(IFLA/FAIFE/IFEX) – The following is a 9 August 2005 IFLA/FAIFE media release: IFLA/FAIFE responds to the Cuban Library Association’s concerns regarding the Pastors for Peace Convoy IFLA/FAIFE has consistently promoted freedom of access to information in Cuba, as in other countries, and has called on both the Cuban and US governments to remove any obstacles […]
(IFLA/FAIFE/IFEX) – The following is a 9 August 2005 IFLA/FAIFE media release:
IFLA/FAIFE responds to the Cuban Library Association’s concerns regarding the Pastors for Peace Convoy
IFLA/FAIFE has consistently promoted freedom of access to information in Cuba, as in other countries, and has called on both the Cuban and US governments to remove any obstacles to unrestricted access to information.
IFLA/FAIFE is therefore most concerned to learn from the Cuban Library Association (ASCUBI) and other sources that the Pastors For Peace Convoy was recently stopped at the US Mexico border by the US Commerce Department.
According to the organizers of the caravan, which every year takes donations of the American people to Cuba, officials from the US Department of Commerce seized a large proportion of humanitarian aid destined for Cuba, mostly computer equipment. It is understood that the seizure was being made under the terms of the continuing US embargo on Cuba and that it includes informational materials which are formally excluded from the embargo. At the time of writing, this aid is not being allowed into Mexico to continue its journey on to Cuba.
IFLA/FAIFE once again calls upon the US government to eliminate obstacles to access to information and professional interaction imposed by its embargo and any other US Government policies. We urge the US Government to put policies in place to facilitate the sharing of both information and information technology with the people of Cuba.
