Title: Cuban church officials criticize legislation aimed at easing U.S./Cuba
embargo
Date: October 26, 2000
Disciples News Service
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: news@cm.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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