wfn.org | Medical Computers Cross Border

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"UNITED METHODIST DAILY NEWS" by SUSAN PEEK on Aug. 11, 1991 at 13:58 Eastern,
about FULL TEXT RELEASES FROM UNITED METHODIST NEWS SERVICE (3170 notes).

Note 3165 by UMNS on Sept. 12, 1996 at 16:31 Eastern (2687 characters).

SEARCH:   Cuba, computers, IFCO, Fassett, Treasury

Produced by United Methodist News Service, official news agency of
the United Methodist Church, with offices in Nashville, Tenn., New
York, and Washington.

CONTACT:  Joretta Purdue                      451(10-32-71B){3165}
          Washington, D.C.  (202) 546-8722          Sept. 12, 1996

Computers for medical use in Cuba
finally cross U.S. border

     WASHINGTON (UMNS) -- Nearly 400 low-grade computers were
transported across the U.S.-Mexican border Sept. 11 on their way
to Cuban health clinics and hospitals.
     The United Methodist Board of Church and Society, acting for
a consortium of religious associations, assumed custody of the
computers, when they were released in two batches May 24 and June
14 by the U.S. Treasury Department.
     Most of the computers had been seized at the border near San
Diego Feb. 17. The others were intercepted at the U.S.-Canadian
border and were being held in Vermont.
     Return of the computers was sought through a 94-day fast led
by the Rev. Lucius Walker, a Baptist who heads the International
Foundation for Community Organization (IFCO) and Pastors for
Peace. The fast ended when the computers were released in
California May 14.
     The Vermont batch, less than 40, were held longer because of
a technicality and released June 14. This group was transported
over the Canadian border Sept. 7.
     Seven months of negotiation led to the return of the donated
computers and permission to take them to Cuba, where they will
support the United Nations' and Pan American Health Organization's
INFOMED network, a medical information network.
     In a statement issued Sept. 11, the Rev. Thom White Wolf
Fassett said the board had "never applied for or requested a
license from the Treasury Department for the computers." He has
explained in the past that these donated, used computers are
humanitarian aid and that some of the people involved with the
gift have expressed the belief that application for a license
would condone an embargo they vehemently oppose.
     The Rev. Eliezer Valentin-Castanon, a member of the board
staff, accompanied the shipment Sept. 11. He will work closely
with the Cuban ecumenical council to monitor the computers' use.
     The board holds title to the computers for religious groups
that include the American Baptist Church/USA, National Ministries;
the Episcopal Church; the National Council of Churches of Christ
in the USA; the Progressive National Baptist Convention; and the
United Methodist Church's Boards of Church and Society and Global
Ministries.
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