Teran to discuss the possibility of establishing bilateral investment agreements in tourism and to obtain information about the guidelines of the Venezuelan program on economic opening for foreign capital. Lage said this opening is one of the paths that the Cuban Government must try in an effort to pay off its debts. The official said Cuba could pay what it owes Venezuela, approximately $47 million, through investments by Venezuelan businessmen. Cuba's debt problem can be traced back to the agreement signed between Venezuela and Russia in 1986. Under that agreement, Russia committed itself to supplying oil to Germany (a client of Venezuela), and, in exchange, Venezuela supplied oil to Cuba. In 1991, the Caribbean island found itself in the position of having to pay for Venezuelan oil deliveries in cash in line with demands made by the Venezuelan Government. Cuba, however, was unable to meet the requirements. With a view to establishing trade relations that would allow the island to pay off its debt, the Cuban vice president showed special interest in activities related to tourism, because he believes this sector could ultimately attract Venezuelan investments. Lage also believes that Venezuela has more tourist experience than Cuba. Cuba wants to learn from other Latin American countries, avoid environmental problems, and create a modern infrastructure. The meeting held at FIV headquarters was attended by Cuban Ambassador Norberto Hernandez; Gonzalo Garcia Bustillo, Venezuela's diplomatic representative to Cuba; and Carlos Sequera Yepez, former president of the Venezuelan Federation of Associations and Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Although it is gratifying to know that the representative of a nearby country considers Venezuela's experience to be a reference point for establishing its own framework for development, the FIV's record in attracting foreign investments has been scant in recent years. We have to give time to the new FIV administration headed by Abdon Vivas Teran to determine whether we will see the fruits of the privatization of hotels and the channeling of multilateral financial support aimed at turning tourism and the services industry into a source of economic development. [passage omitted] |
FBIS3-32710_0 | Editorial Accepts Criticisms | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Editorial: "The U.S. Government May Report About Paraguay, But..."] [Text] The periodic U.S. State Department human rights reports on Paraguay are part of an analysis of the situation in all of Latin America. Only First World countries are exempt from this report because the United States surely lacks moral authority and reasons to pass judgment on them. Undoubtedly, no one feels comfortable with such reports; they constitute U.S. Government interference in the domestic affairs of sovereign countries. Moreover, their use is not always restricted to moral sanctions. Sometimes they become the basis for economic restrictions and other kinds of pressures that indirectly undermine universal principles of noninterference. In sum, they are detestable documents. Unfortunately, however, these reports have been shown to be effective against the evils they attack. In Paraguay's case, it must be noted that, more than any other, these reports helped weaken the image of Alfredo Stroessner's dictatorship. It is also worthwhile to mention that when the U.S. State Department reports exposed to the world the infamous human rights situation under the repression we were subjected to, the tyrant was forced to yield while defense mechanisms against him were strengthened. At the time, we appreciated these reports, and in an indirect manner, we even helped draft them by supplying reliable information. Consequently, for ethical reasons it is impossible for us to reject the U.S. Government practice of issuing reports on Paraguay's domestic situation. Moreover, it must be stressed that these reports were never biased regarding Paraguay's situation. They are limited to revealing the information obtained from reliable sources. The only objection to the latest report that was issued is that although the human rights violation cases mentioned are possibly all true and the comments on the justice system's faults are true, the overall human rights situation in Paraguay is far from being what it was more than five years ago. To be coherent with the aforementioned reasons, we must accept the criticisms and charges made in these foreign reports. For our international image, however, it would be useful if these reports made comparisons showing a foreign reader how much progress Paraguay has achieved in this regard, and that our political regime is much closer to the ideals of civilization than during the dictatorship we were able to defeat. In its next report, the U.S. State Department should be careful to continue noting the errors |
FBIS3-32710_1 | Editorial Accepts Criticisms | feels comfortable with such reports; they constitute U.S. Government interference in the domestic affairs of sovereign countries. Moreover, their use is not always restricted to moral sanctions. Sometimes they become the basis for economic restrictions and other kinds of pressures that indirectly undermine universal principles of noninterference. In sum, they are detestable documents. Unfortunately, however, these reports have been shown to be effective against the evils they attack. In Paraguay's case, it must be noted that, more than any other, these reports helped weaken the image of Alfredo Stroessner's dictatorship. It is also worthwhile to mention that when the U.S. State Department reports exposed to the world the infamous human rights situation under the repression we were subjected to, the tyrant was forced to yield while defense mechanisms against him were strengthened. At the time, we appreciated these reports, and in an indirect manner, we even helped draft them by supplying reliable information. Consequently, for ethical reasons it is impossible for us to reject the U.S. Government practice of issuing reports on Paraguay's domestic situation. Moreover, it must be stressed that these reports were never biased regarding Paraguay's situation. They are limited to revealing the information obtained from reliable sources. The only objection to the latest report that was issued is that although the human rights violation cases mentioned are possibly all true and the comments on the justice system's faults are true, the overall human rights situation in Paraguay is far from being what it was more than five years ago. To be coherent with the aforementioned reasons, we must accept the criticisms and charges made in these foreign reports. For our international image, however, it would be useful if these reports made comparisons showing a foreign reader how much progress Paraguay has achieved in this regard, and that our political regime is much closer to the ideals of civilization than during the dictatorship we were able to defeat. In its next report, the U.S. State Department should be careful to continue noting the errors that have been made and the faults affecting our institutions because, although it may annoy us, it compels us to correct them. But it also would be encouraging for these reports to point out the progress that has been achieved since the enforcement of the libertarian process. This would give a real picture of the situation and reduce the risks of hurting any feelings. |
FBIS3-32711_0 | More Objective Report Requested | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Editorial: "The United States Should not be Judge and Jury"] [Text] The U.S. Government periodically issues a document on the human rights situation in the world's countries. In an overall way it should be an objective evaluation due to the status of who formulates opinions on a topic that has as many facets as the question of human rights. Taking the segment that pertains to Paraguay as a basis, we can observe in its writing a certain tendency to magnify certain events, such as focusing only on the negative aspects without any mention of the progress that has been achieved. Beginning with isolated incidents, many of them not even considered important by us, it is not convenient to formulate generalities because it is a near certainty that errors will be made that do not compare with the seriousness that official documents should have. This is precisely what has happened with the document to which we are referring. From the detailed reading of the incidents mentioned as violations of human rights, it can be deduced that they occurred under fortuitous circumstances without the Paraguayan Government having had any intention of violating them in an overall manner. By using the same method, not even the United States would be exempt from peccadilloes in a similar examination, because even in similar cases in the United States the police must act energetically to prevent violence by radical groups, for example. Or the Army invade sovereign countries. But no one cries that the United States has violated human rights. The United States cannot go against the principle that no one can be judge and jury, as this report intends to do. At best, a supranational organization may have the authority to pass judgment on such a delicate issue. A valid critical judgment of Paraguay is that which compares the human rights violations cases under the previous regime with how the human rights situation fares in today's democratic transition process. If this comparison is made, it will be obvious that today we are living under conditions quite different than those in the recent past. Today, the norm is to uphold human rights; human rights violations are the exception. This fact can be ascertained by any national or international organization. We hope, therefore, that reports of this nature in the future, whatever their source, will be based on real and objective national events. |
FBIS3-32714_1 | Editorial Supports Entry | allowed us to conclude that there is a constant argument being mentioned to avoid the presence of U.S. troops. As for the series of conditions imposed by the Foreign Ministry, they seem to be both confusing and contradictory. The presence of U.S. troops is related to the "Unitas" operations carried out previously in our country jointly by Paraguayan and American troops. In this specific case, the nature of this operation will be different from the previous ones, which sought an exclusive military objective. This operation now seeks to improve secondary roads and build health centers in San Pedro. The position the Paraguayan Government has recently adopted is incomprehensible. To mention sovereignty, understood as a rigid and exclusive doctrine, does not seem reasonable in times characterized by an increasing integration of countries. Times admit that there are problems that know no borders: the deterioration of the environment, extreme poverty, ignorance, and illnesses. If the problems are common, it is easy to figure out that the struggle for a better world is a responsibility shared by all states and that this responsibility can no longer be considered the private affair of each state within its territory. In the Paraguayan case, we all know that external cooperation is vital if one hopes to successfully face the challenge of social and economic achievements. San Pedro Department is precisely a kind of example of all the critical problems affecting the country, especially in the social area. Without any doubt this is the reason why growing marijuana is becoming the desperate option of the peasants in that region in their search for a better life. This is the ideal place to carry out a program for improving the population's standard of living; therefore, it should be welcomed instead of being rejected as is currently happening, although in a disguised manner. Under these conditions it is possible that no advantage will be taken of this brilliant opportunity for cooperating with San Pedro Department, which is struggling in the midst of agonizing poverty. Therefore, this is the ideal place for implementing such a program, which should get the enthusiastic support of our government. And not as is happening now when it seems that efforts are being made to look for pretexts -- for reasons that do not seem very clear -- to delay and obstruct an action that from any point of view is beneficial to national interests. |
FBIS3-32719_1 | FSLN Leader Arce Discusses Situation With Diplomats | a working breakfast with Commander Bayardo Arce, and they discussed various topics regarding the Nicaraguan situation. [Marcos Nunez, member of the Association of Diplomatic Officials] Personally, and not speaking for my embassy, I want to tell you the discussion was very good. I sensed a clear and sincere willingness by Commander Bayardo Arce to implement changes on substantial and basic aspects of the FSLN for Nicaragua's benefit. [Bayardo Arce, member of the FSLN Executive Commission] The diplomats' questions reflected the concerns that all Nicaraguans have, like how to achieve economic recovery and how to face socioeconomic problems. I believe they, as diplomatics, although they are not heads of mission, expressed a certain concern in their questions because they see that the government is not stimulating production. Obviously, we pointed out that that was our main complaint against the government's economic policy, namely, that it does not seek to stimulate production. Rather, the government's economic policy is more interested in scoring high marks with creditors. I believe that listening to our views will enable these officials to play a different role in their bilateral relations. [Pierre Salazar, official at the Venezuelan Embassy] In my question to Commander Bayardo, I mentioned that Nicaragua is a country facing a very serious situation with a balance of payments deficit, a drop in its foreign exchange, and a lack of foreign investment. For many reasons [pauses] currently everyone wants money. For instance, the Soviet Union wants $3 billion, the Arabs want money, and these circumstances all affect the situation. We must be realistic and consider all the circumstances. [Guevara] Another major point discussed was the FSLN's internal debates. [Arce] Regarding debates in the FSLN, I believe their questions were restrained. But since questions were asked on this topic, I told them that Sandinists have always had internal debates, so much so that at one point we split in three groups before beginning our fight against Somoza. We have always been characterized by internal debates, but since 1990, and under the new conditions, we have brought the debate out into public light. This debate has been passionate at times and not so passionate at others times, but that should not surprise anyone. [Guevara] The diplomats said the meeting was worthwhile because, according to them, firsthand information enables them to have a clear idea of the situation and therefore they can better contribute to Nicaragua. [end recording] |
FBIS3-32724_0 | Foreign Minister Protests U.S. Official's Statements | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Article by Carmen Elida Contreras] [Text] Yesterday, Panamanian Foreign Minister Jose Raul Mulino rejected statements made in Washington by Robert Gelbard, U.S. assistant deputy secretary for Inter-American Affairs. Gelbard warned the United States could reduce its aid to countries, like Panama, which have not curbed drug trafficking. "Expressing criticism that does not seriously reflect the true attitude and determination of the Panamanian Government in its fight against this powerful and international network of crimes is unacceptable," Mulino warned in a note sent to Deane Hinton, U.S. ambassador to Panama. On 10 February, Gelbard told the international press that the Clinton administration is studying the possibility of cutting aid to countries like Panama, Bolivia, Peru, and other drug-producing countries or countries where drug traffickers operate and where they have not been punished. Mulino recalled that since 1990, the Panamanian Government has been taking "serious and decisive" actions to fight the laundering of drug money. "I reiterate my concern for the inexplicable delay the U.S. Senate has experienced in ratifying the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty on penal matters, signed by the United States and Panama in April 1991," and which has been approved by the Panamanian Legislative Assembly. According to the diplomat, all these years of postponements with respect to this important legal instrument "undermines your government official's authority to criticize." In his letter, the foreign minister chronologically recounts at least 12 measures Panama has taken against drug trafficking as well as the agreements and treaties signed with other countries. Mulino adds that "not even the United States, with all its resources, has been able to effectively control drug consumption. But this real impossibility is not an excuse to carelessly say that this government is not working to control" this problem. |
FBIS3-32725_0 | Ministers Reject U.S. Questioning | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Article by Manuel Alvarez Cedeno and Orlando Mendieta C.] [Text] Planning Minister Delia Cardenas has said the U.S. State Department official who said Panama is not making enough effort to fight drug trafficking and money laundering "does not know the Panamanian situation or what the government has done" to fight the scourge. This week, Robert Gelbard, the State Department official in charge of overseeing the antidrug fight, said Panama is doing very little to fight money laundering. Cardenas said: "I think he does not know the Panamanian situation or the efforts the government has made to fight drug trafficking and money laundering throughout the country. The U.S. official's statement was also rejected by Foreign Minister Jose Mulino, who described it as "unacceptable and irresponsible." Minister Cardenas said: "We have done our part, but the United States still has one important task to perform: to approve the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty [MLAT]." Panama and the United States signed MLAT in 1991, and it has been ratified by the Panamanian Legislative Assembly but not by the U.S. Congress. Cardenas described the position of the U.S. official as "unfortunate." Gelbard said Panama "has not taken the necessary steps to counteract the problem of the presence of millions of dollars generated by drug trafficking." In a note sent by Foreign Minister Mulino to U.S. Ambassador Deane Hinton, the Foreign Ministry lists twelve steps the administration of President Guillermo Endara has taken to fight drug trafficking and money laundering. Gelbard's assertion came at a time when the Bill Clinton administration has announced a new policy for fighting drug trafficking. The new policy is based on the fight against the consumption of drugs and foresees a drop in financial aid to countries that do not make real efforts to fight the production and trafficking of drugs. Hinton, who yesterday concluded his work in Panama, apologized to the Endara government for Gelbard's statement. "In my opinion," he said, "Panama has done a lot to fight drug trafficking and I can point to the efforts of organizations like the Judicial Technical Police, the National Air Service, and the National Maritime Service in this endeavor." Meanwhile, Supreme Court President Arturo Hoyos affirmed that Panama "works seriously" to fight drug trafficking activities. He described the statement by the U.S. official as "improper." According to Hoyos, there is a "big difference" between this government and the past |
FBIS3-32762_3 | Deputy Foreign Minister Views Immigration | (Petrella stands up and moves his hands). But we were talking about people who could support themselves. Argentina is one of the few countries in the world that still offers this possibility. [Korin] Which other countries do? [Petrella] Australia, New Zealand, Canada -- but to an increasingly smaller degree. To a certain extent, South Africa does too. [Korin] What does a country need to have an open migration policy? [Petrella] It needs space. A country with large free territories must fill them up. Not exactly to fill them up but to have a more rational occupation of these territories. [Korin] What are the strictest countries in this regard? [Petrella] The European ones. They have even signed an agreement to create a common border alround Europe and thus limit the number of possible immigrants. Some even say this agreement harms the asylum right that was so traditional in countries such as Spain and France. The United States is strict but has signed agreements and, in general, is a very generous country. [Korin] But not only in regard to the space issue. [Petrella] Ask them about that. [Korin] How can we combine the concept that empty territories must be filled up with the concept some people have that immigrants occupy positions that should be occupied by Argentines? [Petrella] The thing is as follows: The arrival of people with a certain purchasing power creates jobs and services. They do not occupy other people's positions. It all depends on the immigrant's social and economic level. None of those listed in this folder (points out the list of Russians) comes empty-handed. I also would like to explain that I bluntly reject the concept that there is xenophobia in Argentina. We can say that we have job problems, competition problems, labor law flexibility problems. Our problems in this field are related to labor and not to a xenophobe attitude. [Korin] I am referring to immigrants from neighboring countries who come to Argentina without this standard of living. Are agreements to be signed with neighboring countries being analyzed? [Petrella] No, we are holding permanent talks with these countries because most of those who immigrate to Argentina come from neighboring countries. Border control is not as strict as it should be. Sometimes a person enters the country as a student without being one. Perhaps, Argentine laws are too flexible. To enter the United States a person must prove |
FBIS3-32762_4 | Deputy Foreign Minister Views Immigration | to create a common border alround Europe and thus limit the number of possible immigrants. Some even say this agreement harms the asylum right that was so traditional in countries such as Spain and France. The United States is strict but has signed agreements and, in general, is a very generous country. [Korin] But not only in regard to the space issue. [Petrella] Ask them about that. [Korin] How can we combine the concept that empty territories must be filled up with the concept some people have that immigrants occupy positions that should be occupied by Argentines? [Petrella] The thing is as follows: The arrival of people with a certain purchasing power creates jobs and services. They do not occupy other people's positions. It all depends on the immigrant's social and economic level. None of those listed in this folder (points out the list of Russians) comes empty-handed. I also would like to explain that I bluntly reject the concept that there is xenophobia in Argentina. We can say that we have job problems, competition problems, labor law flexibility problems. Our problems in this field are related to labor and not to a xenophobe attitude. [Korin] I am referring to immigrants from neighboring countries who come to Argentina without this standard of living. Are agreements to be signed with neighboring countries being analyzed? [Petrella] No, we are holding permanent talks with these countries because most of those who immigrate to Argentina come from neighboring countries. Border control is not as strict as it should be. Sometimes a person enters the country as a student without being one. Perhaps, Argentine laws are too flexible. To enter the United States a person must prove that he or she has been accepted by a university, in addition to several other things. [Korin] Why have 400,000 immigrants failed to make their situation legal even after the Argentine Government granted them 15 months of amnesty? [Petrella] People are usually afraid of legalizing their situation. This is a widespread sociological phenomenon, similar to the one responsible for people's refusal to pay the value added tax, or freelance workers' refusal to register in the social security system. People tend to distrust the government. Deep inside, there is a cultural distrust about the solidity and fairness of our governmental institutions. This is the only way we can explain why a person chooses to live in an irregular situation. |
FBIS3-32766_0 | Five Policemen, 20 Students Injured in Street Clashes | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] Quito, 9 Feb (AFP) -- The police have reported that five policemen and 20 civilians were seriously injured today as a result of street riots by students and workers in this capital. Students and factory workers who were protesting the 71.2-percent increase in the price of a gallon of gasoline confronted Army and police units with rocks and Molotov cocktails. On Tuesday, the Confederation of Indian Nationalities of Ecuador [Conaie], to which 3.5 million Ecuadorans of the 11 million who live in this country belong, had initiated an ongoing Indian uprising. Last Thursday the powerful United Workers Front, comprised of the country's most important labor unions, held a national strike to demand that the fuel price increase decreed on 28 January be repealed. Today other popular organizations held an "empty pots and pans march" to reject the price increase, arguing that as a result of the government's measure food prices have increased. The demonstrators -- including many women carrying posters, banners, and kitchen utensils -- gathered near Central University and at El Ejido and La Alameda parks in downtown Quito and tried to march on the Presidential Palace, shouting slogans against President Sixto Duran-Ballen. Security forces, with the support of light armored tanks, fired tear gas at the crowd to scare away the demonstrators. Conaie has reported that in the Andean province of Azuay, 310 km southwest of Quito, the Army fired on a group of Indians, wounding eight. A general state of discontent is seizing the provinces of Riobamba, Imbabura, and Carchi, on the border with Colombia, according to journalists from those regions. Defense Minister General Jose Gallardo has cautioned that the public order will be protected. Official sources have reported that approximately 100 people were arrested in Quito for having allegedly participated in riots. |
