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PANAMA AND CUBA
PANAMA AND CUBA --
STRENGTHENING THE GREATER
CARIBBEAN
Dr. Rubén Silié
2006,
April 12: Recently, we received the news that Panama and Cuba fully
re-established their relations. These relations were affected when the previous
government of the isthmus country released a known terrorist, wanted by the
Cuban justice system and other countries in the area, owing to his participation
in atrocities, both criminal and lethal, that claimed the lives of many
individuals.
Upon
taking office, President Martín Torrijos' government not only renounced the
release of the aforementioned terrorist, but it understood the importance of
both countries, wholly Caribbean and so close in their cultures, peoples and
history, reconnecting their ties as soon as possible. This was obviously
considered by the Republic of Cuba and its top-ranking leaders as being a
forward step toward consolidating the historic bonds forged by both countries.
These countries identify with each other in their respective battles, Cuba
resisting the blockade and Panama fighting for its sovereignty.
That
gesture ennobles Cuba as it praises the legacy of Máximo Gómez, who not only
shed his sweat as a labourer on the construction of the Panama Canal, but in an
act of solidarity, clamoured for separation from Colombia, leading to the birth
of the Republic. From Panama to Cuba, it must not be forgotten that General Omar
Torrijos was one of the Latin American leaders who broke the diplomatic blockade
imposed on Cuba by the United States.
With both
countries being members of the Association of Caribbean States, the restoration
of these ties is a crucial step toward strengthening the Greater Caribbean
community, not only by being a reunion between brother countries but because the
mechanisms for co-operation and concerted action will be fortified once there is
harmony.
Sound
relations among States is a fundamental principle of the Association of
Caribbean States, in so far as this Association supports the elimination of past
rifts, promoting rapprochement among States based on the ongoing promotion,
consolidation and strengthening of, among others, the principles of democracy,
rule of law, respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity of States and the
right to the free determination of the people, equal opportunities and respect
for human rights, as the foundation for strengthening the friendly ties that
exist among the peoples of the Caribbean.
By way of
initiating the new terms of these relations, Panama began receiving humanitarian
co-operation from Cuba, through the Operación Milagro programme, which Cuba
shares with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. That programme proposes to
improve or bestow sight to individuals of humble social standing, whose limited
resources would prevent them from making use of their sense of sight. That
programme has already helped 800 Panamanians, and just as many continue to await
the same benefits. This programme also facilitates the establishment of contacts
among peoples, which must be one of the key objectives to facilitate mutual
knowledge and good neighbourliness.
Along
another vein, during their last meeting, Ministers Felipe Pérez Roque and Samuel
Lewis Navarro defined an extensive work programme in two of the priority topics
of the ACS, specifically transport and trade. Both countries are in need of
improvements in air and maritime transport: Cuba, due to the regional expansion
of its economy and Panama, as a result of its interest in expanding tourism and
trade relations, taking advantage of its privileged position as the isthmus of
America.
The
Greater Caribbean community must rejoice and congratulate both governments on
this diplomatic reunion, since it helps boost peace in the Region, further
facilitating political dialogue among political leaders, all of which translates
into advantages for the fight against poverty, increased safety, greater mutual
trust and a better environment for negotiations within and outside the Region.
_______________________________________________________
Dr. Rubén Silié Valdez is the
Secretary General of the Association of Caribbean States.
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