[antiwar-van] FOR IMM RLS: Public Forum - "Fidel, Cuba, Democracy: Are They Inseparable?"

[Tamara Hansen]

Vancouver Communities in Solidarity With Cuba – VCSC
Cubacommunities at yahoo.ca | 778-882-5223
www.vancubasolidarity.com


- NEWS ITEM - 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Public Forum - FIDEL, CUBA, DEMOCRACY: ARE THEY INSEPARABLE?
Thursday February 28th, 2008
6:30 pm
Chilean Housing Co-op (3390 School Ave)

On Monday February 18th, Fidel Castro Ruz, who led the country of Cuba
since the 1959 Revolution and through 49 years of trials and
accomplishments as President of Cuba, decided not to accept the
nomination to continue as President. On Sunday February 24th Raul
Castro was voted in as Cuba’s new President. People here in Vancouver,
along with people around the world are wondering what is next for Cuba,
what will Fidel’s role be now, and how does the system of democracy
work in Cuba? This Thursday February 28th Vancouver Communities in
Solidarity with Cuba (VCSC) will explore these questions and hear from
John Waller, Coordinator of Pastors for Peace Caravan to Cuba, Jose
Angel from the Solidarity Coalition for a United Latin America, Tamara
Hansen, Coordinator of VCSC, and facilitator Colleen Glynn, President
of Richmond NDP. 

In response to Fidel’s decision, VCSC coordinator Tamara Hansen
explained, “Fidel’s decision above all shows his ultimate confidence in
the current leadership and government of Cuba. In fact, this decision
shows a strong belief in their capability to direct the Cuban people
and their revolution towards more social gains.” 

Despite the US media using this occasion to say that Cuba will soon
partake in a “transition to democracy” and become “free” this forum
aims to answer questions surrounding Cuba’s election process, and show
how under their democratic system Cuba has made tremendous social
gains.

As questions around the topic of Fidel, Cuba and Democracy swirl, VCSC
invites people to discuss these questions and to learn more as Cuba
embarks on a new stage in their revolutionary process. 

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