FBIS3-32767_3 | Disagreements With U.S. on Industrial Property Viewed | through imports without the obligation of manufacturing the product patented in the country. Another disagreement refers to parallel imports: The United States wants the patent holder to have the right to block parallel imports, in other words, those imports that are made without the authorization of the patent holder. The Uruguay Round Accord does not mention this point, but the amendment the Brazilian Government intends to send to the Senate restricts the scope of the type of patent protection the United States wants because parallel imports would only be possible between member countries of a common market or based on international agreements such as Mercosur. This means, for example, that a person in Argentina who has the license for a product with the patent holder living in the United States could supply the product in a parallel form to Brazil without the patent holder's direct authorization. There is also disagreement regarding the "pipeline" [preceding word in English], or transitory protection. The United States wants a "pipeline" [preceding word in English] that protects products already patented in other countries and already being commercialized for the same period of time for which the products are patented in the country of origin. The government is going to suggest an amendment to Draft Law No. 115/93 that will authorize the protection of the "pipeline" [preceding word in English] only for those patents that have been registered abroad, but not for products that already are being commercialized. The Uruguayan Round text does not clearly define the state of microorganisms and living beings, but the United States considers that they should be patentable, giving as examples the super tomato that has been developed in a laboratory and the Harvard University rat that has been genetically altered [rato transgenico de Harvard], which is used to test products against mammary cancer. The draft bill indicates that Brazil's position is that of granting a patent only for microorganisms (not living beings) that are used in industrial processes. The Brazilian Government is trying to close the gap between the two countries' positions. Ambassador Paulo Tarso Flecha de Lima will continue to be Brazil's contact with the U.S. Government. He departed for Washington on 7 February. Senator Antonio Mariz (PMDB-PA [Brazilian Democratic Movement Party-Para State]) is the new rapporteur for the industrial property draft bill. He will try to present his argument on 16 February to the Senate's Economic Affairs Committee. |
FBIS3-32776_1 | `Party Officials' Explain Situation to Visa Seekers | analysis of the incidents, JUVENTUD REBELDE points out that on 10 February, rumors began to spread through the city of Havana to the effect that the Cuban security guards had been withdrawn from the U.S. Interests Section, and that people going to the Section's offices were expeditiously being awarded visas. During that day, several groups of people appeared in the area, headed for the U.S. Interests Section. Party officials explained to them that what they heard was false, and they desisted. Later, similar incidents occurred, and the custodians asked the people to leave because it was all nothing but a manipulation by unscrupulous people. The area was cordoned off with police barricades. This cordon was later removed, given the characteristics of the people who, deceived, were showing up at the site. In the chronology published today by JUVENTUD REBELDE, it was pointed out that on 11 February, however, the human element that began showing up at the site changed. Noted was the absence of confused people and the presence of lumpen. One man even had a knife hidden under his shirt and was arrested. In the afternoon, a crowd of some 60 or 70 people formed, among whom a number of agitators were observed. These people headed along the Malecon intending to enter the U.S. Interests Section's offices. Revolutionaries gathered at the place thwarted the attempt. Those believed to be the ringleaders were arrested. The police cordon was immediately reestablished. There were another two similar disturbances later, but the provocateurs failed to achieve their goal. [passage omitted] JUVENTUD REBELDE'S article adds: It is obvious who masterminded the incidents. This is how the mechanisms of the counterrevolution and imperialism operate -- on the basis of deception and cynicism. It has once again been confirmed that the streets of this country belong, and will continue to belong, to the revolutionaries. The item states: The economy is in a special period here, but the dignity and decorum of a people who evidence daily heroism will never be. Let what has occured serve as experience for the unscrupulous authors of the escapade. Never will anyone be able to ride roughshod over the Revolution because to do so, he would have to ride roughshod over the righteous anger [coraje] and determination of us millions of Cubans who place no stock in rumors when it is a matter of defending the unity [integridad] of the fatherland. |
FBIS3-32778_1 | Easing Restrictions Viewed as Ploy to Infiltrate Society | prohibiting visits to other countries, in this case Cuba. As is well known, measures adopted by the U.S. Government to exert pressure and cause economic damage to the Cuban economy include the enforcement of severe sanctions on U.S. citizens who travel to Cuba in defiance of these restrictions. Obviously, the reported attenuation of those restrictions does not include those who want to travel to the Pearl of the Antilles as a tourist because that would represent income in dollars to the Cuban tourism industry. Cuban specialists on international relations believe the elimination of certain travel restrictions to Cuba and the expedition of possible information exchanges are part of a system designed to influence the Cuban civilian society and increase its political influence on the island, as was done in Eastern Europe. Others believe that, far from contributing to the improvement of relations between the United States and Cuba, its real purpose is to weaken Cuba's conclusive arguments before international organizations, where it has stated the travel restrictions imposed on U.S. citizens who wish to travel to other countries for personal reasons are a violation of their human rights. Cuba cannot be accused of extreme mistrust because it has only experienced all kinds of aggression from the United States for more than 30 years. Besides, Washington officials have made it clear they are not interested in making any policy changes towards Cuba as long as Cuba does not adopt changes to resemble the so-called representative democracies that follow the U.S. model throughout the world. Cuba has repeatedly stated it will not tolerate this blatant interference in its internal affairs, and it cannot accept conditions to establish and maintain diplomatic relations, or other types of relations, with another sovereign state. If the United States eliminates or reduces restrictions on its citizens so they may travel to Cuba, even with the provision that they do not to contribute in any way to the Cuban economy, this would be another step towards reason and wisdom. Cuba has many friends in the United States and has always been happy to receive visitors from all nations, whether they sympathize with Cuba or not, if they want first-hand knowledge of the real Cuban situation. The Cuban Revolution has always been able to differentiate between government and people, as far as the United States is concerned, and Cubans have always felt respect and sympathy for the U.S. people. |
FBIS3-32780_0 | Havana Cites Reports Faulting U.S. Human Rights Record | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] The U.S. Government, which every year publishes a voluminous report detailing human rights violations in the rest of the world's countries, in several areas itself fails to come up to international norms as regards human rights. A recent report from the Human Rights Watch and the American Civil Liberties Union says the government fails to comply with international human rights norms in important ways, ranging from the way it treats Haitians to instances of interference with the freedom of religion -- passing through racial and sexual discrimination, police brutality, and other such things along the way. The two organizations carried out this study in the hopes of breaking down the cynical official posture that international law protects human rights only outside the borders of the United States. Other areas of concern are the systematic, deep-rooted discrimination against women in matters of education, employment, and salaries; overcrowded prisons; and abuse of the death penalty. |
FBIS3-32786_1 | Carlos Lage Grants Interview Upon Return to Havana | for us. We had the occasion to explain our situation, what we are doing, the measures we are adopting, and the importance of the struggle against the U.S. blockade under current conditions. "We met not only with the presidents of those countries, but also with other officials, with ministers and businessmen. I think the environment is very positive for strengthening current political, economic, and commercial relations with the countries we visited. The fruit of this positive environment was the visits to those countries, and I believe these visits can contribute to improving relations. [(Bermudes)] "In your opinion, what were the highlights of those visits? [Lage] "I think the most outstanding points were the respect for the Cuban Revolution, the interest in our country's situation, the increasing awareness of the need to fight against the U.S. blockade, an understanding of the measures the country is adopting to adjust itself to current circumstances, and the possibility that the measures we are adopting can lead to greater economic integration with Latin America. I think one of the main results of the visits is the thrust we are giving to inviting investment in the Cuban economy and strengthening economic and commercial ties, as well as opening new possibilities for the export of Cuban products to those countries of the region." Colombian Ambassador to Cuba (Ricardo Santamaria) also returned to Havana. He participated in Lage's visit to Colombia. Santamaria also conveyed his opinion to this station. [(Santamaria)] "I would say that the visit was very positive because bilateral relations were strengthened, especially in the area of business. Vice President Lage met with Colombian businessmen, six ministers, and President Gaviria. We must also mention the visit of Cuban Foreign Minister Roberto Robaina and the reestablishment of relations. We hope that after this visit, we will be able to arrange a visit to Cuba between Colombian businessmen and various ministers for closer identification of points of cooperation. [(Bermudes)] "And what about the invitation extended by Lage to President Gaviria to visit Cuba? [(Santamaria)] Well, we have a program which includes a visit by the transport minister and by the foreign trade minister for the signing of a preliminary agreement, and finally the visit of Foreign Minister Noemi Sanin. These arrangements are in progress and we hope they will develop well. I am certain that the development of these relations will be fruitful both for Colombia and Cuba." |
FBIS3-32794_0 | Roundup of Economic Activity | Article Type:BFN [Editorial Report] The following is a compilation of fileworthy reports on economic developments in Cuba carried on Havana radio and television in Spanish between 8 and 11 February. Radio Rebelde at 1255 GMT on 8 February reports that a miscellaneous crops plenum was held in Cienfuegos Province at which it was announced that an additional 400 caballerias of plantain are going to be planted in Cienfuegos Province, above and beyond those under the current agricultural plan. Also, in salute to 26 July, 42 organic plots are to be added to the present 15. Radio Rebelde at 1800 GMT on 8 February reports that in 1993 Cuba received approximately $50 million in diverse donations -- mainly food, medicine, and school supplies -- channeled by the Cuban Institute of Friendship with Peoples [ICAP] from 72 countries. ICAP President Sergio Corrieri added that 11 international brigades visited Cuba in 1993, and 32 cultural delegations traveled abroad. Cuba Vision Network at 0100 GMT on 9 February reports that the Faustino Vega rice mill in Manzanillo, Granma Province, has fulfilled its 1993 goal by husking a total of 8,500 tons of rice. This rice mill belongs to the Fernando Chenique Rice Company, which must plant 2,000 caballerias of rice this year, the largest number in the country. With an industrial performance of 64 percent, the Faustino Vega rice mill is also one of the best in this area. Radio Rebelde at 1255 GMT on 9 February reports that the Antillana de Acero enterprise produced 8,000 tons of steel in January. This year's plan per four-month period is 50,000 tons. Radio Reloj at 1508 GMT on 9 February reports that Pinar del Rio Province has approximately 170 caballerias of land planted in miscellaneous crops, earmarked for use by schools. These are self-sufficiency plots. In 1993, 62 percent of the schools' needs in food were provided for by these plots. Over 64,000 quintals of miscellaneous food crops were produced in Pinar del Rio Province in 1993. This year, the School of Medical Sciences and other centers of higher learning will be given land to cultivate for self-sufficiency. Radio Rebelde at 0000 GMT on 10 February reports that Federico Ramon Puerta, governor of the Argentine province of Misiones, announced a donation to Cuba of 28 tons of paper. He announced this shortly before his departure for Argentina after a visit to several Cuban provinces. He was |
FBIS3-32794_3 | Roundup of Economic Activity | lowering costs, and of course, there is an improvement in income." Del Risco notes that working for profit seems to motivate workers. Radio Rebelde at 1800 GMT on 11 February reports that at the end of an extensive tour of San Cristobal Municipality cane-growing areas, Fidel Ramos, first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba [PCC] in Pinar del Rio Province, has issued a call to catch up and to increase both efficiency and the amount of sugar produced during the current harvest. Rebelde's correspondent notes that workers are working around the clock at the 30 de Noviembre agroindustrial complex to get a 1,000-cubic-meter water tank operative again because problems with it paralyzed the sugar mill's operations. Ramos also inspected the Basic Cooperative Production Units' [UBPCs'] planting areas and a Youth Labor Army military grange. Along with Jose Marrero Camacho, like Ramos a member of the PCC's Central Committee and also president of the Provincial Assembly of the People's Government in Pinar del Rio, Ramos participated in a seminar for the economists of the 47 cane sector UBPC in the province, as well as in an overall inspection of the sugar harvest in Pinar del Rio. Radio Rebelde at 1255 GMT on 11 February reports that the country's objective is to plant more than 18,000 caballerias of sugarcane by the end of June 1994, the largest figure over the past 13 years. Thus far, 61 percent of that program has already been achieved. Havana and Cienfuegos Provinces are leading in this planting program. Rebelde adds that the Armed Forces will be in charge of maintaining more than 11,000 light and heavy tractors, and more than 11,000 previously inoperative light trucks, to participate in this new Cuban agricultural project. The Armed Forces has the most experience and best techniques for maintaining both Armed Forces and agricultural equipment. The same newscast reports that despite the economic crisis affecting the country, there are and have always been the fraternal hands of many governments and institutions supporting our government. Such is the case with the Spanish Government, which in 1993 alone contributed approximately $5 million worth of donations. Spanish ambassador to Havana Jose Antonio San Gil said his government hopes to maintain and further develop cooperation with Cuba. In 1993, the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation brought 337 tons of powdered milk for children. Spain also contributed, with $550,000 worth of medicine in 1993. |
FBIS3-32823_0 | * Monetary Board President Discusses Economic Plans | Language: Spanish Article Type:CSO [Interview with Ana Lucia Armijos, president of the Monetary Board, by Roberto Peralta Cardenas; place and date not given] [Text] The first step included in the plans for the new year is the reduction of expenditures in the public sector, Monetary Board President Ana Lucia Armijos has announced. In an interview with EL UNIVERSO, this official emphasized that the goals set for the government do not mean that a period of stagnation lies ahead for the economy. On the contrary, the reactivation of the productive apparatus will basically be supported by the dynamism of the private sector, and in part by the improvement in the levels of public investment. Armijos explained that despite the fact that production growth came to about 2 percent in 1993, as compared with 3.5 percent in 1992, the rate of growth in the gross formation of fixed capital exceeded 50 percent. This represents growth that is greater than the increase in the population. "Greater growth in productive activity, in both the public and private sectors, is expected in 1994," she said. Inflation Below 20 Percent She stated that the government will seek to provide the economy with responsible fiscal management in 1994, making it possible to consolidate the reduction in inflation at a rate of less than 20 percent by the end of 1994. Armijos did not mention the goal of 15-percent annual inflation for 1994, to which reference has been made over the past several months, in what might be interpreted as one of the principal effects of the most recent fiscal crisis. Armijos said that as of the end of 1993, the greatest social benefit provided to the people of Ecuador by the government of Sixto Duran-Ballen has been the reduction in inflation. This official refuted the criticisms voiced by businessmen who maintain that on balance 1993 was a year of recession. She went on to say that intermediary credit for the financial sector increased by 30 percent, in real terms, so that it can be said that the formal sector had adequate resources for the financing of its activities. Armijos said that the monetary and foreign-exchange boards will continue to be used in 1994. This will make strict control of liquidity possible. She further said that it is expected that the amendments to the Law on the Monetary System will be "taken up and approved by the Congress" |
FBIS3-32823_2 | * Monetary Board President Discusses Economic Plans | within the first two months of the year. Our interview with the head of the body that directs the economy follows. [Cardenas] How do you assess the economic activity in 1993, as 1994 begins? What is the legacy left for the new year? [Armijos] In the year just ended, it was possible to reduce inflation to 31 percent--a goal that for more than five years, the preceding governments were unable to achieve. The goal for the reduction of inflation was reached thanks to the responsible, consistent, and concerted effort made in the monetary and fiscal sectors. Other important achievements include the stabilization of the rate of exchange, the stabilization of the financial market, and a substantial reduction in the fiscal deficit. In addition, the foreign sector was strengthened, enabling the country to accumulate reserves of more than $1 billion since the program was adopted. In 1993, the country made progress toward the more flexible use of the tools of economic policy. Better management of the utilization of the tools of monetary policy based on the market was achieved. A new system was designed for interest rates, allowing greater flexibility for the middlemen and greater efficiency in the allocation of financial resources. And the foreign-exchange policy was made fully flexible, with a view to rendering the establishment of the most important price in the economy--the rate of exchange--a much clearer process. [Cardenas] What is the lesson taught by the achievement of the inflationary goal in the year just ended? Are there some who maintain that it is a relative success? [Armijos] There is no sense in speaking of a relative success when we have succeeded in reducing the rate of inflation from 60 percent in December of 1992 to 31 percent in December of 1993. This is the greatest social benefit the government of architect Sixto Duran-Ballen has given the people of Ecuador. The reduction of the rate of inflation to 31 percent and the maintenance of macroeconomic stability have additionally allowed investors to plan their activities with greater confidence. And what is more, they have expanded their investment horizons into the medium time range. [Cardenas] What the productive sectors have suffered has without a doubt been a recession, rather than a slowdown. How can this situation be improved in the new year if recession does reoccur in 1994? [Armijos] The major increase in intermediate credit for the financial sector, which |
FBIS3-32824_5 | President Reina News Conference | already agreed to increase the electricity rates, tolls, and other services? Is there any truth in the rumors circulating this morning? [Reina] The arrival of the IMF representatives must be taken as it is, and not as a ghost that comes to threaten or impose on us. We are a sovereign country, but 40 percent of our budget is dedicated to paying the foreign debt -- immense amounts of money that disappeared during very regrettable periods in our history. I believe this is the first discussion, there is still no letter of intent. But, what I do guarantee to the Honduran people and to the majorities of this people, is that we will not accept, under any circumstance, that sales taxes be increased because those deeply hurt the poor majorities of Honduras. Other things are being discussed, other possibilities, but I have still not received the report from the economic cabinet. I met with them this morning, but to discuss a topic that I find to be passionate: solidarity -- this is a contribution from Mexico. To implement what in that country has been called the Solidarity [Program]. What does it consist of? That the people cooperate for their own benefit, for their own well-being. Honduran boards of trustees are organizations that have not functioned too well. They become sectarian, fight each other, neutralize each other. We have to have neighborhood residents improve their own living conditions with government and international aid. This approach has yielded good results in Mexico. I studied it this morning with the Economic Cabinet and feel very optimistic about it. The fare issue has not yet been decided. The Honduran poor majorities should not be taxed. The possibility of taxing either the poor or other social sectors is what is being debated. The final decision, however, will be made by the Honduran Government. The IMF, as an international organization, is not as tough as before. I can say this because I have talked with them in Washington and Honduras. Their purpose is similar to ours: to favor the majority of the people. Together, we will be able to face the foreign debt without hurting the Honduran people. [Reporter] The people want to know whether taxes will be increased and when a decision will be made regarding raising electricity rates and those of other public services. [Reina] The matter is under discussion, and there will soon |
FBIS3-32824_6 | President Reina News Conference | benefit, for their own well-being. Honduran boards of trustees are organizations that have not functioned too well. They become sectarian, fight each other, neutralize each other. We have to have neighborhood residents improve their own living conditions with government and international aid. This approach has yielded good results in Mexico. I studied it this morning with the Economic Cabinet and feel very optimistic about it. The fare issue has not yet been decided. The Honduran poor majorities should not be taxed. The possibility of taxing either the poor or other social sectors is what is being debated. The final decision, however, will be made by the Honduran Government. The IMF, as an international organization, is not as tough as before. I can say this because I have talked with them in Washington and Honduras. Their purpose is similar to ours: to favor the majority of the people. Together, we will be able to face the foreign debt without hurting the Honduran people. [Reporter] The people want to know whether taxes will be increased and when a decision will be made regarding raising electricity rates and those of other public services. [Reina] The matter is under discussion, and there will soon be a solution, and this government's philosophy is to avoid hurting the poor majority of Honduras. I think this is a very clear and truthful idea. [Reporter] A list of three candidates for Social Security Fund director has been presented to you. It has been reported that you turned down this first list. What can you tell us about this? [Reina] I tell you frankly, Walter, such a list has not been presented to me, although I have been told it would be brought to me. When it is indeed sent to me, I will study it and appoint someone who can understand the true nature of social security. I will appoint the most capable person. For the time being, we have designated Dr. Ogden Rodriguez in the position. It was said a number of times that he had been discriminated against, that he was unpopular, things like that. It is impossible for all capable men to be appointed. Nevertheless, we will gradually correct the situation. Early in March, I will present a report to the Honduran people. It is necessary that I sum up thoroughly the condition of the country when I receive it. This will be done early |
