Maravi

Russia pledges humanitarian aid to Cuba after hurricane

Russia pledges humanitarian aid to Cuba after hurricane
By Larry Moonze in Havana, Cuba
Sunday September 07, 2008 [04:00]

RUSSIAN President Dmitry Medvedev has telephoned Cuban President Raul Castro assuring him Moscow would provide humanitarian assistance following last Saturday's Hurricane Gustav devastation to two western provinces of Cuba.

And two Russian IL-76 cargo planes arrived in Havana on Thursday morning carrying the first half of Russian emergency aid to Cuba. Two more are expected to complete the shipments commissioned by President Medvedev last Monday.

Among the cargo in the first batch were folding beds, tents, blankets, building materials, iron and cables. During a telephone conversation on Wednesday, President Medvedev expressed sympathy for the Cuban people following the passing of the destructive Hurricane Gustav.

He told President Raul about Russian efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to the island. The duo discussed the current state of bilateral cooperation and the prospects in various fields.

They noted Russia-Cuba bilateral relations were on an upswing following Russian Vice-President Igor Sechin's recent visit to the island when reactivation of economic and trade ties was agreed.

President Medvedev said given the situation, Russia's would be focused on agreements related to the national electricity grid. Hurricane Gustav claimed an estimated 100,000 houses in Isla de la Juventud and Pinar del Rio provinces. However, no life was lost following a massive mobilisation and evacuation by the Civil Defence.

And Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said he had taken personal interest in the plight of the hurricane victims and offered aid. Colombian President Alvaro Uribe also offered to help Cuba. Other aid offers are China, Bolivia, Argentina, Spain, Brazil, Mexico, Guatemala, the Cayman Islands, Peru, Saint Lucia and East Timor.
Visiting East Timor President Jose Ramos Horta said Cuba was in a very difficult time.

"I bring friendship and solidarity for the Cuban people who have always supported our struggle for independence and self-determination," said President Horta who arrived in Havana on Wednesday.

He said although East Timor was poor the island would come to the aid of Cuba in the recovery process.

"I congratulate you on your efforts to protect human lives," said President Horta. "Not one life was lost when in other places the losses would have been in hundreds."

President Horta will be in Cuba until next Tuesday at the invitation of President Raul.

Labels: CUBA, RUSSIA

posted by MrK @ 3:32 AM