wfn.org | Cuban church officials criticize legislation aimed at easing

[wshuffit@oc.disciples.org]

U.S./Cuba embargo
>From nobody@wfn.org  Thu Oct 26 00:00:00 2000
Disciples News Service
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: Clifford L. Willis
Date: October 26, 2000
on the Web: http://www.disciples.org
E-mail: CWillis@oc.disciples.org

00b-55

	INDIANAPOLIS (DNS) -- Cuban church officials visiting the Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ) Oct. 18 criticized recent U.S. legislation aimed at
easing this country's embargo against the island nation, saying it doesn't
go far enough. 

	 "We are totally against the embargo," said the Rev. Reinerio
Arce-Valentin, president of the Council of Churches of Cuba. "It is
damaging to the Cuban people," he added. Such an "economic measure cannot
be used for political objectives."

	The general secretary of the Havana-based council was even more pointed in
his response. "What is needed is courage from the president of the United
States to stop something that produces alienation and goes against the
integrity of human beings," said the Rev. Marcial Hernandez.
	
	Arce-Valentin, Hernandez and (Ms.) Ormara Nolla, vice president of the
council, were in the U.S. for a week-long visit with the National Council
of Churches of Christ in the USA, New York. The delegation's agenda also
included visits with the Episcopal Church, New York; Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America, Chicago; and Presbyterian Church (USA), Louisville, Ky. 

	"The embargo has an effect on us also as a church," said the Rev. David
Vargas, executive for Latin America and the Caribbean, Common Global
Ministries Board. The Disciples of Christ and other communions often pay
transportation costs three times above normal to make sure that medicine
and other supplies reach the country. The council's medical commission then
distributes the supplies to hospitals and other facilities.
	
	Legislation approved by the Congress doesn't go far enough toward
normalizing relations between the two countries, according to
Arce-Valentin. The recent U.S. Congress action reportedly facilitates the
movement of humanitarian aide into Cuba. Unreasonable restrictions tagged
onto the measure, however, make that assistance almost impossible, he said.

	One provision requires "cash-only" transactions between the two countries.
That stipulation, according to Arce-Valentin is unrealistic. Most
international transactions are done on a credit basis, he said.  Coming up
with the cash for medicines, medical equipment and other supplies would be
a hardship for his country's government, he said, calling the measure a
"step backward in the process of normalization of relations."

	Arce-Valentin also criticized a little-known Cuban Adjustment Law that
allows special employment and residential privileges to Cuban immigrants.
He said the measure creates immigration problems for the Cuban government
and represents a profound economic loss for the poor country. 

	In addition, the law creates indirectly endangers Cuban young people, who
go to very risky lengths to secure what they perceive is a better life in
the U.S. Such was the case in death of Elian Gonzalez's mother, according
to Arce-Valentin. She died during an unsuccessful attempt to reach the
Florida shore by boat.

	While the Gonzalez case may have strained relations between the two
countries, it galvanized relationships between their leading ecumenical
councils. The councils' involvement in reuniting Elian with his father was
"a concrete example of how the council of churches can work together to
solve differences," Arce-Valentin said. 

	"We want to deepen the relationship with the NCC and (other) partner
churches," he said. The church leader envisions helping their governments
talk to about their differences.  

	And where the embargo is concerned, the National Council of Churches and
its member churches can also help lift the consciences of the U.S. people.
"It's a matter of international relations," said Arce-Valentin. "We can
live in friendship and peace as neighbor nations, respecting each other's
cultural differences."

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