FBIS3-32852_0 | Defense Secretariat Bulletin 29 on Chiapas | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Bulletin No. 29 issued by the Defense Secretariat in Mexico City on 11 February; from the "24 Hours" newscast] [Text] Several news media have reported the exodus of the indigenous population toward larger cities and townships because of the armed conflict in the state of Chiapas. Although the National Defense Secretariat has kept the public informed about the violence unleashed by the rebels against both people and property, it wishes to offer the following figures and information in an attempt to provide the people with a more complete picture -- a picture to which they are entitled. 1. The migratory flow toward major cities and towns in the region originates in the villages and hamlets under rebel control or influence. 2. Testimony by the people who have sought shelter and protection at the refugee camps indicates that they fled their villages after being stripped of their land, animals, crops, and property, and because of constant harassment for refusing to join the armed groups. 3. As of this time, 19,188 displaced inhabitants are at various shelters or with relatives and friends in the areas under Army protection listed below: In Escarcega, Campeche, there are 207 people; at individual homes in Chanal there are 50; in (Ochuc), 100; in La Trinitaria, 1,042; in San Cristobal de Las Casas, 250; at shelters in Ocosingo, 544 and 8,206 more are with friends or relatives; in Altamirano there are 403; and in Las Margaritas, 8,283. The total number of all refugees is 19,085. [figures as heard] |
FBIS3-32853_0 | Remains of 3 Persons Discovered in Chiapas | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico, 11 Feb (AFP) -- The remains of three people who had been arrested by the Mexican Army were found today in Chiapas by members of the nongovernment organizations (ONG) that work to defend human rights. Martin Faz from the National Network of Civilian Organizations All Rights for All [Red Nacional de Organismos Civiles Todos los Derechos para Todos] assured at a news conference that Severino, Sebastian, and Hermelindo Santiz were arrested by the Army on 7 January in Altamirano, one of the municipalities taken over by guerrillas. Since then, they had been reported as missing. Faz said ONG members today found the "remains, bones, clothing, and footware, allowing us to assure that they correspond to the people who were reported as missing." According to Faz, reports from residents of Morelia in Altamirano municipality indicate that the three people were "arbitrarily arrested by some Mexican Army soldiers on 7 January." Fax added that "there is no doubt" that the remains correspond to those three people; a relative has identified the clothing and a "dental bridge" that belonged to one of the missing. Thomas Craine, a member of the organization Medical Doctors for Human Rights [Medicos por los Derechos Humanos] that participated in the search, said, "We did not find evidence of the cause of death, but we have asked for a completed forensic and anthropological investigation." Craine said the remains have been turned over to the Attorney General's Office and the National Commission for Human Rights which had initiated earlier investigations. The Mexican Army's conduct during the Indian armed rebellion has been criticized by the ONG for engaging in extreme actions, such as secret executions and arbitrary arrests. |
FBIS3-32859_0 | U.S. `Fully Responsible' for Incidents at Interests Section | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Unattributed "Our Opinion" commentary] [Text] Encouraged by the United States, many Cubans want to emigrate to that northern country. Why has the United States sponsored an incident involving the Interests Section in Havana? What has hurt the United States? Could it be that after 35 years of frustration it can no longer resist a Cuba that keeps resisting, and which in its [word indistinct] has adopted initiatives to facilitate the reunion of Cuban families? Or is it perhaps trying to create incidents with rumors like these, to prevent the meetings called for by Cuba? Or was it perhaps trying with this incident hastily to create charges to justify its groundless accusations against our country at the UN Human Rights Commission, which is meeting in Geneva? Or was it perhaps trying to tarnish the rally it knew was scheduled to be held in New York on 12 February in support of Cuba and the proposal that Charles Rangel will submit to the U.S. Congress demanding the lifting of the blockade? Or perhaps, because of its arrogance, the United States can no longer resist the many blows such as those scored by the success of Foreign Minister Roberto Robaina's tour of Africa; the great Israeli rabbi's recent remarks about Fidel Castro; Ricardo Alarcon's tour of several European nations; the agreements signed with businessmen from developed nations who have publicly stressed the feasibility of Cuban projects; and of Carlos Lage's successful visit to three Latin American countries? Imperialism, the Miami counterrevolution, and the warmongers disguised as dissidents are fully and exclusively responsible for the incident. Cuba does not implement any coercive policy; neither does it have any military base in any country whatsoever, nor does it finance radio or television stations against any government, nor does it lend its territory to shelter terrorist organizations with all material and radio means to promote incidents like this one. The strength of the Cuban policy is based on its universally recognized justice, its clear openness, and its loyalty to the principles it proclaims. The embassies in Cuba will always have the necessary protection and facilities to carry out their activities and provide security to their staffs, who also have the moral obligation not to promote incidents which have nothing to do with their diplomatic roles. Trying to hold the Cuban press responsible for this incident because of the recent publication of a |
FBIS3-32878_1 | Vice President Lage: `Blockade Increasingly Isolates U.S.' | met with President Itamar Franco, Foreign Minister Celso Amorim, Finance Minister Fernando Henrique Cardoso, and Health Minister Henrique Santillo. Shortly before ending his visit, Lage said he found, in the aforementioned officials, a great understanding and a firm attitude against unilateral measures, like the blockade against Cuba and the so-called Torricelli Law, which seeks to influence third countries with the objective of attacking Cuba. Carlos Lage, one of the Cuban Government's officials in charge of the economy, said the objectives of his official visit to Brazil were to contribute to the development of bilateral political, trade, and economic relations in general, to promote important scientific cooperation agreements in the field of agricultural, and discuss issues of interest to Latin America. Brazil, he underscored, is an exporter of food and industrial products that Cuba needs, but he clarified that he wants trade with the South American giant to be balanced. He indicated that the increasing amount of exports to the Brazilian pharmaceutical market will contribute to that stabilization. A $30 million contract for Cuban sales of those products was signed this year. He emphasized that Cuba owes Brazil $48 million and it is a debt that still needs to be completely paid, but it will be eliminated through the growth of bilateral trade. Regarding the vaccine against type B meningoccic meningitis, which Cuba manufactures and which Rio authorities requested to fight an outbreak here, he indicated a Brazilian national commission is still examining it in order to approve it being imported. He added Cuba can wait for those results because its health authorities are convinced the vaccine is effective, given its parameters comply with all international regulations and was successfully used in Cuba during a mass immunization campaign. In the area of general Brazilian-Cuban cooperation, he said Brazilian firms provide specific services to companies with concessions for petroleum-producing studies in Cuba, but he stated there were no talks on petroleum during this visit. In the agricultural field, he expressed Cuba's interest in intensively studying Brazil's experience with alternating sugar cane and soybeans crops in the same soil. Regarding Cuba's situation, he said it is expected that in 1994, along with economic growth in tourism and the production of domestic petroleum, there will be an upsurge in other economic sectors that have been in decline. This will depend, he clarified, on various factors, including the fluctuation of prices on the international market, |
FBIS3-32881_0 | Update on Lage's Official Visit to Brazil | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] Brasilia, 4 Feb (PL) -- Today, JORNAL DO BRASILIA newspaper divulged that Brazilian Foreign Minister Celso Amorim has criticized the U.S. embargo against Cuba during a meeting with Cuban Vice President Carlos Lage, who is in Brazil on an official visit. According to the newspaper, which is published in this capital, Foreign Minister Amorim referred indirectly to the U.S. embargo against Cuba at a lunch with Lage on 3 February when he condemned some countries' adoption of unilateral measures, disregarding international law. According to this publication, Amorim kept reiterating such actions undermine both Brazil and Cuba's development. Commenting on this, Amorim said his country rejects the imposition of extraterritorial law (Torricelli Law) on third countries, although he did not specifically mention the Torricelli Law, also known as the law for democracy in Cuba. Amorim discussed his expectations regarding political changes in Cuba, and expressed his support for Cuba's reintegration in the hemisphere. He pointed out that Brazil and Cuba can join forces to overcome their weaknesses, and cited as an example the benefits that should result from a recent bilateral agreement, by which the Brazilian market will obtain Cuban medicines. Amorim said the Federal Government will distribute the medicines to the poorest people of this country for free. Amorim also referred to cooperation with Cuba in sugar, science, and technical areas. Meanwhile, in an interview by a Brazil news agency, Lage emphasized that the U.S. blockade against his country has caused many problems, and he said Latin American rejection of this aggression is important. According to the news agency, Lage told Amorim that Cuba is interested in paying off a $30-million debt with Brazil, making the medicines' agreement possible. The value of the medicine is greater than the debt. Lage noted that the medicines' agreement will also promote Cuban-Brazilian economic relations, and added that Brazilian businessmen are interested in investing in Cuba, especially in tourism, health, agriculture, and biotechnology. According to JORNAL DO BRASILIA and the Brazil news agency, Cuba has placed special emphasis on tourism and oil. The newspaper says Petrobras [Brazilian Petroleum], a state oil company, invested in oil exploration in Cuba, but stopped its operations. The publication stresses that the Cuban Government wants Petrobras to resume those activities. According to the sources, Lage believes his visit to Brazil will help achieve an increase in bilateral trade. JORNAL DO BRASILIA says that, according |
FBIS3-32884_0 | Possible Lifting of U.S. Travel Ban Analyzed | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] Havana, 5 Feb (PL) -- The possible lifting of restrictions on U.S. citizens traveling to Cuba is being classified by local analysts as something which the blockade prohibits and as a minor alleviation to the systematic violation of the constitutional rights of all U.S. citizens. In expressing an opinion with respect to the extent of a measure, which, according to THE MIAMI HERALD newspaper has been approved by the U.S. Department of State and is currently being evaluated by President Bill Clinton, Graciella Chailloux from the U.S. Studies Center told PRENSA LATINA that Washington's blockade against Cuba will never change. For the past 35 years, she recalled, the White House has attempted to economically suffocate Cuba, and what the newspaper reported in no way provides solutions leading in that direction. Lifting some travel restrictions to Cuba and easing the way to information exchange is merely part of a plan they intend to implement in order to influence Cuban civilian society and encourage real political intervention which the Americans, she indicated, would consider given the excellent results in Eastern Europe. The real intention, according to the researcher's personal opinion, is to encourage implementation of the Torricelli Bill, as this instrument relates to interfering in Cuba's internal issues. Likewise, Nicanor Leon Cotayo, Cuban journalist, writer, and researcher, believes that lifting restrictions to Americans traveling to Havana will only be a minor alleviation to the official violation of U.S. citizens' constitutional rights. Leon emphasized the highly selective nature of the authorizations granted -- mostly to U.S. officials. In this respect, he pointed out that more than an opening headed toward encouraging an improvement in bilateral relations, there would seem to be a more general intent aimed at less contructive objectives. In this respect, he added, it is important to point out that those persons who would be allowed to travel to Cuba do not include individuals who would cooperate with the country's economic or scientific development. Leon, author of several books on the blockade against Cuba, emphasizes that the eventual U.S. Government measures constitute a small favorable step within the context of American-Cuban relations. |
FBIS3-32888_0 | Workers Propose Measures To Help Resolve Economic Situation | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Report by Silvio J. Mendiandua: "Workers Contribute Ideas To Improve Economic Situation"] [Text] Havana, 3 Feb (PL) -- Cuban workers are proposing various measures and multiplying their initiatives in assemblies held in their workplaces to identify their productive reserves and help resolve the country's difficult economic situation. The Cuban Workers Federation (CTC) has convened nearly 80,000 meetings until 15 March so workers can analyze how to reduce expenses, increase revenue, achieve profitability, and in this way contribute to the economic efficiency of their enterprises and the reorganization of the national finances. This process is known in Cuba as the workers' parliament, because the ideas and proposals that emerge will enrich the debate of the People's Government National Assembly (parliament) during a special session called to adopt measures to improve the country's economic situation. According to experts, the principal problems affecting the economy are excess money in circulation, swollen payrolls with more workers than necessary, and a drop in labor productivity. Cuba entered a period of severe shortages after the collapse of the European socialist bloc, which provided the island with almost all the fuel it used and more that 85 percent of its raw materials, fertilizers, pesticides, and animal feed. Deputies, provincial and rank and file delegates are participating in the workplace meetings, offering extensive information on national and regional problems while at the same time receiving the proposals and initiatives, enriching the debate and identifying them with their constituents, according to repeated evaluations by Cuban authorities. Repeated proposals in the assemblies held throughout the country include charges for certain sports and cultural events, price increases for nonessential articles such as rum and cigarettes, and the elimination of subsidies as well as more strict control over state property. Many workers have advocated a gradual application of these measures and are against streamlining payrolls without union participation. The workers debates began in January with approximately 200 assemblies of union leaders as an initial organizational step and resumed 31 January with the massive participation of all workers. In a labor meeting at the Foreign Ministry, it was learned the ministry cut its expenses by $4 million during 1992 to 1993, and several proposals emerged for the ministry to finance itself. The proposals included: setting the price of consular services at the same average level of other Foreign Ministries; charging for services of the documentation center, data base, chronologies, |
FBIS3-32889_2 | Article Comments on Workers Assemblies | 80,000 work centers through 15 March. The principles that serve as the basis for this measure, which has no precedent anywhere in the world according to official Cuban sources, are participative democracy and the enormous potential of the multiple intelligences involved. The Cuban economy entered a period of harsh difficulties following the disappearance of the European socialist bloc and the disintegration of the Soviet Union, with whom Cuba had commercial relations that were very beneficial for the island. The Soviet petroleum supply, amounting to almost all of the island's consumption, abruptly dropped from 13 million tons per year to less than 50 percent and the country had to restructure its foreign trade, which provided 85 percent of the raw materials to industry and agriculture. At the end of 1992, another obstacle hampered Havana's economic plans. The Torricelli Law, ratified in October 1992, prohibited subsidiaries of U.S. enterprises' in third countries to trade with the island. According to studies conducted by specialized U.S. agencies, trade with Cuba, which reached $500 million with these firms at one time, was left futureless and the trade embargo tightened. On 26 July 1993, Cuban authorities announced the adoption of a series of measures to reactivate the national economy and reinsert the country into the world economy. The plan included new incentives for foreign investments to attract capital, markets, technology, and raw materials. Additional incentives were granted for visits and the remittance of funds by Cubans living abroad. As for the structural aspect of the economy, important decisions were made, such as the creation of the basic cooperative production units, which decentralized the national agriculture sector, and the self-employed workers law, which encouraged the production of certain goods which the state cannot provide. The new offensive is aimed at improving the financial situation in 1994, eliminate excess personnel, increase work productivity, and seek new production incentives. Participants in the majority of the work meetings held this week have proposed increasing the price of nonessential articles, such as rum and cigarettes, charging admission to sports and cultural events, and eliminating subsidies to unprofitable enterprises. According to local media, the participants also spoke about the need to establish greater control mechanisms to prevent the illegal diversion of state property assets. Other agreements deal with the labor unions' request to participate in future processes to account for personnel. They also requested the measures be adopted in a gradual manner. |
FBIS3-32890_0 | Roundup of Economic Developments | Article Type:BFN [Editorial Report] The following is a compilation of reports on Cuban economic developments monitored through 8 February. According to the Secretariat for Foreign Cooperation, Havana received more than $4 million in international donations and contributions in 1993. Cuba received aid from more than 300 cities worldwide, especially from Spain. (Havana PRENSA LATINA in Spanish 0239 GMT 3 Feb 94) |
FBIS3-32906_0 | Finance Committee Official on Deficit Reduction Efforts | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Report by Susana del Calvo; from the "Evening Information Review" newscast] [Text] The Havana workers' parliament has just been held and we will now speak with Jose Luis Rodriguez, minister president of the State Committee for Finance, who refers to the budget deficit. [Begin Rodriguez recording] Generally speaking, the country, as well as Havana Province, should substantially reduce its budget deficit -- particularly at the national level -- this year. However, a certain level of deficit will nevertheless prevail because we cannot possibly reduce last year's figure, meaning $4.2 billion, to zero in a single year. The government has yet to approve the budget but we will have a deficit. Generally speaking, the measures adopted in the assembly to reduce the deficit have a lot in common with what is being done in the rest of the country. The measures are mainly aimed at reducing subsidies to the enterprises, which is one of the essential elements of the country's deficit, and seeking a greater effectiveness in the production sector. This is a short-term element on which work can be readily carried out to cut losses, increase reliability, and achieve profits -- as much as possible -- in enterprises that are currently unprofitable. [end recording] Workers propose measures during the parliaments. Some of the measures will be popular but others will not. Jose Luis Rodriguez refers to these measures: [Begin Rodriguez recording] Certainly, as we have explained, the National Assembly of the People's Government is trying to adopt a series of measures that, although they will strive not to leave unprotected any citizen in the country, certain measures imply -- as our commander in chief explained -- sacrifices for the population. The people should rest assured the measures will be implemented with the greatest criteria of social justice possible and they will bear in mind the working people's interests. They will also include measures against those who violate the working people's interests. [end recording] The consultation with the Cuban workers, called the workers' parliament, will end on 15 March. |
FBIS3-32907_0 | Workers Engage in Discussion of Economic Issues | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN ["Report" by Roberto Morejon; from the "Evening Information Review" newscast] [Text] Given a situation where shortages are widespread and increasing the level of efficiency in all economic sectors is urgent, Cubans support the immediate implementation of measures agreed upon in each workplace in order to reduce costs, be more cost-efficient, and better manage resources to increase production. Over 3 million Cubans are currently participating in discussions promoted by the unions in an attempt to find solutions to various problems that hinder the efficiency of each workplace and affect the country's financial reorganization. According to the Center for Social-Political Studies and Research [Centro de Estudios Socio-Politicos y de Opinion], which conducted a poll among 1,300 workers, the leading topic discussed in the meetings held thus far is labor efficiency. In response to a call by the union leadership, the main concern of Cuban workers has been to find a formula to produce more efficiently given the availability of enough raw materials, fuels, and production equipment. During the meetings on economic issues called by the unions, the participants have contributed many ideas, recommendations, and useful reflections on how to face the management problem. According to official figures, only 31 percent of Cuban enterprises are profitable due to primarily external factors linked to the loss of Cuba's traditional partners in the vanished socialist sphere and the intensification of the U.S. blockade. However, other factors are involved in this situation, namely an inefficiency accumulated over many years, a lack of concern regarding costs, expenditures, and the balance between earnings and expenditures as well as a poor resource-management. The Cuban economy needs to place greater emphasis on all these aspects and to that effect, the current meetings come in very handy. In these meetings, both workers and administrative leaders examine thoroughly the best ways to eradicate inefficiency. What constitutes one of the most pressing tasks is to implement the agreements fully in order to eradicate inefficiency, without waiting for the measures that will soon be approved by the Cuban Parliament to reorganize the country's finances. |
