jueves, 14 de mayo de 2009

Cuban Domínguez Ties with Carlsen at M-Tel

HAVANA, Cuba. Cuban Grand Master Leinier Dominguez tied his game against Norwegian Magnus Carlsen this Thursday during the second day of the M-Tel Sofia Tournament, underway in Bulgaria.

Dominguez, with the lowest ELO among the six participants at this Grand Slam, the third of the season, couldn’t beat with white pieces the Wonder boy Carlsen, who had defeated world ranking leader Veselin Topalov during the first day.

Now Leinier accumulates one point, valid for the fourth position, trailing after the two winners of the first day, Carlsen and Spanish Alexei Shirov, and Chinese Wang, who beat Ukrainian Vassily Ivanchuk today.

In the fifth position is Topalov, Leinier’s rival tomorrow, who accumulates 0.5 point out his draw today against Shirov. In the last place is Ivanchuk, with two losses in the same amount of matches.

(Leinier Dominguez empata con Carlsen en Sofia)

Cuba will produc reactives for attention to persons sicks of AIDS

Havana. Cuba will produce reactives for checkr the state of the linfocitos and the evolution of the patients with HIV-AIDS in the country, with that which will save foreign currencies and will protect these sick persons better.

There will be elaborated in the Laboratory of Antibodies and Experimental Biomodels (LABEX), in the city of Santiago de Cuba, and will be sent to the Territorial Center that assists to patient of The Tunas, Camagüey, Holguín, Granma, Santiago de Cuba and Guantánamo.

There will also arrive to the rest of the hospital institutions of the country that require them.
This decision is inserted inside the state strategy of enlarging the range of assistance possibilities, to improve the services of health and to substitute the fármacs import and medications gradually, informs today Granma Newspaper.

That newspaper highlights the quality, guarantee and dependability of the technological process that develops the community of scientific from Santiago, attributed to the resided Center of Molecular Immunology of the capital.

Inside its lines figure the markers and hemoclasificators used for the categorization of the sanguine groups, the diagnosis of the pathologies related with the red globules and the dysfunctions sanguine postransfunsionals.

It also produces all the denominations of the serums of Coombs, demanded by the Infantile Maternal National Program of Attention for the fetal diagnosis.

German Edition of Historic Statement by Fidel Castro Launched in Berlin

HAVANA, Cuba. A German edition of “History will Absolve Me”, the defense statement by Fidel Castro during his trial after the attack on the Moncada Garrison in 1953, was launched in Berlin by the Rotbuch publishing house.

According to Prensa altina news agency, the historic document, now being reproduced as part of several activities in Germany to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution, was described as one of the most important political speeches of the 20th century.

The new edition was presented in the German capital by Peter Wolter, a journalist with Junge Welt news daily, who spoke of the document and its significance.

Wolter praised Fidel Castro’s ability to present in a clear, brilliant and eloquent way the difficult situation that existed in Cuba during the years when the Caribbean nation was a US neo-colony.

For his part, the Cuban ambassador in Germany, Gerardo Peñalver, offered a brief presentation about the achievements and current challenges of the Cuban Revolution in its 50th anniversary.

The diplomat gave details of the current struggle of the Cuban people against the cruel, illegal and unjust US economic, financial and trade blockade of the Caribbean nation.

(En Berlín edición alemana de La historia me absolverá)

Cuba and Turkey Sign New Academic Cooperation Agreements

HAVANA, Cuba. The signing of three agreements for academic cooperation between universities of Havana and Ankara was the result of a recent visit of Cuban education officials to the Turkish capital.

After two days of exchanges, Eduardo Ardisana, Dean of the Faculty of Agronomy of the Agrarian University of La Habana, and Reynaldo Jimenez, Director of the Cuban Program of the Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences (FLACSO), signed the accords with the Turkish side, comprised of Ahmet Colak, Dean of the Agriculture Faculty of the University of Ankara,
and Cemal Talud, Rector of this higher education center.

The accords consist of a cooperation agreement between both universities and with the FLACSO Program of Cuba, as well as the signing of a letter of intention with the Center for Latin American Studies, which will soon be officially inaugurated at the University of Ankara.

Last March, the Rector of the University of Havana, Ruben Zardoya, and his counterpart of Ankara, Cemal Talud, renewed a protocol of cooperation between both higher education centers.

The protocol establishes the creation of a Center for Latin American Studies in Ankara and the opening of Chair of Turkish Culture in Havana.

