Cuban Libraries Support Group

PRESS RELEASE -- 03 April 2000

Date: 03 April 2000 16:27

PRESS RELEASE

"The Cuban Library Support Group (CLSG) notes that Cuba's independence has been subjected to sustained attack by successive US governments for a period of nearly 40 years. This includes the imposition by the US of an economic blockade which has been described as the most severe and sustained blockade ever imposed on any country in peacetime. This has intensified dramatically

since 1991.

The blockade has severely impaired Cuba's ability to develop a modern economy. US law bars any trade with Cuba, including even food and medicines. Since 1993 US-owned state subsidiary companies worldwide have been forced to stop trading with Cuba. The 1996 Helms/Burton Law threatens reprisals against countries and companies that trade with Cuba or invest in joint ventures.

Despite the imposition of the US blockade, Cuba has made massive gains in

health, education, library and social services, transforming the everyday

lives of ordinary Cubans.

CLSG welcomes the fact that the UN General Assembly has overwhelmingly

condemned the US policy towards Cuba and called for the lifting of the

blockade every year since 1992, most recently by 155 votes to 2.

CLSG calls on IFLA to issue a clear policy statement on the US blockade and

its effect on library services in Cuba. In preparing this statement IFLA

should consult with ASCUBI.

CLSG requests that IFLA, and its constituent Library Associations, including

the LA and ALA, demand the unconditional lifting of the blockade.

CLSG will work with the Cuba Solidarity Campaign and support its CUBA : 40

YEARS campaign against the US economic blockade."

John Pateman

CLSG

For more information about the Cuban Libraries Support Group, contact John Pateman at John.Pateman@merton.gov.uk

John Pateman is a member of the Society of Chief Librarians and has visited Cuban libraries in 1993, 1995, 1999 and 2000.

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