FBIS3-32908_0 | Roundup of Economic Activity | Article Type:BFN [Editorial Report] The following is a compilation of fileworthy reports on economic developments in Cuba carried on Havana radio and television in Spanish between 12 and 15 February. Radio Rebelde at 1000 GMT on 12 February reports that the Cienfuegos spring sugarcane plan calls for planting 66 caballerias in February. The radio also says that the weeding of cane lands needs to be increased at Cienfuegos' 12 agroindustrial complexes, because "at the end of January, only 48 percent of the planned weeding had been accomplished." Radio Rebelde at 1255 GMT on 12 February reports that the order placed with the 20th Anniversary of the Triumph of the Revolution factory for 75,000 batteries for use during the current sugar harvest has been met. "This factory, the only one of its kind in the nation, is located in Manzanillo." Radio Rebelde at 1800 GMT on 12 February reports that Cubana de Aviacion serves Cuba's nine tourist hubs. "The Cuban Civil Aeronautics Institute, IACC, is cooperating in the nation's effort to receive 1 million foreign vacationers in the short term, and have its aircraft and installations offer these visitors quality service," announced Division General Rogelio Acevedo, president of the IACC, upon inaugurating the remodeled Maximo Gomez terminal in Ciego de Avila Province, which was expanded at a cost of 10 million pesos and services several international routes by which tourists arrive at hotels and villas on the cays along Cuba's north coast. Radio Reloj at 2057 GMT on 13 February notes that Cuba and Jamaica have established a maritime link "for trade and tourist purposes. The cities of Port Antonio and Santiago de Cuba, separated by 77 km, are linked by a trip of just seven hours. This will allow a greater number of vacationers to travel between the two islands. This link is also aimed at developing multidestination programs aimed at meeting the needs of the European, Canadian, and Latin American markets, and making a reality the Cuban and Jamaican desire to consolidate economic and tourism relations." This link was begun with the ferry Caribbean Queen [Reina del Caribe], operated by the Inter-Caribbean [Inter-Caribe] company, "whose basic activity is related to cruises, in conjunction with hotel enterprises. The ship carries 128 passengers, and the fact that it is first-class, economically advantageous, and has reasonable prices and onboard services satisfies the traveler's requirements. The tourist package is broader, however. Santiago de |
FBIS3-32909_0 | Roundup of Economic Developments | Article Type:BFN [Editorial Report] The following is a compilation of reports on Cuban economic developments monitored through 15 February. Sergio Corrieri, the president of the Cuban Institute of Friendship With the People, has announced that Cuba has received approximately $50 million in donations through his organization. Donations were mainly in the form of powdered milk, school supplies, and medicine. Aid came from 72 countries, but more than the value of the merchandise itself, Corrieri stressed that it is the aid's "symbolism" that matters. (Madrid EFE in Spanish 2146 GMT 8 Feb 94) The Central Drilling and Extraction Enterprise has reported record production for the month of January. The company pumped 113,346 tons of crude oil of its annual goal of 888,000 tons. The year's total nationwide projection is for the production of 1.2 million tons of crude, 100,000 tons greater than last year. Meanwhile, the government has opened bidding in Great Britain and Canada to allocate drilling rights for several offshore and inland sights. The British Premier Corp. will explore 2,990 km and the French Geopetrol company will explore 1,600 km. (Hamburg DPA in Spanish 1911 GMT 14 Feb 94) |
FBIS3-32910_0 | Roundup of Economic Developments | Article Type:BFN [Editorial Report] The following is a compilation of reports on Honduran economic developments monitored through 15 February. The Honduran Government announced a new lempira devaluation today, two weeks after President Carlos Roberto Reina's inauguration. Finance Minister Juan Ferrera disclosed the official exchange rate will go from 6.20 to 7.27 lempiras per dollar, effective 15 February. The name the Honduran Government is giving the monetary changes is the customs compensation factor [Factor de Valoracion Aduanera] for the implementation of duties within import and export tariffs and other tax schedules. (Panama City ACAN in Spanish 1753 GMT 12 Feb 94) Central Bank President Hugo Noe Pino disclosed today the Rafael Callejas administration, which ended on 27 January, left a "dreadful" 10.6-percent fiscal deficit. Pino told the media it is untrue the Callejas administration left a deficit of between 7 and 8 percent, as he announced prior to leaving office. President Carlos Roberto Reina and four IMF experts began to analyze the country's economic situation this week. Honduras pays between $400 million and $450 million for its foreign debt per year, a total that amounts to 40 percent of the budget. Pino said the country's deficit amounts to approximately 2.3 billion lempiras (about $371 million), adding such a figure "is dreadful and unmanageable" (Panama City ACAN in Spanish 1833 GMT 12 Feb 94) The Economic Cabinet, consisting of Guillermo Bueso, Central Bank President Hugo Noe Pino, and Finance Minister Juan Ferrera, warned this weekend the people should brace themselves, because there will be currency devaluations every month. This is within a plan by macroeconomic strategists who seek to close the fiscal gap. (Tegucigalpa EL HERALDO in Spanish 14 Feb 94 p3) According to the Honduran Central Bank Economic Studies Department, the wholesalers price index registered a 1.9-percent growth during the last quarter of 1993. It adds during all of 1993 the wholesalers price index increased an average of 12.7 percent more than the 10.1 percent of 1992. (San Pedro Sula LA PRENSA in Spanish 14 Feb 94 p3) According to the National Plan for Human Development, there is a deficit in the housing sector in view of the increasing demand and high housing costs. Statistics supplied by the Honduran Chamber of the Construction Industry show the housing sector reached 11.3 percent in December 1993. (San Pedro Sula TIEMPO in Spanish 15 Feb 94 p2) The Economic Cabinet, headed by Central Bank |
FBIS3-32936_3 | * Industrialist on Export Growth, Job Creation | that a third is needed to make them viable. It is becoming harder and harder every day to obtain credit, not only for small and midsized business but for big business as well. This mechanism makes financing exports more expensive, because no exporter buys raw materials for just one month's shipments. [EL COMERCIO] What proposals have you looked into for this tax? [Marquez] We ought to amend the system set up by Article 3 of Decree Law 25748. We should also extend the life of the system of documents with cancellation power (Legislative Decree 190) and make it applicable to the entire export sector. While continuing to cut costs at the denominator without emphasizing a higher exchange rate, inasmuch as this would alter the entire economic program, we believe that the tax credit for the selective consumers tax on oil purchases ought to be regulated. [EL COMERCIO] Does the industrial union that you head agree with the current economic program? [Marquez] We realize that the economic program has to maintain the iron discipline of expanding the tax base. [EL COMERCIO] Have you proposed alternatives for expanding the tax base? [Marquez] Individuals should be allowed to deduct from their income tax the general sales tax they pay when making a purchase. Businesses can check the invoices and the RUC [Single Taxpayer Registry]. Lowering the selective consumers tax on whiskey and cigarettes has raised revenues from $12,000 to $220,000 a month. Therefore, we think that if the simplified system is cut from 5 to 2 percent, it would further formalize the economy. If we review the numbers under this simplified system, we will see that they are not significant today, because of the standard system. We ought to go back to the Receipts Lottery, but with greater incentives to bring more people in. SUNAT [National Tax Administration Superintendency] has increased the tax burden from 4.5 to 10 percent of the GDP. Today we have 9,000 main taxpayers, and there are 852,000 registered in the RUC, but we need to have SUNAT and Customs conducting investigations and cracking down on smuggling and undervaluation. [EL COMERCIO] What is the commercial outlook in 1994 for the industrial union that you head? [Marquez] We hope that exports expand by much more than the 4 percent a year that is anticipated. Peru needs to increase its exports by at least 10 percent a year as of 1994. |
FBIS3-32945_0 | * Sintura Aide Allegedly Accepted Bribes * Editorial Views Incident | Language: Spanish Article Type:CSO [Editorial: "If the Salt Loses Its Flavor...."] [Text] Corruption and crime have existed from time immemorial. Ever since man set foot on this earth, homo sapiens has had to be watched over and punished. Not only are the Ten Commandments a guide, but also a form of prevention and a warning to those who do not follow them. National laws, those set forth by man, are in a sense a modern replica, ever harsher but, unfortunately, apparently increasingly ineffective. All of them, starting with those handed down during the time of Moses, have pursued a single purpose: to protect morals. In this struggle, violators fall almost daily, while others escape. And yet--nor is this a purely Colombian phenomenon--immorality continues to spread and it is very frequently the high-ranking officials who are involved in cases of corruption. In our country, the list is long. However, the most disturbing fact is that these cases occur in the very institutions responsible for ensuring that justice is served and, furthermore, that justice is done. We have recently been surprised by cases such as the one involving the prosecutor responsible for overseeing the Judicial Police, Guillermo Villa Alzate. Now, the deputy prosecutor general's private secretary, Orlando Caceres Henao, is accused of extortion, apparently on the basis of conclusive evidence. All of which makes the average citizen think of the old saying to the effect that "when even salt loses its taste," we face the danger that bad examples are spreading. That is why we believe that cases of high-level corruption must be investigated most rigorously and, when the crime is proven, harshly punished. We said yesterday that the sex education so essential in our schools should be accompanied by healthy information provided to children by their parents at home. The same is true of morals and ethics. It is likewise the responsibility of fathers and mothers to teach the necessary notions so that, as adults, those children will base their conduct on the strictest standards of morality. |
FBIS3-32964_2 | Commentary Foresees `Tough' Trade Talks With U.S. | back to the time of the gunboats, and dollar diplomacy. The U.S. administration must tell the U.S. Congress whether U.S. commercial interests are being respected in Brazil, while the Brazilian foreign minister will seek to persuade his U.S. counterparts that the Brazilian Government has adopted a foreign policy that in many cases displeases the White House and the State Department because it also has national interests to protect. For a government that administers a GDP totaling trillions of dollars, it should not be hard to understand that in a country administering a GDP that amounts to a few hundred billion dollars, the concepts of "commercial" and "industrial" are often confused with the concept of "national." In fact, last week President Clinton was able to note that this confusion exists even in Japan. All things considered, however, the U.S. pressure stems primarily from the fact that in Washington there is also confusion about what is national and what is related to the private economic sector. Looking at things coolly, Amorim may have been able to succeed in his efforts had it not been for the many years of frequent misunderstandings we have mentioned earlier. In addition to other issues that are rather delicate but not relevant, the Brazilian-U.S. dispute today revolves around the patent draft law being studied in the Senate. We have time and again said that had it been voted on on time, many of the U.S. complaints would have been avoided. The irony of the whole story is that the government of Itamar Franco will have to endure the consequences of something for which it cannot be held responsible (except for the laxity that has become its trademark): It was during the tenure of Senator Fernando Henrique Cardoso as foreign minister that the executive branch made every possible effort to make the Chamber of Deputies pass the patent law. The law includes points upholding Brazilian interests that are unacceptable to U.S. pharmaceutical lobbying groups. Amorim and Mickey Kantor, the U.S. trade representative, will have their hands tied by that intangible thing known as "national interest," which is always present in diplomatic and commercial negotiations. An understanding would be in the best interests of security in the hemisphere, but unfortunately this is not the way things are seen in Washington and Brasilia. We should thus prepare for a courteous but tough dialogue that might yield predictable but undesirable consequences. |
FBIS3-32965_5 | Foreign Ministry Note Cites Antidrug Efforts | transfer of drugs; regulates surveillance procedures during drug deliveries and covert operations; and creates two district attorney's offices specialized in drug related crimes, with authority and jurisdiction throughout the country. 12. The actions carried out by government authorities in charge of preventing drug related crimes have resulted in the seizure of many thousands of kilograms of cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamines, and bazuko, and over $7 million in cash, presumably for laundering through our banking center. As a result of these actions, more than 400 persons of different nationalities have been arrested and legal action has been taken against them. In addition, our government has agreed to continue working with Your Excellency's government in everything relating to cooperation by U.S. Government agencies to our national authorities so that, based on Panamanian legal procedures, the latter can successfully carry out operations to confiscate drugs in different sectors of our country. We also hope to strengthen our National Air Service so it can work to destroy alleged coca plantations in the Darien area -- a necessary effort to prevent cocaine production in our territory. I reiterate my concern for the inexplicable delay which your country's Senate has suffered in ratifying the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty for Criminal Affairs signed by the two countries in April 1991 and approved by our Legislative Assembly in Law 20 on 22 June 1991. All these years of delay by the U.S. Senate in ratifying this important legal instrument, undermines the authority of your government officials to criticize the collaboration that the Government of the Republic of Panama undertakes with your and other countries to fight drug trafficking. The fact that the limitations we face in fighting this deadly scourge are real and, oftentimes, affect the results surely does not escape Your Excellency's enlightened criteria. It is unacceptable, however, for U.S. officials to express criticisms that do not seriously reflect the real attitude and will of the Panamanian Government in fighting this powerful, international criminal network. Not even in the United States, despite all its resources, has the enormous consumption of drugs been effectively controlled; however, this real impossibility is not an excuse for merrily saying that the U.S. Government is not tirelessly working to fight the consumption and traffic of narcotics. I hope and trust, Mr. Ambassador, that the entire contents of this letter will be conveyed to the corresponding authorities of your country with the aim of |
FBIS3-32992_0 | Government Calls Meeting With Cuban Community Abroad | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Report by Javier Rodriguez] [Text] Havana, 11 Feb (PL) -- The government took an important step toward normalizing relations with immigrants and strengthening its national identity by calling a meeting with representatives of the Cuban community abroad. The conference will be held during the last week of April in Havana and will include an exchange of opinions on a wide variety of topics, including the prospective participation of Cubans abroad in the country's public and economic spheres, the weekly GRANMA INTERNACIONAL has just announced. Observers and political analysts of the Cuban situation cannot but notice the importance of an event of this nature if they take into account the large number of Cuban immigrants residing in other countries due to economic, family-related, and other reasons. This sector of the Cuban population has traditionally seen their relations with the island hindered because of the U.S. Government's permanent hostility toward Havana as well as because of the direct, and many times violent, actions carried out by several anti-Cuban organizations that are against any kind of dialogue. Cuba's call, which was initially outlined by Foreign Minister Roberto Robaina during his recent visit to the United Nations, was received with interest by many immigrant sectors, especially in the United States. However, the sectors who oppose the talks excluded themselves when they tried to impose conditions to obstruct the dialogue. The significance of the Cuban Government's call is even greater considering that the meeting will take place in the same year that the island's administration picked to implement a long line of measures geared to stabilize and reinvigorate its economy. The attempts to get closer to Cubans abroad have precedents in the process of the Cuban revolution's history. In 1978 efforts of this nature resulted in an increase in the family reunification movement, mainly between Miami and Havana. On that occasion, and as evidence of good will, the local government initially released approximately 3,000 counterrevolutionary prisoners and allowed them to join their relatives abroad. In the more recent past, Havana made it possible to multiply the air ties between the United States and Cuba and, much to the displeasure of the sworn enemies of the revolution, the number of visits to Cuba by U.S. residents increased significantly. Despite the obstacles to any type of exchange by the existence and intensification of the U.S. blockade, more members of the Cuban community in |
FBIS3-32992_1 | Government Calls Meeting With Cuban Community Abroad | abroad in the country's public and economic spheres, the weekly GRANMA INTERNACIONAL has just announced. Observers and political analysts of the Cuban situation cannot but notice the importance of an event of this nature if they take into account the large number of Cuban immigrants residing in other countries due to economic, family-related, and other reasons. This sector of the Cuban population has traditionally seen their relations with the island hindered because of the U.S. Government's permanent hostility toward Havana as well as because of the direct, and many times violent, actions carried out by several anti-Cuban organizations that are against any kind of dialogue. Cuba's call, which was initially outlined by Foreign Minister Roberto Robaina during his recent visit to the United Nations, was received with interest by many immigrant sectors, especially in the United States. However, the sectors who oppose the talks excluded themselves when they tried to impose conditions to obstruct the dialogue. The significance of the Cuban Government's call is even greater considering that the meeting will take place in the same year that the island's administration picked to implement a long line of measures geared to stabilize and reinvigorate its economy. The attempts to get closer to Cubans abroad have precedents in the process of the Cuban revolution's history. In 1978 efforts of this nature resulted in an increase in the family reunification movement, mainly between Miami and Havana. On that occasion, and as evidence of good will, the local government initially released approximately 3,000 counterrevolutionary prisoners and allowed them to join their relatives abroad. In the more recent past, Havana made it possible to multiply the air ties between the United States and Cuba and, much to the displeasure of the sworn enemies of the revolution, the number of visits to Cuba by U.S. residents increased significantly. Despite the obstacles to any type of exchange by the existence and intensification of the U.S. blockade, more members of the Cuban community in the United States are increasingly rejecting this measure and disregarding regulations that negatively affect their relations with their place of origin. Now, the meeting called has a wide horizon and those who come to Havana will be able to give their opinions and discuss something of great importance: How to consolidate the sense of an independent country that Cubans have traditionally defended and the future of their ties with their country of origin. |
FBIS3-32995_0 | Chamber of Commerce Promotes Boosting Trade Relations | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] Havana, 11 Feb (PL) -- Today, Cuban businessmen stressed the need to reinforce commercial information, both to and from the island, because it is a decisive factor in knowing what business possibilities exist. The Cuban Chamber of Commerce members studied their 1994 projections at the annual general assembly meeting held at the Havana Convention Center today. The members, which include firms from all sectors of the national economy, are involved in exporting their products and expanding the island's trade horizon within the framework of new, commercial laws which allows and promotes the participation of foreign firms in the country's economic activities. A report, which was distributed at the general assembly, noted that the need to provide more information has prompted the creation and implementation of a business support service, which gives advice on issues related to business organization, legislation, and techniques in other countries. A member of a firm, who requested that his name not be revealed, told PRENSA LATINA that the commercial activities in 1993 yielded positive financial results. He also emphasized the growing number of requests to operate joint companies by many foreign firms from all over the world. The report highlighted the importance of strengthening ties with Caribbean countries, keeping in mind the ties established by Havana with the capital cities of those countries. In this sense, Milda Picos Rivers, director of the Cubaexport firm, stated there are more exchanges between the five eastern provinces of Cuba with Caribbean countries. Picos reported that this firm promotes exports to Trinidad and Tobago, Guadalupe, Martinique, and other neighboring islands, of, among other products, citrus, fish and seafood, mineral water, construction material, and salt. In this framework, there is also noteworthy interest in the tourist industry in which Santiago de Cuba, the third largest city in the country, will host at least three important events next summer: Carifiesta, Expocaribe, and the sixth Cuban Nurses Congress. The assembly of associate members was headed by Chamber of Commerce President Carlos Martinez Salsamendi, and was attended by high-level Cuban foreign commerce and finance officials. |
FBIS3-32998_0 | Armed Forces To Support Agriculture Sector | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] Havana, 11 Feb (PL) -- The Cuban Armed Forces are engaged in an operation to support the local agriculture sector by assuming the task of maintaining thousands pieces of agriculture equipment. Approximately 22,000 tractors and light trucks, as well as other work equipment used in the fields, will be maintained by the soldiers as direct cooperation with the productive sector, Radio Rebelde has reported. Right now, the main objective is to remove corrosion and halt the deterioration of the equipment that is now available after converting a large number of former state-run farms to the cooperative system. Until this equipment is distributed and used in other agriculture units or assigned to cooperatives, the Armed Forces will be charged with maintaining the tractors and mentioned vehicles. Similar support operations for other sectors of the national economy have been implemented in the past, directly benefiting the Construction and Transportation Ministries, according to what could be learned. |
FBIS3-32999_0 | Weekly Views Workers' Need To Accomplish Efficiency | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] Havana, 14 Feb (PL) -- Today's editorial of the weekly TRABAJADORES stressed Cuban workers have to accomplish efficiency, economy, and effectiveness to be able to improve the country's economic situation, The publication of the Cuban Workers Federation writes the country's main economic problem can be resolved with more production but that, contrary to previous years, it now has to be accomplished with low costs, meaning less spending. As the new Workers Parliament Assemblies (approximately 80,000 meetings in which workers study ways to reduce expenses, increase income, achieve profitability, and mend finances) are being held, the editorial writes, the workers who attend them learn about terms such as efficiency, economy, and effectiveness. The editorial encourages workers not to look for macroeconomic solutions to national problems at those meetings, rather, to concentrate on the internal problems of each center, because this will allow for the reinstatement of the centers' productive capabilities and the achievement of optimal development. "We need to produce more of everything with current resources to be able to produce the many products we lack," the article writes, adding it is vital for workers to concentrate on how to reduce costs, to take advantage of production potentials, to make the best use of raw materials, and to obtain quality products and services." It is a matter of achieving economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in all business and budgeted activities, be it in the production of products or in services, it adds. The Workers Parliament Assemblies are enhancing the country's true potential to overcome the severe economic crisis that developed after the downfall of the socialist bloc and the intensification of the U.S. blockade, the editorial stresses. After attending those assemblies, Cubans know the significance of budgets, costs, subsidies, profitability, excessive circulation, income, expenses, prices, taxes, losses, and profits to the island's future. Thus, the assemblies are an excellent education mechanism for the union movement, it comments. The Cuban economy is showing a growing gap between the monetary liquidity in the hands of the population and the offer of goods and services, and that is why we need to decrease substantially the budget deficit, the editorial emphasizes. |