(Concretan Cuba y Turquía acuerdos de colaboración)

Cuba Warns of World Environmental Deterioration

HAVANA, Cuba. Cuba’s Ambassador to the United Nations Abelardo Moreno warned on Wednesday that in spite of numerous agreements and commitments, the inability of many countries to comply with them has contributed to the deterioration of the world environment.

According to Prensa Latina news agency, the Cuban permanent representative at the United Nations, participating in a high level session of the UN Commission on Sustainable Development, added that this situation is also increasing inequality, poverty and the loss of natural resources.

Moreno recalled that scientific evidence confirms that the future of the planet is threatened and that serious catastrophes are very likely to take place as a result of climate change.

The Cuban diplomat recalled that there are more than 923 million people suffering from malnutrition in the world today, which means 75 million more than in 2007.

“Paradoxically, food is being used as an energy source in the production of bio-fuels, which compromises food security at the world level,” he added.

Moreno also referred to the implementation in Cuba of a policy of sustainability that includes topics analyzed in the agenda of the Commission of Sustainable Development.

(Señala Cuba creciente deterioro mundial del medio ambiente)

Cuba Advocates European-Latin American Cooperation

HAVANA, Cuba. Cuba stressed the importance of ultilateralism and mutually advantageous cooperation, during the 14th Ministerial Conference between the European Union (EU) and the Rio Group (GRIO), which concluded in Prague.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez warned against the propensity towards selectivity of some of the more powerful and developed nations, reported Prensa Latina. Regarding the cooperation mechanism between the EU and GRIO,he said that it remains to be seen if there is genuine political will to establish a strategic alliance.

Cooperation, as seen through the eyes of the EU-GRIO ought to be mutually beneficial for Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, affirmed the Foreign minister.

In this regard, he said that willingness could be demonstrated by carrying out the Aid for Development programme, cancelling the foreign debt, eliminating subsidies, and curbing brain drain and discriminatory migratory policies.

Rodriguez pointed out that energy concerns and environmental threats such as climate change are closely linked to irrational and unsustainable production and consumption patterns in rich countries.

He said that along with pursuing more efficient practices and sustainable energy sources, changing consumption patterns needs to be a primary concern.

Bruno Rodríguez said that Cuba is working hard at promoting energy consciousness and efficiency at home to reduce consumption, and cooperating in this endeavor with 16 countries.

The Cuban Foreign minister also spoke about regional energy initiatives such as PetroCaribe and reiterated his country's opposition to using farmland to produce biofuels.

(Abogan por colaboración ventajosa de Europa y Latinoamérica)

Work in Camagüey for improvement of the quality of the population's life

Camagüey. The Company of Restoration and Conservation of the Office of the Historian of the City, (OHCC) of Camagüey, attacks a group of tasks that will contribute to the improvement of the quality of the population's life.

Among these actions the impermeabilization of roofs stands out in two buildings of the allotment Sánchez Grove, of the town provincial head, work in charge of constructive brigades of the Company of Restoration.

At the moment are immiscibles in the process of certification of the Accounting, like previous step to the managerial improvement, as Antonio Hernández Roldán director of the entity inform.

That collective overdrying it economic plan of last year, and maintains favorable results in that that course of the current one. (Mariela Peña Seguí)

Camagüey enrolls for the San Juan 2009

Camagüey, may 14. - The official program of the San Juan of Camagüey, already approved by the Council of the Municipal Administration,it plan the realization of adult's parties with popular roots of the town between the 24 and next June 29.

As it is tradition, fair in the first minute of the day 24,since the headquarters of local government's organ, reading will be given to the decree that will officialize the beginning of the parties that will lapse during six days for the whole city.

For it will be enabled more than 30 parties areas, among streets, hints, cabarets and social circles, with specialized spaces that will be devoted to the bolero, to the humor and the rural music, to those that will be added the Theater of the Town.

One of the San Juan's main attractiveness, the congas walk, coaches and processions, it will maintain it habitual itinerary from the Provincial Museum to the Square of the Charity the days 25, 26 and 28 of June, while the 27 will visit the neighborhoods of the city. (Miguel Febles Hernández).

United nations will support actions in favor of the environment in Camagüey

Some areas of the environment of Camagüey confront a very intense deterioration of the floor, mainly for the salinization Camagüey, may 14. - The Program of United Nations for the Small Donations will support to the Cuban State with actions in favor of the environment, in two places with damages to the environment in the county of Camagüey.

The selected places are Florida Beach a coastal area to the south of the territory, and the community and surroundings of The Gloria, a region in the north part that flourished to beginnings of last century with American immigration.

