ICAP Vice President Noemi Fernandez: “Friends are the ones who defend Cuba most against lies”

Mustafa Büyüksipahi / 12punto.com.tr

The First Vice President of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP), Noemi Ramona Rabaza Fernandez, made exclusive statements to 12punto during her contacts in Turkey.

Making striking assessments on many topics ranging from socialist Cuba's international diplomacy vision to women's rights, and from the struggle on social media to the Palestinian issue, Fernandez said, “Friendship with Cuba is not just solidarity, but also an expression of a common stance against imperialism.”

M.B: Welcome to Turkey. I am here today as the Editor-in-Chief of 12punto to conduct an interview with you. Ms. Fernandez, what kind of diplomatic perspective does the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples have in order to strengthen solidarity with international communities?

What we are doing today is the continuation of a task given to us by Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro at the founding of ICAP. This task was born from a context 65 years ago. When ICAP was founded, the Cuban Revolution had just taken place, and almost all governments in Latin America had severed their diplomatic relations with Cuba due to US pressure. Only Mexico did not break these ties.

Fidel's fundamental idea was that governments might sever their relations, but Cuba must strengthen its relationship with the peoples of the world. Today, there are over 1,700 friendship-with-Cuba movements in 153 countries. The people involved in these movements dedicate a significant portion of their time to this friendship work.

As ICAP, we have always accompanied the history of the revolution during the critical moments of the Cuban Revolution. Together with our friends, we have shared the challenges, risks, and reality that Cuba faces. The most difficult times have also been the periods when solidarity activities were carried out most intensely.

Today, however, we have some issues before us. One of them is the need for the friendship-with-Cuba movement to rejuvenate. Furthermore, we need to reach audiences we have not yet reached. But we know that people show solidarity with Cuba; and Cuba, in turn, stands by the just struggles of the world's peoples, not only with words but also with action.

M.B: We believe that the realities of the Cuban people are not sufficiently reflected in the world media, and are even distorted. What kind of roadmap do you follow as an institute on this matter?

This issue is one of the most fundamental issues of our international solidarity movement. For this reason, we have created alternative media outlets in many parts of the world. Through these channels, we are trying to convey the reality of Cuba to other countries.

Cuba Information broadcasts to all of Europe from Bilbao, Spain. Similarly, there are media outlets in Latin America that fight against lies and distortions. For example, the channel called “Canal Europa por Cuba,” run in partnership with France and Spain, is one of these activities.

In addition, we have been applying an important method for years with volunteer work brigades. Every year, 10 to 12 volunteer brigades from many countries around the world visit Cuba and establish direct contact with the people. This direct testimony is the most powerful form of storytelling.

M.B: What do you think about the use of social media platforms? What is the impact of positive promotional activities through these channels?

I must state this clearly: These social media channels are in the hands of imperialism. However, they are there, and we must also exist on these channels.

As Cuban citizens, we adopt an approach that reflects the reality of our daily lives against hate speech that lacks mutual respect on these platforms. Thus, the lies about our country are debunked.

However, it is also a fact that we are under a blockade and our internet access is limited. At this point, the support of friends of Cuba in Turkey and other countries is very important. We may not like these platforms, but we have to be there. Because this is a battlefield and there are constant attacks on Cuba. We are also trying to learn how to respond to this.

"WE FOUND OUR OWN VACCINE"

M.B: What kind of Cuba would have emerged in a scenario where the blockade was reduced?

We would be a much more impressive country. The Cuban people are already an impressive people. After the revolution, we achieved great success in areas such as health, education, science, and social security. If there had been no blockade, these gains would have been carried much further.

For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, all resources were cut off, but we developed our own vaccine. We produced five vaccine candidates, three were registered, and the entire population was vaccinated. Again, during the ventilator crisis, we managed to produce our own devices. These examples are the results of our creative resistance.

The US pressure is not only economic but also a political attack. However, thanks to the Cuban people and their friends, we have not bowed to this pressure, and we will continue to keep socialism alive in the true sense.

M.B: While the culture of violence is increasing in the world, especially with the rise of violence against women, what is the place of women in socialist Cuba?

Cuban women are very strong. We defended our rights together with the Federation of Cuban Women, which was established after the revolution. Women have been part of all revolutionary processes. Of course, we still have unresolved problems.

Economic conditions, in particular, create difficulties in areas such as daycare and elderly care. Our struggle in these areas continues. At the same time, laws regarding violence against women are being enacted and updated. We are doing our best against femicide and gender-based violence.

M.B: How does socialist Cuba evaluate global developments and imperialist interventions in the Middle East?

We are very concerned. Throughout its history, Cuba has attached great importance to international solidarity. We have always supported the right of peoples to self-determination and to own their lands. We have also stood by the Palestinian cause.

The Middle East is a region that has historically been subjected to foreign interventions. The developments after October 7, 2023, should not be reduced only to the Palestinian issue. The root of this problem is much older and deeper.

We call on the peoples of the world to take action against the aggressive policies of the US and its allies. Because this is not just a regional issue, but a crisis that could have serious consequences for the whole world. Cuba advocates for a peaceful solution and negotiation on the basis of international law.

M.B: We wish for a future where more solidarity prevails. We are always waiting for you.

Continuing the struggle...