FBIS3-33000_0 | GRANMA Cited on Subsidies, Losses in National Enterprises | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] Havana, 12 Feb (PL) -- The Cuban State urgently needs to reduce expenses and increase income, GRANMA, the official mouthpiece of the Communist Party, asserts today. In an article, the newspaper reports that the subsidies given to national firms that have losses are the main contributing factor to the Cuban budget's imbalance. In 1993, the budget deficit amounted to $4 billion pesos (equal amount in dollars). In our case -- the article adds -- this means that more money has to be issued and this, in turn, increases the currency in circulation without material support, reduces the value of local currency and its purchasing power, increases labor absenteeism, and severely decreases labor productivity. GRANMA explains that the budget deficit and the printing of more money are not the only causes for the excess of liquidity as the fact that production and services have suffered a sharp fall in the past years must also be noted. However and undoubtedly, the former are key factors in the negative situation, it adds. The newspaper warns that expenses must be reduced very carefully because it is a very sensitive issue and actions to reduce expenses must not negatively affect the principles of social justice existing in Cuban society. Of course, it is indispensable that Cuban firms increase their economic efficiency, the article stresses. GRANMA favors the establishment of new taxes, the increase of previously existing taxes, and the implementation of new methods and ways to collect taxes more effectively. As always happens with controversial topics and advantages, issues that are so pressing and important to the country, logically, trigger debate and reflection, the article concludes. |
FBIS3-33002_1 | OAS Asserts Development Must Be Decided by Each State | an attempt to reach "agreements on strategies and systems that will further the achievement of integrated development, the struggle against extreme poverty, and the improvement of the basic levels of social and economic well-being in the hemisphere." The document emphasizes that "it is first necessary to strengthen the role of the OAS as a forum for inter-American dialogue as this will enable it to promote the development of the member states." It observes that activities should be geared to those areas in which the organization has comparative advantages, meaning where it can complement the actions of other organizations to boost the development of its member states. To further this end, -- the document asserts -- special attention will be given to efforts to coordinate development financing; to foster the creation of productive jobs; and to propitiate economic integration, commercial opening, and access to markets. Attention will also be given to the fight against the use, production, and trafficking of illegal drugs, as well as related crimes. The preservation, enrichment, and transmission of the countries' cultural identities and languages will also be furthered, as well as public administration strengthened. The second document, which is called "Commitment To Promote Cooperation Solidarity and To Overcome Poverty," notes the effects of the economic crisis that jeopardized most of the countries in the region during the past decade. In this sense, the second document highlights the reforms made by the OAS to eliminate extreme poverty and foster integrated development in its member states. For example, the OAS created the Inter-American Council for Integrated Development that is aimed at promoting cooperation solidarity for development. An OAS report indicates that democracy "has been revitalized" on the American continent as, perhaps, nowhere else in the world. The report on OAS activities, which was published in the OAS TODAY magazine, observes that representative democracy is the rule in the countries of the region. It highlights that many of the democratic changes experienced on the continent occurred prior to those that took place in Central and Eastern Europe. The report estimates that governments elected by the people have substituted de facto leaders in several countries and that other nations have gradually strengthened their democratic structures and institutions. It highlights the OAS commitment to the modernization of economic structures and to the achievement of social justice and adds that making democracy a sustainable system is "an essential task" at the OAS. |
FBIS3-33007_1 | Claes' Aide: NATO Enlargement No Guarantee for Stability | cultural organization, which means that only the latter reason is valid. U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Strobe Talbott assumes that stability in Europe will de determined by developments in Russia. I believe he is right in his assumption. We must take full account of Moscow. We must know what the Russians are thinking. Why is Russia so against the enlargement of NATO? Because it sees it as a move toward a dangerous isolation. Since 1917 that has been a permanent fear for the Russians. We must not fuel this paranoia. We can draw a parallel with the Ostpolitik of the former German Chancellor Willy Brandt. He could only begin his detente efforts after he had assured the Russians of the status quo in Europe, and thus by acknowledging Russia's place in Europe. Another example is the Cuban crisis. U.S. President John Kennedy was able to resolve it successfully because he did not start bombing immediately but tried instead to understand how Nikita Khruschev saw the conflict. [Oosterwaal] The West hopes to keep Yeltsin in place because it is horrified by his rival, Zhirinovskiy. But the West has little or no influence on Russia's domestic affairs. [Coolsaet] The best guarantee for stability in Europe is a democratic Russia. Whatever it takes, we must not allow an authoritarian, despotic system to develop in the former Soviet Union which would be opposed to the West. But how? By supporting the forces for democracy. I also know that our impact is very limited. But however limited this influence may be, we must at least try. If we believe that Russia is automatically embarking on a new imperialist adventure, then we cannot hesitate. Then we must enlarge the alliance as quickly as possible. But I do not believe that this scenario is unavoidable. Russian society consists of a Slavic, nationalist component and a Western-oriented component. It has been that way since Peter the Great. It is one of the keys to an understanding of Russia. Zhirinovskiy is the crystallization of a frustrated nation which is feeding off anti-Western Slavic sentiments. His success is not surprising. There is great unease in Russia. By immediately allowing NATO to extend right up to the borders of the former Soviet Union we would be lending force to this Slavophile and xenophobic nationalism. As long as the power play between the Slavophiles and those who look to the West has |
FBIS3-33012_3 | * Minister Defends Treatment of Captured Guerrillas | that the prisoners were taken so that the minister of defense could have the audacity to say that the borders are well defended. The ambush did not take place in the interior of Ecuador, but on the banks of a border river. Credit cannot be denied the Armed Forces so arbitrarily, as Mr. Ponce so impudently does, while conferring it, also arbitrarily, on confessed malefactors. What is the aim of this type of behavior? Is it to destroy the credibility of the forces responsible for maintaining the law and security so that the Ecuadoran people will remain defenseless before the aggression of the narco-guerrillas? This is why the words of Mr. Ponce who says, referring to the murdered policemen and soldiers: "those deaths cause us as much sorrow as they cause you," sound completely insincere and false. Anyone, not to mention someone who writes for an important newspaper, knows that a person accused of murder will resolutely deny committing a crime punishable by 16 years of imprisonment; and he also knows that the guerrillas, the bolder and more able they are, know how to conceal themselves among the people, in whose eyes they seem peaceful citizens. They dress in the clothing of simple peasants, they work just as other country people do, but one day they dig up their weapons and kill without pity. If the Armed Forces were so ingenuous and unprepared as to allow themselves to be fooled by these tricks, they would not deserve the trust of the people, but rather their repudiation and the most severe sanction. The prisoners are in the hands of justice, before whom they will have to prove their innocence. Justice is not being denied them. The Armed Forces are in no way interested in incriminating innocent people, but neither can they become accomplices to such a horrendous crime. I think it is necessary to emphasize that the prisoners were turned over by the Armed Forces to the appropriate authorities, in the presence of journalists, and with individual medical examinations. None of the prisoners was in poor health, so as to make one think that they had been subjected to brutal treatment. The impressions on their wrists are to be found on those who have been bound or handcuffed for long periods because they are dangerous; signs of chafing on their bodies are the effect of carrying heavy burdens or weapons for |
FBIS3-33016_1 | Exile Community Conference Invitations | is, since the first years of the Revolution, there has been a migratory chain of relatives. This has been one of the causes of a continuous emigration over the past years. The Revolution has tried to resolve this problem of distance and separation of family members. Everyone must remember that this was attempted in 1978, and if not premature, I believe there were neither objective or subjective conditions to make this dream come true. [Roque] What we are certain about is that the Cuban Government has always favored reunion of the Cuban family. It has always been said that there were not the conditions here for receiving many of those people who wished to be reunited with their relatives. But the willingness, the idea that this existed, has always been on the negotiating table. At least I think willingness existed in 1978. [Rodriguez] I also think that in a way, the Cuban family has always been a hostage of the Cuban-U.S. conflict and policy. [Roque] Well, that is another subject we are going to discuss later. [Rodriguez] Well, yes, it is another problem, but this idea of being hostage to a policy, namely the U.S. hostile policy toward Cuba, represents a wall, a curtain, a barrier against family reunion, because the United States has used the migration issue as a spearhead against the Revolution. Undoubtedly, when a relative of yours is on the opposite side of the idea you defend, or the cause you defend, a disruption takes place within the family. But today I think we are reuniting many families divided for political reasons, families that have adopted different political stances after being separated. But this is not happening for the first time now, during this revolutionary period. It also happened during the Spanish period. There were families, well, Creoles of Spanish descent, who broke from one another because they defended different positions. Later, during the era of the Republic -- or during the pseudo- republic as we call that period of successive governments of representative democracy -- many families were also broken up for political reasons. I think the time has come to end this political disruption in family relations because with greater respect within families, with greater respect for the ideas each might hold, without humiliation or offense, the families with varying points of view can be reunited. [Sexto] I believe, Osvaldo, that except for the people |
FBIS3-33020_0 | Roundup of Criminal, Judicial Action | Article Type:BFN [Editorial Report] The following is a compilation of fileworthy reports on criminal activity and related judicial actions in Cuba carried on Havana radio and television in Spanish between 7 and 16 February. Radio Progreso at 1200 GMT on 7 February reports that after two senior citizens were killed on 31 December in Centro Habana Municipality, rumors creating a distorted view of the events began to circulate. Foreign radio stations directed towards Cuba, discrediting the international image of the Revolution, claimed that in Cuba there is no security for citizens who receive dollars from relatives in the United States; they are vulnerable to attack and even murder by criminals trying to rob them. To clarify events, Radio Progreso interviews First Lieutenant Alberto Molina Perez of the homicide department of the provincial unit of police operations in Havana City who was in charge of the investigation. Molina Perez states that on the evening to 31 December, the Havana City homicide department received word that a double murder had been committed. The victims were Santiago Martinez Hernandez, 85 years old, and Eliodora Josefina Suarez Ramos, 83. Clues, including fingerprints, led to the identification of persons suspected of this crime which, according to the announcer, is uncommon and caused great consternation among the people. During the investigation, one of the suspects confessed. According to Molina Perez, the prompt response of the police allowed the case to be solved quickly. The two suspects, Elmis Barbaro Villaluz and Rolando Raul Diaz Vina, are unemployed and have criminal records. They are being held and in the near future will be tried for murder. Under the penal code, sentences can range from 15 to 20 years' imprisonment to the death penalty. Radio Progreso at 1200 on 9 February reports that Cuba plays an active role in the fight against drug trafficking. Several foreigners have been arrested transporting drugs within Cuban territorial waters attempting to smuggle drugs into U.S. territory, which were later incinerated under official supervision. An example of the efficiency of the National Revolutionary Police in its fight against drugs is the case of a man in Havana City who was arrested for growing marijuana in his back yard. According to Detective Pablo Ibarra Martinez, Alejandro Valdes Friel from Cerro Municipality was arrested for growing 62 marijuana plants in his back yard and for the possession of ten packages of the drug in his home. |
FBIS3-33049_4 | * Vivas Teran Previews Caldera Economic Policies | the appropriate courts. According to a report from the Hacienda Publica Nacional [National Treasury] for 1992, the cumulative total of all of the potential receipts by the Treasury under this heading amounted to 400 billion bolivares. The most worrisome aspect of this situation is that there has been no will to collect these taxes. Corruption is of such magnitude that frequently obligations to pay are allowed to lapse. The state can and should begin a healthy and sensible tax collection policy, using law firms and entrusting them with handling this task. Their services would be paid for by a negotiable percentage of the tax collections which they make. - Presenting to Congress as soon as possible changes in income tax legislation, including: (a) eliminating or substantially reducing authorized legal exemptions, especially those which protect the financial sector; (b) slightly increasing the taxes due on corporations. The maximum now is 30 percent. It could be raised to 32.5 percent; (c) reducing the impact of direct taxation by enacting income tax legislation before providing for some other type of tax to replace the burden of indirect taxes on the people. Vivas Teran warned that the collection of income taxes in Venezuela amounts at most to 2.0 percent of Gross Domestic Product. In 1993 it did not amount even to that much. In the United States, for example, income tax collections amount to 10.8 percent of total government income; (d) immediate substitution of the Value Added Tax by a tax on the consumption of luxury articles which would exempt from payment all products of common use by the people and which could start from a given unit value and rise higher. Abdon Vivas Teran, expected to replace Julian Villalba as president of the Venezuelan Investment Fund, considers that the policy of privatization should be used more as an instrument aimed at correcting structural deficiencies in the distribution of income and property, in the provision of services, and in the level of government efficiency by helping to relieve the excessive burden of the external public debt, rather than as an automatic instrument to compensate for the budget deficit. Therefore, he added, these processes should guarantee access to property, both by those who work for companies which will be subject to these transactions as well as by persons turning out production inputs, as in the case of the agricultural sector. He was asked: "At present |
FBIS3-33070_3 | * Sale of Bank, Licenses Boost State Earnings | climb too high. On the contrary, they may just lower the rates to attract more customers. A more valid criticism may be that if all bidding is done through auctions from now on, only those with the most money will be able to participate: the same old handful of companies, which could lead to a greater concentration of wealth in Colombia. For many years now, analysts have seen that as one of the country's most serious problems. One way to mitigate these effects may be to pass antitrust laws, setting limits to the concentration of ownership. The incoming government will surely have to debate this issue. In the meantime, the finance minister can rest assured: with full coffers, the specter of a runaway budget deficit seems to have been chased away. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Funds Obtained by State from Sale of Bank (in billions of pesos) | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Cost of intervention and nationalizat-|268.0 | |ion of bank, at today's prices | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Approximate sale price of Bank of Col-|410.0 | |ombia | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Funds earmarked for covering capital |-63.0 | |and guarantees | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Net value obtained by the nation = |347.0 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Distribution of Funds Obtained by the Nation | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |For Financial Institution Guarantee F-|69.4 | |und (Fogafin) | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Budgeted in 1994 to make advance paym-|277.0 | |ents on foreign debt and back pension | | |payments | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Total Obtained by State From Cellular Phone Bidding and Bank (in billions of | |pesos) | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Total obtained for cellular phone lic-|978 | |ensing | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Total obtained from sale of bank + |347 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Grand total = |1,325 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Grand total in dollars |$1.625 billion | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |State's Earnings on Cellular Phone Licenses (in millions of U.S. dollars) | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |License for private network in Easter-|335 | |n Region | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |License for private network in Wester-|160 | |n Region | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |License for private network on Atlant-|120 | |ic Coast | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Total |615 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Amount mixed companies must pay for m-|585 | |ixed network in the three regions (95%| | | of what private companies pay) | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Total to be received by the nation fo-|1,200 | |r mixed and private concessions | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Total to be received by the nation, i-|978 billion | |n pesos | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
FBIS3-33099_1 | Newspapers Advertise `Foreign Partners Wanted' | began being published in Havana in January, the wanted partner must have funds to invest in the island or a market abroad where Cuban products can be sold. The request for partners comes from very diverse as well as unexpected prospects in a country that continues to declare itself Communist and that practically eliminated foreign investment since the victory of the revolution in January 1959. Such is the case because not only do small- and medium-sized firms advertise their interest in foreign partners but the most important government associations, oil refineries, sugar factories, textile firms, distilleries, and cement factories do so too. They are organizations that have been partially paralyzed since the fall of the Soviet Union and the divorce from Russia. Cuban authorities have established a list of 132 priority "investment opportunities," which they are proposing throughout the world in an effort to attract investors with a certain amount of incentives, mainly in the fiscal sector. Those proposals have not prompted great enthusiasm for the Cuban market of 11 million people up to now. However, they have prompted interest by certain businessmen, mainly Europeans, Latin Americans, and Canadians. According to members of the French National Council Foundation delegation that visited Cuba recently, there is no doubt that President Fidel Castro's regime is willing to open the economic system. Castro met with them for eight hours to confirm the "irreversible" character of the ongoing economic reforms. Communist leaders have asserted that "the Cuban economic opening is not a tactical or circumstantial response but a realistic strategy to permanently adapt the country to a new international economic scenario. Concerned that their bulky foreign debt could prompt difficulties, mainly with European countries, Cuban leaders have also asserted that "Cuba is willing to consider flexible renegotiation of its foreign debt, taking into account the creditors' interests." Parallel to this, the Castro government has created the International Commerce Bank and inaugurated an area for merchandise in transit that has many of the characteristics of a free zone. The number of mixed firms is still relatively small -- 112 in January 1994 -- but the number of foreign firms being established in Cuba -- 505 currently -- is increasingly rapidly. Out of the 112 mixed firms, 28 are in the tourism sector, which Cuban authorities present as the "salvation" of the economy and foreign specialists view as the most promising market in the entire Caribbean. |
FBIS3-33102_0 | Roundup of Economic Activity | Article Type:BFN [Editorial Report] The following is a compilation of fileworthy reports on economic developments in Cuba carried on Havana radio and television in Spanish on 16 and 17 February. Radio Reloj at 2209 GMT on 16 February reports that the Ministry of the Sugar Industry is planning to organize in Matanzas, this month, 24 state farms for the self-sufficiency of agroindustrial workers. "The self-sufficiency granges implement the principles of linking workers to the land, building housing, and financial self-management, "and 50 percent of the profits of a given accounting period is distributed among the members." Radio Reloj at 2229 GMT on 16 February reports that "(Lynn, Dorothee), president of the Guadeloupe-Cuba Friendship association, has delivered an important donation of food, school supplies, and cleaning products to the headquarters of the Santiago de Cuba branch of the Cuban Institute of Friendship With Peoples." (Dorothee) "is also a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of Guadeloupe." Also, an Italian delegation from the cultural association called World Liberation presented two packages of antibiotics, anesthetics, and cortisone to two hospitals in Santiago de Cuba. Cuba Vision Network at 2320 GMT on 16 February reports that Chile's minister of public health "has announced that Chile is going to begin a field test in March with meningitis vaccines from Cuba and Norway." The test will study the vaccinated persons' response to the different vaccines. "The test will be supervised by the Pan American Health Organization, a Cuban physician, and international experts." In the same newscast, Cuba Vision reports that "the important Canadian hotel chain Delta Hotels has begun operating, with Cubanacan, several hotels in Santiago de Cuba: the Sierra-Mar, the Los Galeones Diving Center, and the Salton, all located west of the city -- a total of over 260 rooms." Delta also has a tradition of helping nearby communities; therefore, the hospital in the town of Chivirico received a big gift consisting of uniforms and tires, which the businessmen say is just a start. Tourists seem to like the hotels: "The Sierra-Mar is at present 100 percent full. To begin this way is a good omen for the future, because this alone says much about the importance of the agreement." Radio Rebelde at 0000 GMT on 17 February reports that an oceanographic atlas of the waters off the Sabana-Camaguey archipelago has been published. Engineer Angel Luis Chirino, interviewed at the Third Oceanographic Sciences |