Mayra González, of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment, said that those projects classified for the donation of about 50 thousand dollars in benefit of the environmental improvement in forests and floors.

Florida Beach is a place of importance in the platform fishing whose ecosystem of the coast, especially in mangrove, it has been smashed in the last years, partly for the action of the climatic change and also for the inadequate one to come from the man.

The Gloria, an area with agricultural tradition, confronts a very intense deterioration of the floor, mainly for the salinization.

Cuba Advocates European-Latin American Cooperation

HAVANA, Cuba. Cuba stressed the importance of ultilateralism and mutually advantageous cooperation, during the 14th Ministerial Conference between the European Union (EU) and the Rio Group (GRIO), which concluded in Prague.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez warned against the propensity towards selectivity of some of the more powerful and developed nations, reported Prensa Latina. Regarding the cooperation mechanism between the EU and GRIO,he said that it remains to be seen if there is genuine political will to establish a strategic alliance.

Cooperation, as seen through the eyes of the EU-GRIO ought to be mutually beneficial for Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, affirmed the Foreign minister.

In this regard, he said that willingness could be demonstrated by carrying out the Aid for Development programme, cancelling the foreign debt, eliminating subsidies, and curbing brain drain and discriminatory migratory policies.

Rodriguez pointed out that energy concerns and environmental threats such as climate change are closely linked to irrational and unsustainable production and consumption patterns in rich countries.

He said that along with pursuing more efficient practices and sustainable energy sources, changing consumption patterns needs to be a primary concern.

Bruno Rodríguez said that Cuba is working hard at promoting energy consciousness and efficiency at home to reduce consumption, and cooperating in this endeavor with 16 countries.

The Cuban Foreign minister also spoke about regional energy initiatives such as PetroCaribe and reiterated his country's opposition to using farmland to produce biofuels.

(Abogan por colaboración ventajosa de Europa y Latinoamérica)

Cuba Strengthens Economic Cooperation with Serbia

HAVANA, Cuba. Serbian Minister of Energy and Mines Peter Skundric spoke to ACN on Wednesday in Havana about the favorable opportunities for cooperation between Cuba and Serbia in the energy sector.

A delegation of Serbian business representatives are currently in Cuba to discuss expanding scientific, technical and technological cooperation in this sector.

Skundric said that Cuba is negotiating with Serbia to purchase the technology needed to install a system of digital electricity meters across the country. Other proposals being analyzed are related to wind and solar energy technology, small hydroelectric plants and systems that generate electricity from biomass.

Skundric said that Serbia is interested in Cuba's achievements in preventive medicine and biotechnology, especially medicine and vaccines.

The Serbian minister concluded that Cuba and Serbia hope to become portals for markets in the Balkans, the Caribbean and Latin America.

The Serbian delegation is also meeting with representatives from the chemical, communications, oil and sugar industries.


(Refuerza Cuba cooperación económica con Serbia)

Looking After Workers Pays off, says Cuban entrepreneur

HAVANA, Cuba. Improving working and living conditions for the workforce of a Cuban aluminium products company were the key factors in achieving an outstanding five-fold increase in production, Yuri Perdomo, general manager at NOVALUM, revealed today in this city.

In an exclusive interview this morning with ACN news agency on the 35th anniversary of this media outlet, Perdomo explained how this factory works and its results since 2004.

“In 2004-2005 we were totally inefficient, billing for only one and a half million dollars” he recalled, a situation they have gradually turned around, so that by last year “our revenues were close to 9 million dollars, and this year we are sure the 10 million mark can be
broken.”

Perdomo went on to emphasise that it was not technological advances that were responsible for such an abrupt rise in sales, but a better understanding of workers needs and more control over the productive activity.

“Back in 2004, a worker used to make around 225 pesos a month on average. Their working conditions were far from acceptable. We reinvested some of the monies into repairing toilets, built a cafeteria, and implemented a salary incentive based on production and quality,”
said Perdomo.

The strategy paid off, production picked up, and efficiency was achieved. Now workers are making over 500 pesos on average per month, plus a percentage in hard currency. Staff turnover dropped drastically, and hundreds of young people are now employed there, including some 110 women.

The “Elio Llerena” Company (NOVALUM) produces all the ranchers’ buckets and 40-liter milk containers, as part of the efforts made by the Cuban government to substitute local products for imports. In 2007 they produced 6,000 units which were sold to farmers and the Agriculture
Ministry. Last year production increased over four times and the plan for this year is 30,000.

