By Fidel Rendon Matienzo

Havana, Nov 15 (AIN) The president of the National Assembly in Havana called upon mayors from cities in 24 countries to the unify and "globalize solidarity" between peoples. This is the only way to build a better world stated Juan Contino in the inaugural session of the 12^{th meeting on Cooperation and Solidarity with Havana.}

This meeting, underway at the Havana International Convention Center, is being attended by more than 600 foreign delegates; members of the Cuban Political Bureau; Ricardo Alarcon, president of parliament; and Pedro Sáez, first secretary of the party in Havana province.

Contino highlighted the main achievements of the city on its 485 anniversary and said not even the genocidal blockade of Cuba by the US or damage sustained by hurricanes could break the will of a people intent on building a society of true freedom and independence.

Fernando Remirez de Estenoz, member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party, also explained to the mayors and other council representatives present, the situation of the island in view of the challenges and expectations of today’s world.

The worsening of the blockade and imperialist aggression, the struggle for the liberation of the five Cuban political prisoners in the US and solidarity of the world with Cuba were matters dealt with by Remirez de Estenoz in his speech.

 Peruvian Children Send Message to Ivette Gonzalez

Havana, November 15 (AIN)-Peruvian children sent a solidarity message on Monday to Ivette Gonzalez, daughter of Rene, one of the five Cubans held as political prisoners in the United States. The Bush administration cruelly prohibits Ivette from visiting her father.

The message reads, "We are Peruvian children and we want to greet you and wish you the best. We are sure that you will soon visit your father and be very happy. The world is with you."

The Peruvian children live in the poor Peruvian district of San Juan de Miraflores and joined a petition drive to demand Washington release the Cuban Five, reported Granma newspaper on Monday.

The text was delivered to the Peruvian Committee in Solidarity with the Cuban Five during a ceremony held at the headquarters of the National Union of Telephone Workers. The gesture marked the end of a national signature gathering campaign in solidarity with the Cuban Five.

After their arrest in 1998, Gerardo Hernandez, Rene Gonzalez, Ramon Labanino, Antonio Guerrero and Fernando Gonzalez, were convicted of unproven charges by a biased Miami court in 2001 for collecting information on southern Florida extremist groups with a long history of terrorist activities against Cuba.

Treatment of Cancer Patients in Cuba Assured Despite US Blockade

Havana, Nov 15 (AIN)-Cuba has valuable human resources which guarantee the treatment of cancer patients despite the Washington blockade which has cost over 79 million dollars.

The head of the National Control of Diseases Program, Rolando Camacho, outlined that the island must purchase medications at very high prices in third countries, as well supplies and medical technology of US origin, many of them the only ones of their type in the world.

Facing these difficulties are the highly qualified health personnel of the island together with the solidarity of the workers movement through the program called "My contribution to life".

The members of the National Union of Hotel and Tourism Workers head this fine initiative which contributes over two million dollars a year to combat cancer, which is the second biggest cause of death on the island and in the world.

The head of the National Oncology Group explained that this financial contribution made it possible, for example, to purchase ten new cobalt units for the radiotherapy service this year.

Cuba works hard at purchasing, and using rationally, the most efficient medications that are on the international market, despite their high prices, to promote healthy life styles, apply early cancer detection and for the development of scientific research.

Cuban Labor Minister Highlights Youth Employment and Educational Programs

 Camaguey, Nov 16 (AIN) Cuba’s Labor and Social Security Minister, Alfredo Morales Cartaya, highlighted youth employment and educational programs underway on the island.

Cartaya, speaking with the AIN news agency Tuesday in the eastern Cuban city of Camaguey, said that more than 125,000 people under 30 who

were formerly unemployed or not in school are now enrolled in courses while receiving stipends, making this an important experiment in today’s world.

He explained that plans throughout the island’s 169 municipalities are focused on employing young people, although there are currently many job opportunities for people of all ages.

He emphasized the role that political and grass roots organizations, local governments and families in communities can play in preventing young people from abandoning classrooms or work.

The Minister of Labor and Social Security indicated that it is the responsibility of community social workers to counsel families and assure that no Cuban loses out on education opportunities offered by the Revolution.

The Cuban official pointed out that his offices guarantees employment according to specialization and for those concluding their active military service.