FBIS3-33102_1 | Roundup of Economic Activity | announced that Chile is going to begin a field test in March with meningitis vaccines from Cuba and Norway." The test will study the vaccinated persons' response to the different vaccines. "The test will be supervised by the Pan American Health Organization, a Cuban physician, and international experts." In the same newscast, Cuba Vision reports that "the important Canadian hotel chain Delta Hotels has begun operating, with Cubanacan, several hotels in Santiago de Cuba: the Sierra-Mar, the Los Galeones Diving Center, and the Salton, all located west of the city -- a total of over 260 rooms." Delta also has a tradition of helping nearby communities; therefore, the hospital in the town of Chivirico received a big gift consisting of uniforms and tires, which the businessmen say is just a start. Tourists seem to like the hotels: "The Sierra-Mar is at present 100 percent full. To begin this way is a good omen for the future, because this alone says much about the importance of the agreement." Radio Rebelde at 0000 GMT on 17 February reports that an oceanographic atlas of the waters off the Sabana-Camaguey archipelago has been published. Engineer Angel Luis Chirino, interviewed at the Third Oceanographic Sciences Congress under way in Havana, notes that the atlas constitutes a solid basis for conducting research that will be done within the framework of a UN Development Program project. He explains that the Sabana-Camaguey archipelago area off the northern coast of Camaguey is being studied because it is one of the areas most greatly changed by man in recent years, and "is beginning to be exploited, from a petroleum point of view. That is, platforms are being built offshore. This is the first time this has been done in Cuba." In the same newscast, it is reported that remodeling of the Hotel Habana-Riviera in Havana is among the projects of the (Caguama-Caribe) Hotels business group. Tele Rebelde and Cuba Vision Networks at 0100 GMT on 17 February report that a new variety of tobacco called Habana-200, as well as others also resistant to blue mold and other tobacco diseases and pests, has been tried out on certain small farmer and state sector lands in Pinar del Rio Province with encouraging results. Yields are expected to be 500 or 600 quintals of tobacco per caballeria, with many high quality leaves. Radio Rebelde at 0000 on 17 February reports that the Raul |
FBIS3-33106_0 | * Falconbridge Tax Payments Drop 74.3 Percent | Language: Spanish Article Type:CSO [Article by Jose Mercedes Feliz: "Production Is Limited by World Prices"] [Text] During the first 10 months of 1993, the steady decline in nickel prices on the international market caused government revenue from Falconbridge Dominicana to register a 74.3-percent drop compared with the same period in 1992. According to mining company officials, from January to October of this year, Falconbridge brought in foreign revenue amounting to $8,990,720, compared with a total of $34,797,705 for the same period of 1992. They reported that firm executives plan to produce 70 million pounds of nickel contained in ferronickel next year. During the first 10 months of 1993, they said, nickel exports amounted to 43,579,4124 [as published] pounds, which production was sold at an average per-pound price of $2.02. In contrast, 49,591,422 pounds were exported during the same period of last year at an average price of $3.20 per pound. From March to October of this year, Falconbridge Dominicana produced 40,916,441 pounds. It will be recalled that due to the drop in price and demand on the international market, executives decided to suspend operations on 26 December 1992, then resumed them on 8 March. During the first 10 months of 1992, Falconbridge produced 47,933,842 pounds. The estimated monthly average was 5.6 million pounds. From March to December of this year, the company planned to produce 55 million pounds at a much lower cost than that achieved during the final quarter of last year. In 1992, production totaled 60.7 million pounds and 60.5 million pounds were sold abroad at an average per-pound price of $3.14. A total of 70 million pounds was obtained during the entire period and the government took in $46,641,773 for the year. Experts estimated that it is impossible to produce at a cost of under $2.00 per pound, meaning that it will be necessary to change policies if world prices drop below that price this coming year. Falconbridge maintains its policy of reducing costs in order to continue operating, increase profits, and meet the region's development programs, the experts said. It will be recalled that in 1991, Falconbridge produced 64.1 million pounds of nickel and exported 61 million pounds. For the first time, the mining company reduced its operations by 50 percent on 7 October 1991, a situation that continued until late February 1992 due to the drop in prices and demand. By that time, prices ranged |
FBIS3-33120_0 | FSLN Directorate Member Presents Program Proposal | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Article by Jorge Katin] [Text] Bayardo Arce, a member of the Sandinist National Liberation Front [FSLN] National Directorate, has presented to the public the FSLN Program Commission's official proposal, which will be discussed in May during the extraordinary meeting of the FSLN Congress. According to Arce, the commission has worked on the basis of what was agreed upon during the FSLN's first congress, held in 1991. Then, the delegates demanded the redrafting of four aspects of the FSLN program. The aspects that were changed in the FSLN's program platform are those related to the FSLN's position on relations with the United States, the Nicaraguan Government, the land issue, and its social role as a party. The presentation of the document was preceded by a strong debate on these and other topics that clearly established that there are, at least, three clearly defined different tendencies within FSLN ranks. According to Arce, this document is only a proposal, but it is the official proposal and will be discussed as such by the party members. "The other documents presented will complement the discussion," Arce added. Relations With the United States Regarding the FSLN's relations with the U.S. Government, the document suggests "establishing a new relation between the United States and Nicaragua in which mutual interests will prevail." According to the document, the relations with the United States consist of two essential components: Nicaragua's unrestricted respect for the principles of self-determination and noninterference in other states' internal affairs, and the United States' unequivocal respect for the Nicaraguan people's sovereign and democratic decisions. These aspects are related to the remarks made to the Sandinist government regarding its support for Central America's revolutionary movements and the history of U.S. military and political interventions in Nicaragua. The document also supports the incorporation of Nicaragua and Central America into NAFTA. The programs commission coordinator has denied this part of the document is influenced by the belief that it is necessary to be in good standing with the United States if one wants to be a true electoral alternative. The second aspect, related to the position with the government, concerns the outright rejection of a government similar to the Somozist. In addition, it deals with the fight against corruption and favors an honest public administration and obedience to the Constitution and bylaws. "Honest Opposition" To face the crisis and reactivate the country, the document proposes |
FBIS3-33135_0 | * Bolivia: Guarani `Slavery' Found in Chaco | Article Type:CSO [Editorial Report] In response to a request by the Guarani People's Assembly, PRESENCIA, a Catholic Church-owned, center-left daily led an investigative team into the Chaco region for a week in December to look into charges that approximately 10,000 Guarani Indians are held in virtual slavery on large estates. The team included a Congressional delegation composed of deputies Silvio Aramayo, of Guarani background, and Daniel Santalla. Its observations are contained in a special report published 16 January entitled "In the Footsteps of Kunta Kinte: `Roots' in the Southeast." According to the report, it is estimated that between 40,000 and 80,000 Guarani Indians live in the Bolivian Chaco departments of Santa Cruz, Tarija, and Chuquisaca. Of these, 21,000 are "free" and live in Santa Cruz's Cordillera province. The 10,000 Guarani Indians in the Chuquisacan and Tarijan Chaco live and work in "medieval serfdom," the report says, as agricultural laborers on large estates. Their salaries--often paid in the form of food, clothing, and coca, or alcohol--are so low that the debts they incur to their bosses keep them tied to the estate until they die. Their debts are then passed on to the next generation, perpetuating the cycle of bondage. The report stresses that although indentured servitude, sharecropping, and other coercive labor practices were outlawed by the Agrarian Reform Act of 1953, and despite Bolivia's ratification in 1991 of the International Labor Organization convention on "Indigenous and Tribal Populations," the Guarani people are generally unaware of their rights because most are non-Spanish-speaking and illiterate. The patriarchal system of the large landholdings gives the landlord absolute power over these Indians who are labeled "uncivilized, non-Christian nomads." The "buying and selling" of Indians also occurs: one boss just pays off an Indian's debts and acquires a new laborer. Some of the worst abusers of the system are the "work inspectors," government officials whose legal mandate is to protect and uphold the rights of agricultural laborers. Instead, these functionaries profit by the "capture, arrest, and return" of runaway Indians to the estates, claiming violation of work contracts signed. Some Indians are able to "buy their freedom" with the help of UNICEF and other nongovernmental organizations active in the region. Others manage to escape to "free lands" or to Argentina. Confiscation of Indian land continues to be undertaken "legally" with the complicity of agrarian judges, the report charges. Methods by which landlords lay claim to |
FBIS3-33166_0 | Baena Asks OAS Members for New Commitment To Fight Poverty | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Report by Paloma Boves from the "ACIR Radio News" newscast] [Text] Latin America's problems of democracy and extreme poverty have once again come to the fore. During the inauguration of the 20th extraordinary period of sessions of the Inter-American Cooperation for Development General Assembly at the Foreign Minister, OAS Secretary General Joao Clemente Baena Soares warned that the downtrodden need much more than just a chance to be heard in order to maintain stability and democracy in the region. [Begin Baena Soares recording] Just giving the downtrodden a chance to be heard is not enough to improve the fate of large segments of our society, rescue them from scarcity and exploitation, and ensure their full right to live with hope. We need sustainable democracy to overcome extreme poverty. [end recording] Speaking to 20 Latin American foreign ministers and 34 special delegates from member countries, Baena Soares warned government representatives of the danger that extreme poverty and social injustice may break the region's democratic order. Recalling the Mexico Declaration, signed in March 1945, which emphasizes the right of equal opportunity for all people in the hemisphere, Baena Soares hit the nail on the head when he affirmed that more progress is made today consolidating wealth than in halting the avalanche of extreme poverty and neglect, although the growth of these factors dampens possibilities for stability, development, and peace, which the countries of Latin America require to advance on the path of democracy. As an example, the OAS secretary general said that 230 million citizens in the region lack the resources to meet their basic needs. He stressed that in at least 11 Latin American and Caribbean countries, the available firsthand information reveals that one-fifth of the population earns less than 6 percent of the total per capita income. He noted that even those societies that have achieved high levels of production exhibit serious deficiencies linked to the displacement of indigenous communities, neglected populations, a lack of food and housing, high rates of crime and violence, the illegal trafficking and use of drugs, and environmental deterioration. Baena Soares noted that among the international community, close to 6.5 percent of the labor force in the wealthier countries is jobless. The unemployment rate of the hemisphere's industrialized countries is almost 7 percent. This segment of society, the poorest, must work an average of nine weeks to acquire the resources earned |
FBIS3-33173_0 | Ministry: Blockade Damaging National Health Care System | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] On 21 February, the newspaper TRABAJADORES features an article by journalist Nicanor Leon Cotayo regarding the effects of the blockade on health services entitled: "If It Comes From the United States." The article is based on the research that Nicanor Leon Cotayo has been carrying out for 15 years on the isolationist policy Washington conducts against Cuba. Leon Cotayo discusses several issues in collaboration with the Public Health Ministry, particularly the finance office. The article is especially significant now that the UN Human Rights Commission is meeting in Geneva. Because of the blockade, in one year of this five-year period, Cuba paid an additional $45 million in health costs. Cuba could have bought 180 million liters of milk with that money. Nicanor Leon Cotayo points out that this effect of the blockade is reflected simultaneously in the increase in the foreign debt and a greater outlay of hard currency for excessive transportation costs -- in most cases air transportation -- in order to ensure the swift delivery of highly critical products. Despite these difficulties, the article adds, Cuba has preserved its accomplishments in this sphere regardless of Washington's systematic efforts to damage our health care system. |
FBIS3-33174_1 | New U.S. Immigration Policy Part of `Negative' Campaign | are other considerations. Not all immigrants to the United States are unwanted, and political refugee status is granted to some with extraordinary ease. One example is those Cubans who dare cross the Florida channel in dilapidated sea vessels and by the most unusual and risky methods. This a politically oriented measure that is part of a crusade to wage a negative propaganda campaign against Cuba, a country that has adopted a social and political regime not to the U.S. Government's liking. The intention is to present these people as politically persecuted individuals who have escaped alleged repression in their respective countries. In those cases, after the newly arrived immigrants have made statements against their governments, political refugee status is granted swiftly in accordance with laws and dispositions in existence since the early days of the Cuban revolution. These Cuban immigrants are not the real targets of the recent measure to charge $130 for each political asylum request. There are mechanisms in the [word indistinct] community such as the relatives of the emigres or the counterrevolutionary organizations that can provide the money. The real issue is that there are hundreds maybe thousands of other immigrants who claim to have been persecuted in their countries in order to take advantage of the same benefits accorded the Cubans. Among those immigrants who risk their lives to travel under pathetic conditions to the United States -- also aboard fragile sea vessels -- we can mention the Haitians, who flee repression and famine in their country in search of a better future in the United States. These displaced persons have two monumental stumbling blocks that prevent them from being admitted to the northern colossus. The first is that they are black, and the other is that they are extremely poor with very little education. Such traits make them unwanted in affluent North American society, where there are already too many blacks who are unemployed, destitute, and discriminated against. It is very unlikely that a Haitian fugitive will be able to pay the $130 fee, much less be able to wait the established six month period to receive a permit that will allow them to work in the great northern country. The same can be said of the numerous Mexican and other Third World immigrants who seek to travel to the United States for economic reasons. Isn't the real intention behind the unusual tax quite clear? |
FBIS3-33181_0 | Biogas Usage in Ciego de Avila Province Detailed | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] In 1993, more than 100 tons of fuel-oil were saved by the biogas plants in Ciego de Avila Province in response to the instructions given of taking advantage of renewable energy sources. At the closing of 1993, Ciego de Avila Province had 12 biogas units in use and it is expected that they will increase that figure as part of the generalization of an initiative that is being implemented in that province. The biogas plants use leftovers obtained from sugar mills or cattle manure to produce methane gas which is used for cooking at work center cafeterias and homes, for lighting at dairy farms, as well as in the metallurgic industry. The largest biogas plant in Cuba was built on the island of Turiguano and it has the capacity of generating 2,000 cubic meters of methane gas per day through the process of fermenting the manure obtained from a nearby cattle ranch. |
FBIS3-33188_0 | Four Generators Installed in Hoguin; Two in Guantanamo | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] The Sugar Industry Ministry has concluded the installation of four turbogenerators in four different power plants in Holguin Province, seeking to increase energy production and to contribute to the national electricity supply system. Two of these generators are already in operation while the other two are being installed at the (Tino) Naranjo and Urbano Noris mills, to fulfill a program which provides for the maximum exploitation of renewable energy sources such as sugar cane husks. Moreover, in Guantanamo Province, two other turbogenerators are also operating in the Manuel Tames and El Salvador industrial complexes, which as of this harvest will have their own energy generators. The Manuel Tames complex is in a position to supply iteself with 70 percent of its electricity needs, while El Salvador can generate four-fifths (?of its current electricity needs). |
FBIS3-33189_5 | Controls on Self-Employed Viewed | I an certain that in times of absolute shortage, of scarcity, it is possible that some people would be helping others to sell things, to use illegal resources. But there are other aspects as well. We must look at this activity in a realistic manner. To the extent that our economy is reactivated, as production increases, there will always be the possibility that self-employed workers will gradually be supplied raw materials and provisions purchased from the state. [Roque] What about the consolidation stage? This is an important stage. We can talk about advantages, about the negative and positive aspects of a given activity, especially when measures are adopted to solve this set of problems, and when a new activity emerges, such as the supply of staples by the self-employed. [Rodriguez] As for the consolidation stage, obviously there are also other control measures. A new decree on violations is under discussion. This decree will cover and punish all irregularities in this area. I believe a strong oversight body will be created. But there is another problem: economic changes and tax policy. The self-employed must now pay a minimum tax. But this tax is variable, and must be increased in accordance with the increase in their income. The income declaration is something new for us and is a way to control the self-employed. [Roque] We are now getting to the end of our program. Can you make a final analysis of the subject we are discussing? [Rodriguez] I simply want to stress the fact that among all the transformations taking place in the economic area, self-employment represents an alternative that supplements other activities. I think it is a useful activity and a way of seeking development. It is also an opportunity for a group of persons to develop their potentials in a decentralized, simple, and dynamic manner, to render services and goods to the people. But this activity, to prevent abuses, must be subject to strict social discipline and control. It must be demonstrated to society that this is an honest activity, and that individual initiatives must be promoted, though in a controlled manner, observing the rules of cleanliness and of service to society. Today I wanted to talk about the good and honest self-employed workers who seek to make a living through their honest effort, work, and initiative. [Roque] Everything you are saying creates an economic culture, an economic culture the |
FBIS3-33211_0 | Commentary Refutes U.S. Officials' Views on Country | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [From the "As of Today" column] [Text] There is a constant in Panamanian-U.S. relations, perhaps as a result of the superficial visits to which U.S. congressmen are so addicted and the prejudices that abound in the State Department, the Pentagon, the CIA, the DEA, and all the apparently countless agencies that gather, process, and analyze information on almost anything imaginable. Another reason for this could be the intervention of "experts," who frequently visit our country for two or three days during which they attend dinners, receptions, cocktail parties, and then feel they have the authority to talk about the past, understand the present, and anticipate the future of the entire region. Despite all their efforts, they have accomplished very little. Panama is not what they imagined under the Torrijos, Flores, Paredes, or Noriega dictatorships. It is not what is conceived through the talent of one limited bureaucrat or another. There are certainly many limitations in our country: the burden of public debt is unbearable, the administration of justice is not perfect, the Legislative Assembly is far from being truly representative, the differences within the government coalition have made it difficult to effectively conduct public administration, and the political class is not precisely knowledgeable. Nevertheless, in Panama today, human rights are respected, the economy is developing, unemployment has decreased, and public security has improved. There is a democratic government system and significant progress has been made in the fight against drug trafficking, gunrunning, and our country is no longer a haven for guerrillas and all kinds of criminals. Please understand this! |
FBIS3-33213_0 | Santamaria on Possible Withholding of U.S. Aid | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Report by Mirna Lozano; from the "Notivision" newscast] [Text] Brian Atwood, special envoy of the U.S. Secretary of State, has said his country's economic aid to El Salvador may be made contingent upon the investigation of illegal armed groups by the Joint Group. Commenting on the matter, Presidency Minister Oscar Alfredo Santamaria said it would be a mistake on the part of the United States to restrict aid to El Salvador. [Begin Santamaria recording] It must help other countries, but it seems to me that making this sort of assessment is a little premature. I think the United States has so much to win or lose in Latin America it will not establish conditions for certain actions that someone must carry out. I think that to continue the U.S. policy on aid or cooperation would be a grave mistake. [end recording] Santamaria said the U.S. Government must understand that the work by the Joint Group is based on confidentiality. [Begin Santamaria recording] The reference framework stated it was an investigation based on confidentiality. The commission cannot divulge a series of breakthroughs or partial results it may have achieved at some time. Therefore, we must also look at this from that standpoint. In other words, this is not a matter of not wanting to report. Instead, the work carried out by this commission has been in some way protected so that, by withholding it from the public, they will be spared from any difficult situation. Consequently, the other thing the U.S. delegate is referring to .... [pauses] nobody can force anybody. I already said every country is sovereign. [end recording] Atwood also said the United States will continue supporting the country regardless of the government that may be elected in the next elections. For the presidency minister, the decision by the Clinton administration on the matter is part of that country's sovereignty. |
FBIS3-33219_0 | Grenade, Tear Gas Attacks Called Election Sabatoge | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] San Salvador, 21 Feb (NOTIMEX) -- The National Police (PN) reported today that one elderly woman was killed and seven people were injured in an attack against the Central Mortgage Bank (BCH) in downtown San Salvador. A PN spokesman explained to NOTIMEX that last night unidentified individuals threw a fragmentation grenade near the BCH and the national library without causing much property damage. The PN says that the victims were passing the area when the explosive was thrown. Authorities identified the elderly woman as Agripina Azucena Rivera de Rada, 61. The injured were taken to the local hospital where they were given immediate medical attention. According to the medical report, they are out of danger. The PN also reported that yesterday another group of unidentified individuals threw tear gas bombs into a San Salvador municipal registry office. Political observers called this the first act of sabotage to the electoral process. The two attacks took place 30 days prior to the general elections in which 2.7 million Salvadorans will elect a president, a vice president, deputies, and aldermen. |
