Cuba Roundup: UNESCO, US sanctions, President meets Palestinians

UNESCO Executive Council

Cuba has been elected to the Executive Council of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for 2023-2027, following a 42nd General Conference in Paris on November 15. 31 seats were up for debate to complete the Council, which is the governing body of the Organisation consisting of 58 States. The Council is tasked with carrying out the decisions made by the General Conference and keeping an eye on UNESCO's budget and programme.

Russia against US sanction

The Russian Federation Council has demanded that the US economic, commercial, and financial blockade against Cuba be lifted. The declaration, approved by the Upper House of Parliament the Eastern European nations says, "The US sanctions against Cuba are illegitimate, unjust and destructive"; while "they represent an attempt to harm the Cuban people, undermine the economic and humanitarian ties between the Republic of Cuba and other countries," Cuban media Granma reported.

President meets Palestinians

Cuba's President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez met with 144 young Palestinians studying medicine in the Latin American nation. 53 of the young Palestinians were born in the Gaza Strip. The president on his social media account said, "With life stories marked by the horror of genocide practically from birth, young Palestinians demand an end to barbarism, complete and lasting freedom for Palestine, the return of refugees, and a better life for Palestinian children."

Floods hit again

The Cabaña River in Moa, a city in eastern Cuba, has flooded the Pedro Soto Alba neighbourhood again after heavy rainfall. The flood was exacerbated in mountainous areas, such as the Nuevo Mundo dam, where 80 millimetres were recorded in 45 minutes, Granma reports. Out of 374 residents, 57 were evacuated to the Ñico López pre-university centre, while the rest remained in their homes, according to Granma.

Emigration conference

The president of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel, was present at the inauguration of the Fourth Nation and Emigration Conference at the Havana Convention Palace in Cuba on November 18. Around 400 participants from fifty countries will discuss their nation of origin, migration issues, culture, identity, economic development, and investments at the fourth edition of the Nation and Emigration Conference, local media Prensa Latina reports.