The prestigious University of Vienna hosted a conference given by Adriana Nirvia Silvente Milhet, official of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP) and Ofelia García Campusano, professor at the University of Guantánamo; who intervened before a large audience of academics, students and friends of solidarity, to present the reality of the territory illegally occupied by the Guantanamo Naval Base, in eastern Cuba.
This space for exchange and denunciation was organized by the Association of Friendship Austria-Cuba (OKG) within the framework of the "International Campaign against Military Bases"; and in support of the return of that military enclave illegally occupied by the United States. For the Island, it constitutes an illegality, as well as a violation of its territorial integrity.
The Cuban representatives, invited as lecturers, highlighted the historical moment in which the occupation of the United States began on that portion of the Guantanamo territory; as well as the social, economic and political consequences of this occupation, both for the closest communities (Caimanera and Boquerón) and for the Guantanamo people and for all of Cuba.
At the same time they highlighted all the human damages of that occupation "that has provoked aggressions, provocations, insults and shots made by the American soldiers; violations of the waters and the territory of Cuba by military vessels and aircraft; as well as abuses and murders of residents of the area. "
In emotional words, the lecturers conveyed to the participants the offense felt by Cubans, Guantanamo residents, and the residents of Caimanera and Boquerón, for the use of the territory of Guantánamo as the stage where human rights violations are committed. Washington maintains a maximum security prison in that naval base since 2002 by order of then President George W. Bush. Since then it has been denounced for being a torture center, and for its closure has been pronounced the international community in various international forums.
The public present was very receptive to the presentation, and led to an interesting exchange; At the same time, the interventions showed great sensitivity and solidarity towards the Island and the just demand of the Cuban people regarding the return of the 117km of national territory illegally occupied by the United States.
The EmbaCuba Austria collective participated in the Conference as part of the program of activities organized by the OKG.
(Embacuba Austria)