FBIS3-33274_0 | Government Signs Information Agreement With Malaysia | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] Malaysian Information Minister Datuk Mohamed bin Rahmat announced in Kuala Lumpur on 7 February that Chile and Malaysia have agreed to establish a joint commission to cooperate in the areas of information broadcasting and dissemination. The agreement was closed by Enrique Correa Rios, minister secretary general of government, during meetings with Malaysian officials in that Asian country. Such meetings complemented the memorandum of understanding seeking to promote the two countries' cooperation in the area of information broadcasting and dissemination that was signed during Datuk Mohamed's visit to Chile in May 1993. Mohamed told the press that the commission will hold its first meeting in Santiago de Chile in June to try working out the details of the agreement that seeks to promote the exchange of news and political, educational, social, and cultural radio and television programs. The minister said the commission will project Malaysia in the South American continent and promote Chile in Southeast Asia. The agreement also will help the two nations' purpose of turning Chile into a Malaysian access door to South America and Malaysia into a Chilean access door to Southeast Asia. |
FBIS3-33277_0 | De Leon Orders Investigation of Death Caused by Strike | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [From the "Telepress" newscast] [Text] President Ramiro de Leon Carpio has reported that he instructed judicial authorities to take severe legal action against Roosevelt Hospital employees and officials whose irresponsibility has cost at least one person her life. [Begin de Leon recording] This unfortunate incident has happened because of the state workers' irresponsibility. Instead of meeting with the economic cabinet at the Finance Ministry and talking to try to find a creative solution, they want an unrealistic solution by demanding salary raises. It is their fault. There are only two ways of meeting their demands. One would be to start operating the little machine and print unsupported currency. Such an action would be irresponsible because, by meeting the demands of a minority, 100,000 or 150,000 public employees, the economy of 10 million Guatemalans would be jeopardized. This I cannot and should not do. The other solution would be to transfer investment resources from other sources. For the first time we will invest 28 percent of the investment budget in drinking water systems, health, and education. Diverting money from the health and education sectors to raise salaries would be an irresponsible decision. I could not, should not, and will not do this. Instead of playing around with the Guatemalan people's lives -- there is already one victim, and one human life is worth as much as 10, 20, 100, or 1,000 lives -- they should be seated and talk as representatives of Guatemalan state workers are doing today. I understand that a meeting is in progress and a general assembly will be held tomorrow to continue these talks. I regret deeply that their position has already cost a person her life. By looking after their particular interests only, they are violating the Guatemalan people's rights. Of course, I have issued instructions to conduct an investigation and ordered the Attorney General's Office to take drastic measures against these persons, who are responsible as individuals and as members of the institutions. They must be punished according to the law. We are dealing with human lives. As president of the Republic, I must act accordingly, regardless of whether it is only one life or more and no matter to which social level this person belonged. She was a Guatemalan woman who lost her life because she was neglected, because the workers only looked after their own private interests, workers whose |
FBIS3-33279_4 | De Leon on Talks With Rebels, Economic Goals | consolidate democracy and the state of law, fight poverty, increase production, protect the environment, and institutionalize modernization through austerity, honesty, and social participation. As for the first topic -- the consolidation of democracy and the state of law -- I can mention the modernization of institutions, freedom of speech, free elections, balance of powers, and the subordination of the Armed Forces to civilian rule. These are things we can plainly mention. I say these things in front of the Armed Forces, in front of the Guatemalan Army. It is something that is understood, because there is a clear concept that this is most advisable for the Army. [words indistinct] for that institution and, therefore, for the government and the Guatemalan nation. That is why we speak about the subordination of the military to civilian rule, which is a slow process, but a process that has already begun. As for the fight against poverty, it includes access to opportunities, the participation of the poor in social life, the participation of the poor in political life, improvement of markets, prevention of the creation of monopolies, protection for workers, consumer protection, and better organization of businesses. As for the preservation of the environment, we are going to combine environmental policies with technology and use resources to decrease poverty. As for modernization, we are going to improve the state's management capabilities, and we are going to work for efficient macroeconomic management, encouragement of private investment, promotion of foreign investment, and the country's advance into international markets. I will not go into detail because I would be speaking for too long. Nevertheless, I would like to give a few examples. For instance, in the field of government social policies, the improvement of the government's working capacity, the decentralization of public services, and the strengthening of local governments will be priority concerns. The management of hospitals by a board of trustees is a fact. This is a decision made by this government. The state does not have enough funds to efficiently run hospitals. Hospitals are poorly run and there is corruption in the handling of hospitals. The solution is to have a board of trustees run hospitals and oversee privatizations. As for privatizations, fortunately this government has no problems in preventing monopolies. Privatizations are needed to make government enterprises more efficient. It is a way to reduce the state's debt. This is how I see it. |
FBIS3-33304_0 | Politicians Predict `Surprises for the Coming Hours' | Language: French Article Type:BFN [Text] More than two years after the eruption of the Haitian political crisis, the international community, led by the United States, is relaunching negotiations in favor of a solution. For two weeks, the U.S. capital has been holding discussions. In Port-au-Prince, however, some political players are predicting new developments within the coming days. Following is a synopsis of the situation with Clarence Renois: [Begin recording] In the 28th month of what is here and elsewhere considered an unprecedented crisis, the Haitian case seems to be rekindling interest in the eyes of the international community. Relegated to a number-three position of importance among the concerns of the world's great leaders, the Haitian case is gradually returning to a level of priority since the step taken by the American Center for Democracy, initiator of restarting Washington-Haitian negotiations. In fact, for two weeks, the principal leaders of the Haitian parliament have been visiting the U.S. capital where senators and deputies have been working on writing a plan for a solution to the political crisis. Approved from the start by the United States, this plan also benefits from the firm support of the four countries, Friends of Haiti; and today, from the support of the United Nations, brought to bear by Butrus Butrus-Ghali. The UN secretary general has thus quickly answered the letter from six Haitian legislators who were soliciting moral support from his organization. Everything could lead us to believe that this latest attempt might be the good one if the intransigence -- the word is from the [U.S.] State Department --President Aristide's intransigence did not present an obstacle in the execution of the plan for a solution to the crisis. But careful! Besides the position of President Aristide, an unknown is the position of the military, concealed behind a complete, disconcerting silence. The military institution has said nothing about all these negotiations, at least not publicly or officially, while it is again a question of the anticipated retirement of the Army commander in chief. Deputy Samuel Madistin asked the judicious question, quote: Do six legislators have enough authority to force Gen. Raoul Cedras to respect what has not been respected in the Governors Island agreement, unquote. Another unknown in this situation is the position of some legislators who openly dissociate themselves from the initiative by their six colleagues. Furthermore, the crisis in the Senate of the Republic does |
FBIS3-33308_0 | Economist Rejects NAFTA for Argentina | Article Type:CSO [Editorial Report] Buenos Aires LA PRENSA in Spanish on 30 January publishes on page 8 a 1700-word interview with former Economy Minister Roberto Alemann by Ana Gerschenson. According to Alemann, who is an economist, membership in NAFTA would not be a good thing for Argentina. He asserts that the United States wants his country to join the hemispheric trade bloc because Argentina represents a large market for U.S. goods and because Argentina does not have the problems that plague Mexico. Alemann points to an unidentified study which states that the incorporation of Argentina into NAFTA would mean, in present worth, a $900 million increase in U.S. exports to Argentina as opposed to an increase of less than $100 million in Argentine exports to the United States. |
FBIS3-33310_0 | Russian Deputy Minister Offers To Help With Problems | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] Panama City, 22 Feb (AFP) -- Today, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister George Mamedov favored a "peaceful solution" to the Cuban crisis, and said his country could be "very useful" in a negotiated settlement in the island. Mamedov, who arrived in Panama on Monday for an official three-day visit, told the press the Cuban Government's decision to invite the opposition to a political dialogue was "very correct." Mamedov, who, today, signed an agreement of understanding and political consultation with Panamanian Foreign Minister Jose Mulino, said: "Russia can be very helpful in solving Cuba's problems." Mulino told reporters that Panama "looks favorably on" the position of the Cuban Government, which recently invited approximately 80 groups of exiled Cubans to a meeting to be held in Havana by late April. "We hope all involved parties can attend and the Cubans can attain a Cuban-style solution," he said. |
FBIS3-33314_1 | Robaina Tours Ambassadors Through Central Provinces | the truth of our situation." In this manner, the ambassadors learned that the Armed Forces has not only reduced its expenses but it is using part of the military industry for civilian purposes in order to make some business and obtain benefits. At the "Comandante Ernesto Guevara" military enterprise in Villa Clara Province, General Luis Perez Rospide explained that this factory not only produces conventional armament and cartridges, but also kitchen equipment for tourist installations as well as plows and wagons for farmers' use. The general emphasized that this industry is open to foreign investment and, of course, to the possibility of forming a mixed association for obtaining technology, market, and capital. "What I need are clients," said the general, "and we are willing to manufacture any product here which is within our possibilities and which is good business." The diplomats were then taken to a peasant community in the Escambray mountain range where they received a long explanation of what the Turquino Plan for mountain agriculture is, which -- according to the people in charge of this program -- has obtained "great results" and prevented migration from the mountains to the cities. Obviously, the speakers were always local authorities who occasionally made some criticized the inefficient work of past times when Cuba was closely linked to the former USSR, and they always concluded with some statement along the lines that "we will get ahead." In Cienfuegos, one of the most beautiful and developed cities of the island thanks to the established industrial capacity, even though many industries remain idle, the diplomatic corps specifically asked about the fate of the Electronuclear Plant, the construction of which was halted a little over 18 months ago due to a lack of resources from both Russia as well as Cuba. Manuel Menendez Castellanos, party secretary in the province said "that plant is a plum," after explaining that there are "at least 30 countries" interested in that installation because "it has been proven to be well built and in excellent condition." Menendez went on to say "the problem is that a large investment must be made and the negotiations are very complex," but he did not explain which the countries have been contacted. The tour not only included visits and explanations, but also nights for dancing in which the ambassadors danced up a storm. Even the foreign minister showed he could move to the |
FBIS3-33322_0 | Commentary Assesses Impact of Reducing Work Force | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Commentary by Roberto Morejon] [Text] The parliaments in the workplace convened by Cuban labor unions to analyze economic issues have entered their final stage. They have resulted in an abundance of reflections, suggestions, and very interesting critical assessments, all of which have been aired in a climate of free participation by the workers. Since the beginning of the year, the Cuban labor union movement began consulting with its rank-and-file on how the nation can increase work efficiency and resolve its internal finances. It is estimated that by the end of the process -- early March -- a total of 3 million workers will have contributed their points of view. One of the most prominent matters, and one that has been reiterated in thousands of parliaments in the workplace held up until now, is related to the harmful impact of excessive personnel in factories, workshops, and service centers. Excessive personnel works against efforts to reduce costs and to increase profitability. True, there is concern about the ultimate fate of workers who are declared redundant, because these workers may have become so involved with their jobs and with their coworkers that they may not want to change jobs. Nevertheless, beyond this understandable situation, the truth is that no Cuban fears being fired as a result of measures aimed at rationalizing the work force. The nation's authorities and the labor unions agree on the need to find alternative formulas to avoid the abandonment of one single Cuban. Along these lines, ideas have been discussed on organizing courses to retrain workers, as well as on assigning excessive personnel to farming or housing construction duties. Maybe, because they feel secure in terms of their future, the participants in the parliaments in the workplace have so far agreed that the country cannot continue having exaggerated personnel rosters in the majority of its centers of production. The attendees, amid heated labor union discussions, have suggested solutions, some of which could possibly be applied by company administrators. Meanwhile, the nation's authorities are not sitting back, and certain practices are being tested, as with the publishing house in the eastern municipality of Palma Soriana. After the production of books was halted because of a lack of paper, the publishing house assumed alternate tasks and retained its work force. Now it is making a profit. As long as there are resources available, the Cuban Government will |
FBIS3-33323_0 | Finance Officer Foresees No Production Drop in 1994 | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] This year will be marked by economic policies changes and restructuring but will not be worse than 1993, according to Jose Luis Rodriguez, minister president of the State Committee for Finances. Rodriguez gave a special address to a packed room at the Convention Center where the Computing-94 International Fair and Conference were inaugurated. This event is of great interest to a large number of specialists. Rodriguez said that 1994 should not experience further drops in production and that the national economy will perform better, even if it is not marked by recovery. Following the hour-long address, Rodriguez answered participants' questions. He added that every adjustment process is painful but that Cuba is trying to make things as fair as possible and is particularly ensuring that it has as much support as possible. Rodriguez added that this explains the workers assemblies being conducted by the Cuban Workers Federation and its unions. Rodriguez reported that as of 1993, there were 112 foreign investment agreements, one-fifth of which are joint enterprises, particularly in tourism and basic industry. |
FBIS3-33324_0 | Roundup of Economic Activity | Article Type:BFN [Editorial Report] The following is a compilation of fileworthy reports on economic developments in Cuba carried on Havana radio and television in Spanish between 17 and 22 February. Radio Reloj at 2034 GMT on 17 February reports that Manuel Hermoso, head of the autonomous government of the Canary Islands, will arrive in Havana on 18 February for a visit both friendly and official. He will be accompanied by a businessmen's delegation. Hermoso and Pedro Chavez, president of the Provincial Assembly of the People's Government of Havana City Province, are to sign a cooperation agreement. After meeting with the Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Small Farmers, and other organizations, Hermoso and the delegation accompanying him are scheduled to leave for Venezuela on 23 February. Cuba Vision Network at 2320 GMT on 17 February reports the following: Cuban biotechnology specialists have made, from marine microorganisms, a compound that can biodegrade oil spills in the sea. Among the advantages of this compound is the fact that it can be stored for use when needed. Specialists say the Cuban biological compound is very different from existing compounds . The four-star, 140-room Farallon del Caribe Hotel has been officially inaugurated at the Marea del Portillo tourist hub in Granma. Cubanacan president Abraham Maciques highlighted the hotel's importance to the region's economic and social development. "The tourist complex is run by the Canadian firm Commonwealth Hospitality, whose president was present at the inauguration." With the opening of the new hotel the tourist complex has a total of 280 rooms. The Marea del Portillo and Punta de Piedra Hotels are also in that area. Radio Progreso at 1200 GMT on 18 February reports that the Cuban Hydrography Institute, in cooperation with several scientific institutions, has collected a large amount of data through the embankment works carried out in the northern part of Ciego de Avila and Camaguey. With these data the institute has published an oceanographic atlas of extremely good quality which was submitted to the third congress of marine science. According to Engineer Angel Luis Chirino, one of the authors of the atlas, the oceanographic atlas of the waters of the Sabana-Camaguey archipelago is the result of more than 20 years of research by the Cuban Hydrography Institute. This atlas reflects the ecological changes caused by the embankment works carried out in the zone and all the oceanographic variables of temperature, currents, |
FBIS3-33328_0 | CNDH Head Cites Chiapas Investigations | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Report by Oscar Navarro; from the "Acir Radio News" newscast--live] [Text] [Announcer Jose Cardenas] Jorge Madrazo, National Human Rights Commission [CNDH] president, has called a press conference to present a preliminary report on the results of 52 days of investigations on the respect for human rights in Chiapas, specifically in the area of the armed conflict. We now go to Oscar Navarro with the details. [Navarro] Just as you said, Jorge Madrazo, after presenting his preliminary report on the events of Altos de Chiapas, has said the CNDH has stated it has received and begun to investigate 218 complaints involving 727 individuals. Of these, 20 are due to acts perpetrated by the Zapatista National Liberation Army [EZLN]; seventy-six are against members of the Mexican Army; four are against personnel from the Attorney General's Office; three are against employees and state government officials, and one is against the municipal presidents of Altamirano, Las Margaritas, and Tenejapa. In a lengthy communique, Ombudsman Jorge Madrazo has stated the CNDH has 218 case files regarding, among others, 56 murders, 30 cases of aggression, 427 kidnappings and disappearances, 25 cases of torture, 80 for illegal arrest, four for illegal property confiscation, two for intimidation, two for robbery, and four for air strikes. I believe we should hear what Jorge Madrazo had to say about the air strikes. [Begin Madrazo recording] It has been initially determined the projectiles used where the CNDH conducted its investigation are known as rockets. Their destructive capability, given the expansive range and effects of fragmentation, is less than that caused by what is commonly known as a bomb. [end recording] [Navarro] Madrazo added 404 cases of missing people have been solved; twenty-three are still pending. He also highlighted the fact that 20,000 people have fled from their homes in the areas where the EZLN is operating. There have also been reports of abuse against Indians. Let's listen to the report on deaths in the before mentioned municipalities. [Begin Madrazo recording] There were a total of 40 deaths; of these, 20 were identified as civilians; six were government troops, and 14 were unidentified individuals who have not yet been claimed and who could very well be EZLN members. This has not been confirmed. The total number of deaths reported at the CNDH is 145, including 14 members of the Mexican Army and 38 public security personnel. [end recording] |
FBIS3-33349_7 | Raul Alfonsin on Constitutional Reform, Other Issues | the same. [Argento] The inflation rate in January was just 0.1 percent. What do you think? [Alfonsin] I think it is the result of a great depression in demand, and that is not consistent. Of course, we favor stability; it can be no other way. But if you depress demand, there can be no inflation. And with real wages falling and unemployment rising, demand is obviously depressed. [Argento] Do you believe the figures released by the Ministry of Economy? [Alfonsin] Yes, in general I do. With the proviso, though, that there are figures for the more affluent and figures for the less affluent, and the one for the less affluent is always a point or so higher. [Argento] Why do you usually aim your criticism at Cavallo and not Menem, if the minister says that the economic plan is the president's? [Alfonsin] My criticism has never been personal, never in my life. I got angry with you once because you portrayed me as fighting with the president and you criticized me for that. Now people criticize me for not criticizing him. I have always questioned government policies, and the ones I disagree with the most are the social policies they advocate, and the idea of making the most disadvantaged sectors bear the brunt of the crisis. And fundamentally, the liquidation of all the regional economies, which I had always warned about. [Argento] What will be the outcome of that situation? [Alfonsin] I think serious measures have to be taken. We are going to hold a seminar to which we will invite the most diverse business and labor sectors, to study the issue. We will hold it in Viedma. [Argento] Is that not a wink at Massaccesi? [Alfonsin] No, no, it is a pleasure for us to go to the place that someday will be the capital of the Argentine nation. [Argento] Are you persisting with that plan? It was very expensive. [Alfonsin] Expensive? Nonsense, that is just one of those stories people tell. Houses need to be built everywhere, and you build houses where the people are. If people go from one place to another, they build schools and hospitals in the new place, just the same. [Argento] Ministries and other public buildings would also have to be built. [Alfonsin] And we paid for all those buildings and then some by selling the Japanese Embassy, $300 million at the exchange |
