The Anti-Imperialist Meeting of Solidarity, for Democracy and against Neoliberalism was initiated today in the Cuban capital with the essential purpose of defending solidarity among peoples, peace, justice and democracy. It was attended by José Ramón Machado Ventura, Second Secretary of the Central Committee of the Party; Esteban Lazo, President of the National Assembly of People’s Power and of the Council of State; Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Ulises Guilarte, Secretary General of the CTC; among other leaders of the Party and the Government.

Amid songs and verses by the children of La Colmenita, the meeting was inaugurated in the Convention Palace, where more than 1,200 delegates from 95 countries will meet until Sunday to support the Cuban Revolution, and in a context in which the current escalation of protests, strikes and other acts of rebellion against right-wing governments are increasing in the continent.

The Encounter will be permeated by the unity of forces in a continuity of struggle against the offensive of capitalism and neoliberalism, with emphasis against discrimination. #HandsOutOfCuba, #We’re StillFighting, #NoMasBlockade pic.twitter.com/K9jEuhi8h6

– Always with Cuba (@always with Cuba) November 1, 2019

El Encuentro estará permeado de la unidad de las fuerzas en una continuidad de lucha frente a la ofensiva que despliega el capitalismo y el neoliberalismo, con énfasis contra la discriminación. #ManosFueraDeCuba, #SeguimosEnLucha, #NoMasBloqueo pic.twitter.com/K9jEuhi8h6 — Siempre con Cuba (@siempreconcuba) November 1, 2019

Fernando Gonzalez, president of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples welcomed those present and dedicated his first words to the Leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro Ruz.

He also pointed out that the meeting allows us to dream the world we deserve.

“We have arrived at the meeting in the context of the 500th anniversary of the founding of Havana, with the purpose of uniting a broad force in solidarity with Cuba. We are pleased to share this space with leftist organizations in a scenario in which the U.S. distorts the altruistic mission and collaboration of Cuban health,” he said.

“We reject the empire’s measures that deprive human beings of their dignity,” he said at another point in his speech.

During the inauguration, Cuba was recognized as the Island of Dignity. Likewise, the Continental Day for Democracy and Against Neoliberalism ratified the unitary vocation of struggle and resistance of hundreds of movements, organizations and diverse popular expressions.

The anti-neo-liberal tendency of the meeting, according to organizers, coincides with those mobilizations in countries like Ecuador against President Lenín Moreno, who defected from the revolutionary project of his predecessor, Rafael Correa; and Chile, where the people take to the streets and the military openly repress.

Among those waves of rebellion against neoliberalism in Latin America and the Caribbean is the neoliberal defeat in Argentina, where Francisco Macri lost the presidency.

The meeting will also offer support to all states where the left governs, such as Venezuela, Bolivia, Nicaragua, Uruguay and Mexico, elected as well as confirmed by their peoples in the most recent elections.

We know that imperialism fears unity, the force of truth and ideas. #Cuba is the example of resistance and constant struggle for its sovereignty and independence. #HandsFueradeCuba #TuFuturoHoy #11CONGRESOUJC pic.twitter.com/Bn4l837fDV

– Susely Morfa González (@SecUJCuba) November 1, 2019

Nuestros pueblos se levantan con sus propias voces, saben que el imperialismo le teme a la unidad, a la fuerza de la verdad y las ideas. #Cuba es el ejemplo de resistencia y lucha constante por su soberanía e independencia. #ManosFueradeCuba #TuFuturoHoy #11CONGRESOUJC pic.twitter.com/Bn4l837fDV — Susely Morfa González (@SecUJCuba) November 1, 2019

There are associations, organizations and social movements attending that show solidarity and friendship towards Cuba from all over the planet, including support to those and other countries whose progressive governments are under siege, and rejection of the structure of impunity that defines the advance of transnational corporations over their territories.

The meeting will also express its opposition to the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by Washington against Cuba, and will thank the international community for demanding an end to this illegal, genocidal and extraterritorial policy.

Juventud Rebelde