Formerly bought abroad at 62 dollars per unit, NOVALUM is currently covering national needs at half that price. “It could be even cheaper, without affecting our profitability, but having to buy raw materials in Germany, China and other faraway places, doesn’t allow us to reduce
costs in that regard” said Perdomo.

The production line includes some 500 items, from all types of cutlery and pans, to cigar aluminium cases, which allow the famous Habanos to preserve their unique flavour.

“We can still do better. We are now looking to increase our exports, especially to the Caribbean market in which we already have had some results” said a grinning Perdomo, and added “and when we start upgrading our machinery the results will be just great. There is still a lot of
untapped potential in our workers.”

Experts Acknowledge Cuban Advances in Plant Biotechnology

CIEGO DE AVILA, Cuba. Foreign agricultural experts highlighted Cuban advances in plant biotechnology, achieved despite the almost 50-year US blockade against the Caribbean nation.

At the Seventh International Plant Biotechnology Conference, underway in Cayo Coco, Ciego de Avila on Cuba’s north coast, Argentinean agriculturalist Susana Beatriz Rosas from the Rio Cuarto National University said that the conference takes place at a time when the Food
and Agricultural Organization (FAO) has put out a warning about rising food prices all over the world.

Paul Bolwell, a professor at the London University said he has come several times to scientific events on agriculture in Cuba and will continue doing so. He added that he has invited several colleagues from London that came along to share experiences with the Cubans.

More than 150 specialists from 20 countries are attending the congress, during which they will analyze more than a hundred research projects.


(Reconocen desarrollo cubano en biotecnología vegetal)

Cuba Expands Use of Minimal Access Surgery

HAVANA, Cuba. Cuban doctors are successfully using minimal access surgery to remove orbital tumors, which provides faster patient recovery and fewer side effects.

Dr. Carlos Mendoza Santiesteban, head of neuro-ophthalmology services at the Ramon Pando Ferrer Cuban Ophthalmology Institute, told Juventud Rebelde newspaper that the first minimal-access orbital tumor surgery was carried out two years ago.

More than 25 have been carried out since and specialists are gaining experience. With the acquisition of equipment and adequate training, it could soon be offered across the country.

The Cuban government has invested significant resources in the development of public ophthalmology services. The country's achievements have been praised by renowned scientists such as specialist Dr. Thomas Hedges III who is currently on the island.

Dr. Carlos Mendoza Santiesteban said that for many years eye socket tumors were removed using complicated intracranial operations. With minimal acess surgeries it is possible to extract large tumors through small incisions.

(Operan en Cuba tumores orbitarios con mínimo acceso)

Zimbabwean Association Thanks Cuban Cooperation

HAVANA, Cuba. Cuban-Zimbabwean Friendship Association President Fananidzo Pesanai thanked the island for its cooperation with his country.

Pesanai said solidarity with Cuba activities are regularly attended by hundreds of people who often decide to join the Association when they see the signs on shirts reading "Cuba-Zimbabwe, Friends Forever."

In the case of the five Cubans unfairly imprisoned in the US, Pesanai said the association is confident that justice will prevail because they are innocent and were only trying to stop terrorism.

He said the association is currently busy trying to expand their presence in the country.

"Our organization was created based on the close bonds between our two countries that emerged during our liberation war and from the friendship between our leaders Fidel Castro and Robert Mugabe."

After 30 years, the friendship has been expressed in many ways; for example, educational programs for technical assistance provided by Cuba. As a result of these programs more than 3,000 Zimbabweans have became professionals in the fields of education, engineering, medicine, veterinarian sciences, architecture, pharmacology, sports and others.

(Agradecen en Zimbabwe colaboración cubana)

More than One Million People Benefit from Free Eye Surgery Program



HAVANA, Cuba. From July 2004 to date, more than 1.6 million people from 33 countries have benefited from the Mission Miracle free eye surgery program, founded by leader of the Cuban Revolution Fidel Castro.

At the opening ceremony of the Sixth International Conference of Ophthalmology in Havana, doctor Marcelino Río, president of the Cuban Ophthalmological Association, noted that Mission Miracle, headed by the governments of Cuba and Venezuela, has 59 hospitals in 15 nations.

He highlighted the importance of Mission Miracle and Cuban medical cooperation, which currently cover 33 countries, at a time when there are 37 million blind people and 135 million visually impaired the world over.

In the presence of José Miyar Barrueco, minister of Science, Technology and the Environment, Dr. Río explained that in Cuba there are 24 ophthalmologic centers equipped with state-of-the-art technology and qualified personnel to provide a service of excellence.

(Beneficiadas un millón 600 mil personas con Misión Milagro)