FBIS3-33401_0 | Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Inaugurates Embassy | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] The strengthening of the friendly ties between Cuba and the Ukraine was made evident today with the inauguration of a Ukrainian Embassy in Havana. Here is journalist Ismael Tantaw with the details. [Tantaw, with Ukrainian deputy foreign minister's statements in Russian audible in background] The Ukraine looks with optimism on the future of its relations with Cuba, (Aleksandr Rivach), vice foreign minister of the Ukraine, today affirmed upon inaugurating his country's embassy in Havana. Participating in the ceremony for the purpose of inaugurating the new diplomatic mission in our country were, among other distinguished figures: Ricardo Alarcon, president of our parliament; Lionel Soto, vice president of the Council of Ministers; Isabel Allende, vice foreign minister; and Sergio Corrieri, president of the Cuban Institute of Friendship With Peoples. The deputy chief of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry affirmed that the inauguration of his country's embassy in Cuba will serve to strengthen relations between the two countries. Also at the inauguration ceremony was the delegation headed by Kiev Mayor Leonid (Kosakivsky) and members of the diplomatic corps accredited in Cuba. |
FBIS3-33405_0 | Commentary Views Armed Forces' Bid To Conserve Resources | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Commentary by Roberto Morejon from the "Evening Information Review" newscast] [Text] The Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces [FAR], which comprises naval, air, and land forces, has decided to achieve self-financing without neglecting their combat capabilities. In this regard, the initial results reflect the future fulfillment of this goal. For three decades, the FAR obtained all of its weapons, spare parts, and training by way of donations or purchases at modest prices. The collpase of the Soviet Union, however, eliminated the main source of supplies to the Cuban armed institution. In light of this, the FAR's High Command had to draw up emergency plans to continue operating without greatly affecting the nation's diminished budget. The past three years have marked a time of hard work for the FAR to place itself in an adequate position to resolve the harsh limitations of resources that the nation in general is facing. As a first step, the High Command designed a program to reduce surplus equipment and to rationalize several types of armed forces, particularly the air forces and Cuban Revolutionary Navy forces that have been incorporated into the ground forces. Under the guidance of the High Command, experts, and its best technicians, the FAR initiated a conservation process by which a sizable number of rifles, aircraft, and other materiel were demobilized and subsequently preserved. These are being kept in appropriate places until the nation can purchase the necessary fuel. The High Command also encouraged the search for initiatives among lower and mid-level officers to use the remaining supplies to keep the equipment combat ready. This, however, is being carried out with a minimum of fuel, lubricants, ammunition, and spare parts. Meanwhile, the FAR developed the production of food supplies, except for salt and sugar. Currently, it can be said that all of the units in the nation are self-sufficient in rice, an indispensable item in every Cuban's diet. Our nation's military personnel are also very involved in mariculture in an attempt to secure sources of protein in their daily diets, in addition to the cultivation of plants for therapeutic uses that make up 70 percent of the medicines used by the units. In this way, the Cuban FAR is trying to become one of the less costly institutions of its type in the world for the public [word indistinct]. This will help reduce expenditures in the Cuban state's limited budget. |
FBIS3-33406_4 | * Editorials Instruct Workers on Discussions * Neoliberal Ideas Rejected | support for it. These and other issues are debated. The fact is that the workers are fully involved in the consideration and solution of the problems that affect them the most. After four years of heroic resistance, the people of Cuba are entering a phase that is in significant ways more aggressive in the struggle to safeguard the sovereignty of the fatherland and the socialist nature of the revolution. It is hoped that in 1994, signs of economic recovery will be seen in some vital activities and areas of production, thanks to the process of financial adjustment based on a high degree of political consensus. Once again, we hail the wisdom of the National People's Government Assembly in postponing decisionmaking and categorically denying that the intent is to formulate a so-called "packet of measures." The truth is that the idea of a "packet of measures" smacks of Third World capitalism, of neoliberal policies under which the workers wake up one day to the news that prices have skyrocketed, enterprises are being privatized and half the employees are to be laid off, wages are falling, and social benefits have been abruptly eliminated. Reality forces us to make an economic adjustment, but we will do it in the socialist way, the Cuban way, with democratic formulas that are truly unimaginable for other societies. We are aware, of course, that the harsh situation of an economy that has had to withstand devastating blows, as ours has, causes many people to lose their patience and to yearn for "rescue measures." Considering the complexity of our problems, however, we realize that it is naive to expect that measures can act like a magic wand, graciously granting every wish. We urgently need to improve our economic efficiency, but we must not rush into technical solutions without first reconciling them with their political repercussions. Hence the importance of continuing to expand and improve this democratic and educational process that is so aptly named the Workplace Parliament, without allowing the slightest hint of ritual or formalism to taint it. The workers' voice must be heard loud and clear everywhere. It is imperative that management be forthcoming with accurate information so that the economic and financial situation of each workplace can be assessed. Trade union leaders must devote their energies to carrying out this lofty political task, the true path to the economic efficiency that Cuba needs to triumph. |
FBIS3-33407_0 | * Editorials Instruct Workers on Discussions * Straightforward Talk Urged | Language: Spanish Article Type:CSO [Editorial: "A Packet of Measures We Should Adopt"; for related reporting on this topic see FBIS-LAT-94-016 pp. 4, 5] [Text] The Cubans, who, as we have said more than once in these editorials, possess wonderful virtues, may sometimes allow themselves to be overcome by a defect summed up in the popular expression, "lamp in the street, darkness at home." Thus, there now may be labor collectives full of the most diverse and well-reasoned opinions on the steps our government should take to straighten out the country's finances, yet they have given little thought to the problems, weaknesses, and errors that plague their own daily work. This seems to be a good time, then, to emphasize the importance of the first point on the agenda of the Workplace Parliament assemblies. It is none other than the economic and financial problems of each particular place. We have already observed in the initial preparatory meetings a tendency to devote less energy and time to debating internal affairs, and to pay more attention to the exchange of opinions on what the entire country should be doing. It would be a mistake to be taken in by the false notion that the second point is more important, while the first one is just a formality with no practical purpose. The financial imbalances that currently affect the national economy can only be solved by taking action on both sides of the supply-demand pair, and it is in workplaces where supply is created. It is also there, given the difference between what is spent and what is received from selling services or products, where the scale can be tipped toward one side or the other of the aforementioned pair. Thus, the most decisive measures will not be the general ones taken to eliminate the consequences of the financial imbalance, but rather those that are undertaken to eliminate the cause of it, which is basically the fact that in the past few years there has been much more money than goods circulating in the national economy. If we were to take only general measures to reduce excess demand by removing money from circulation, we would not solve the underlying problem. The real solution lies in achieving a proper balance between what is produced and what is spent at the workplace. For this reason, it would be illogical to have a brilliant discussion at an |
FBIS3-33407_4 | * Editorials Instruct Workers on Discussions * Straightforward Talk Urged | into account not only limitations on raw materials, energy, and labor resources, but also major components of administrative inefficiency that we are trying to combat. It is important for workers, when discussing the first point on the agenda of the Workplace Parliament assemblies, not to allow the debate to get off track and focus on the impact other workplaces have on their own. In one of the initial meetings, we saw workers bitterly blaming the suppliers of a certain raw material, while little or nothing was said of the well-known fact that large quantities of that valuable and scarce resource tend to be lost somewhere between the warehouse and the assembly line. These discussions also must be protected from the tendency to complain about the prices that are paid for certain goods and services. Without denying that there are errors in the setting of some prices, the fact is that real efficiency is not achieved by demanding better prices, but by cutting costs. And it is precisely this issue of costs, together with the quantity and quality of production and services, that should lie at the heart of the plan to be adopted at each workplace to improve economic efficiency. It is possible that not every place will have a cost system that allows for an analysis based on the economic performance of a workplace. Therefore, the first agreement, the first measure that must be taken in these places, is precisely to create such an instrument to at least indicate the principal expenditures involved in every peso of goods produced. Beyond the limitations imposed by the current economic situation in many centers, what lies behind those unmeasured expenses is order or disorder, discipline or laxity, rigor or leniency, controlling resources or diverting them, talent or mediocrity in the administration, a spirit of struggle or a sense of indifference, responsibility or negligence, shoddiness or excellence. Hence the importance of the first point on the agenda of the Workplace Parliament assemblies that will take place in tens of thousands of production or service units. If each one of these places takes a step forward, a great deal of progress can be made merely by compounding positive actions. Then the influence of the overall measures, those taken all over the country, will be felt in the best possible way. These measures can be truly effective only if action is taken in the workplace. |
FBIS3-33444_0 | Roundup of Economic Developments | Article Type:BFN [Editorial Report] The following is a compilation of reports on Venezuelan economic developments through 22 February: According to a poll conducted by the Central Statistics and Data Processing Office, OCEI, 17.4 percent of the active young population is unemployed, which equals 340,677 youths. Statistically, Venezuela still has a high proportion of youths, with persons between the ages of 15-24 making up 48.7 percent of the population. The overall unemployment rate is 6.6 percent. (Caracas ECONOMIA HOY in Spanish 14 Feb 94 p 12) There has been a drastic and unprecedented drop of two and one- half points in the foreign debt bonds since midday on 14 February. They now stand at 67.50 points, which translates to losses of approximately $2 billion. Traders say this is basically due to three factors: Standard and Poor's announcement that Venezuela has been reclassified as a country of great investment risk; the U.S. inflation rate announcement, which affects U.S. 30-year bonds, which in turn affects Venezuelan collateral bonds; and a domino effect in various banks following the weekend news on financial system destabilization. (Caracas EL DIARIO DE CARACAS in Spanish 15 Feb 94 p 15) The administration of outgoing President Ramon J. Velasquez reports that during 1993 capital and investment expenditures amounted to 212.049 billion bolivares, equivalent to 19.3 percent of total expenditures. During the same period, 33.1144 billion was authorized for debt repayment, which represents 3 percent of total expenditures. (Caracas EL NACIONAL in Spanish 15 Sep p e-12) The OCEI reports that the value of imports dropped 13.3 percent to $10.986 billion in 1993, compared to $12.672 billion in 1992. Imports for December dropped 17.7 percent compared to November and 28.3 percent compared to December 1992. (Madrid EFE in Spanish 0001 GMT 17 Feb 94) Banco Union President S. Henry Benacerraf has denied reports from Colombia that Banco Union in Venezuela, as well as its branches abroad, are experiencing problems and facing an intervention process. Benacerraf said "the institution is experiencing its best times ever." The bank president added that Banco Union is "third in productivity." Benacerraf said that in 1993 the Union Bank recorded a 1.753-percent increase compared to figures for 1992. Benacerraf believes that the mix up occurred last week after an intervention in the Union Federal Bank in the United States was announced. (Caracas REPORTE DE LA ECONOMIA in Spanish 17 Feb 94 p 11) The OCEI reports |
FBIS3-33470_1 | Foreign Minister Interviewed on Economic Stabilization | has already had a positive psychological effect. Naturally, the plan also has a monetary stage. In this stage, the inflation rate will have a more concrete and immediate decrease, although it may take two or three months for this to happen. [EL OBSERVADOR ECONOMICO] This sort of program generally brings about a stabilization of the national currency. In this case, will the value of the real cruzeiro increase? [Amorim] We are seeking to stabilize our national currency, but we want to do it without falling into the other extreme, which is economic recession. Brazil has many inhabitants and a labor market full of young people. It is very important that the process does not hinder economic growth. [EL OBSERVADOR ECONOMICO] Will the government try to prevent the exchange rate from falling, harming export products? [Amorim] The stabilization of the exchange rate will result from domestic monetary stabilization. It will not be the result of a law ordering the indexation of the cruzeiro to a foreign currency. It will come about naturally, as a consequence of a public deficit equal to zero and of the monetary measures which are being implemented. [EL OBSERVADOR ECONOMICO] The other Southern Cone countries are expecting an opportunity to increase their exports to Brazil. This is why the exchange rate aspect of the stabilization program is important to them. [Amorim] I believe that the growth of the Brazilian economy is what will really favor those who export to Brazil. When the economy grows, as it did in 1993, our partners' exports to our country increase a great deal. I think that this is more important than the type of exchange rate. [EL OBSERVADOR ECONOMICO] Everything leads one to the conclusion that in 1995, Mercosur [Common Market of the South] will have a unified tariff system but will not yet be a common market. When do you believe the conditions will be adequate for coordinating macroeconomic policies, and reaching the goal established by the Asuncion Treaty? [Amorim] Some fundamental stages must first be overcome. We are moving very fast, in a manner that has perhaps not occurred anywhere else in the world. We are completing the trade liberalization process. In 1995 we will have a unified tariff system, which may not be perfect, at least not with regard to all products, but there will be a schedule to unify the tariffs of the products that still have |
FBIS3-33473_0 | `Serious Effort' for Solution Seen | Language: Portuguese Article Type:BFN [Article by Paulo Sotero] [Text] Washington -- The Brazilian and U.S. governments are making a "serious effort" at the last minute to try to reach a negotiated solution on the dispute over the protection of patents and intellectual property, according to a source close to the negotiations. The deadline, which was unilaterally established by the U.S. Government last May when actions were taken against Brazil in response to a request made by the U.S. Pharmaceutical Industry Association, is 28 February. Many talks have been held at various levels following the meeting between Brazilian Foreign Minister Celso Amorim and U.S. Trade Representative Mickey Kantor here in Washington on 16 February. The implementation of commercial sanctions against Brazilian exports by the U.S. Government has not been averted. But it is no longer the only choice as it was before the visit of the foreign minister. If the negotiations go well in the next few days and lead to similar positions on the main points of disagreement, the U.S. trade representative could, for example, say that the understanding produced sufficient progress to justify the suspension of the action but that the U.S. Government reserves the right to resume the case and retaliate if Brazil does not honor its commmitments within a reasonable time. The terms of the Brazilian commitment are in the note that Brazilian Ambassador to Washington Paulo Tarso Flecha de Lima delivered to Kantor the day before the visit of the Brazilian foreign minister. In the note the Brazilian Government offered to submit amendments to the new industrial property code bill which is being debated in the Senate to make the Brazilian regulation for intellectual property protection compatible with the TRIPPS [Trade Related Intellectual Property Protection System] which was approved by the Uruguay Round of the GATT last December. The amendments to the code will reportedly resolve the differences between Brasilia and Washington on Article 27 of the TRIPPS which is the most important of the four differences that the U.S. Government considers to be "critical." Until recently the Brazilian Foreign Ministry argued that the demand for "domestic registration" of pharmaceutical patents which is in the industrial property code bill that was approved by the Chamber of Deputies last year was compatible with the TRIPPS which is reportedly "ambiguous" on that issue. The U.S. trade representative said, however, that the Brazilian interpretation is incompatible with the TRIPPS |
FBIS3-33473_1 | `Serious Effort' for Solution Seen | The Brazilian and U.S. governments are making a "serious effort" at the last minute to try to reach a negotiated solution on the dispute over the protection of patents and intellectual property, according to a source close to the negotiations. The deadline, which was unilaterally established by the U.S. Government last May when actions were taken against Brazil in response to a request made by the U.S. Pharmaceutical Industry Association, is 28 February. Many talks have been held at various levels following the meeting between Brazilian Foreign Minister Celso Amorim and U.S. Trade Representative Mickey Kantor here in Washington on 16 February. The implementation of commercial sanctions against Brazilian exports by the U.S. Government has not been averted. But it is no longer the only choice as it was before the visit of the foreign minister. If the negotiations go well in the next few days and lead to similar positions on the main points of disagreement, the U.S. trade representative could, for example, say that the understanding produced sufficient progress to justify the suspension of the action but that the U.S. Government reserves the right to resume the case and retaliate if Brazil does not honor its commmitments within a reasonable time. The terms of the Brazilian commitment are in the note that Brazilian Ambassador to Washington Paulo Tarso Flecha de Lima delivered to Kantor the day before the visit of the Brazilian foreign minister. In the note the Brazilian Government offered to submit amendments to the new industrial property code bill which is being debated in the Senate to make the Brazilian regulation for intellectual property protection compatible with the TRIPPS [Trade Related Intellectual Property Protection System] which was approved by the Uruguay Round of the GATT last December. The amendments to the code will reportedly resolve the differences between Brasilia and Washington on Article 27 of the TRIPPS which is the most important of the four differences that the U.S. Government considers to be "critical." Until recently the Brazilian Foreign Ministry argued that the demand for "domestic registration" of pharmaceutical patents which is in the industrial property code bill that was approved by the Chamber of Deputies last year was compatible with the TRIPPS which is reportedly "ambiguous" on that issue. The U.S. trade representative said, however, that the Brazilian interpretation is incompatible with the TRIPPS and that it would not resist a discussion in the GATT. |
FBIS3-33486_0 | Economy Ministry Announces Tenth IMF Loan Received | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] (DYN-NA) -- Argentina received a $230 million tranche from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) yesterday. The deposit was made under the terms of the Extended Payment Facility signed by Economy Minister Domingo Cavallo in April 1992. According to the press release from the Economy Ministry, in future the inspection team from the IMF will not need to visit this country to verify that Argentina is keeping up with its commitments. This disbursement is the tenth in the series since the Convertibility Plan was introduced. The guidelines for 1993 called for a primary surplus of 4.4 billion dollars (excluding privatizations) but according to official figure reaching $5.1 billion. |
FBIS3-33489_1 | Former President Paz Zamora Linked to Drug Trafficker | the Government House aides de camp; Mrs. Edith Paz Zamora; and Rosario Paz Zamora, who took him flowers; as well as by [MIR president] Oscar Eid Franco, who paid the hospital bill. He gave Edgar Fernandez [another Chavarria employee] about $25,000 to pay the hospital expenses." Oscar Eid Franco has confirmed that he paid the bill. In this file we also find the answers to several questions. Meco Dominguez was arrested and taken to court when he broke his partnership with Chavarria and therefore with the MIR. Dominguez operated in the Regine discotheque, which has been closed by police investigations. Discotheque owner Juan Carlos Peredo Paz was arrested recently. Peredo Paz is a MIR member and a former official from the Agricultural Bank and the National Bank Superintendency. He has been a middleman in operations to launder dollars from drug trafficking activities. Peredo Paz has acknowledged that twice he received checks from Meco Dominguez for a total of $1.3 million. In the third section of Meco Dominguez' case file we find a letter found by the Special Anti-Narcotics Force [FELCN] in Chavarria's house. It is signed by Edgar Fernandez Lazcano, who is currently at large. In this letter, Edgar Fernandez tells Chavarria, for whom he worked, that in November 1990 he was arrested by the FELCN in La Paz but was soon released from prison thanks to a telephone call that he, Edgar Fernandez, thinks was made by Susana Seleme [not further identified] from Government House. Two pieces of evidence that unfortunately involve former President Jaime Paz Zamora are missing from this file. One of them is a video found in the house of Chavarria that FELCN did not want to show to either the public or the court. The FELCN also did not send to court the conflicting testimony between Meco Dominguez and Chavarria. In the testimony, Dominguez said in front of Chavarria that when Jaime Paz Zamora was president of the Republic he had lunch with Chavarria in a Santa Cruz restaurant. Meco Dominguez was present at the lunch but he says he did not hear the conversation between the two. Two photographs, which already have been published in the newspapers, are also missing from the file. The first, which was first published four years ago, shows Jaime Paz Zamora and Chavarria together. The second picture was published on 20 February by EL DIARIO and shows Paz Zamora, |
FBIS3-33493_0 | Cuban-American Entrepreneurs Call for End to U.S. Embargo | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [From the "Evening Information Review" newscast] [Text] The second meeting of PECA -- Cuban-American Professionals and Entrepreneurs -- ended today. The businessmen had been meeting in Havana since Monday. PECA's final communique stressed the need for the U.S. Government to lift the blockade against Cuba. In a communique released to the press at the end of the meeting and read by PECA Coordinator Roberto Solis, it was reported that during the past three days the entrepreneurs continued to explore investment possibilities in Cuba that will be possible when the blockade comes to an end. The document added that the conference scheduled by the Cuban Government for April must contribute to normalizing relations between the country and Cuban emigrees, which for more than three decades have been negligible and intermittent. The Cuban-American professionals and entrepreneurs praised the fraternal and respectful atmosphere that prevailed during all of their discussions -- discussions in which specific proposals were made. Upon closing the seminar, Sergio Corrieri, the president of ICAP -- the Cuban Friendship with the Peoples Institute -- stressed that although there were differences of opinion, all statements by the Cuban-American professionals and entrepreneurs will be analyzed because they were made within a framework of understanding that must exist between Cubans here and those Cubans in the United States who have adopted a constructive attitude toward the Cuban revolutionary process. |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.