CHINESE THINK TANK ON CUBA CRITQUES US POSITION

The U.S. must rethink its policies toward Cuba

JUVENTUD REBELDE

What follows are the views expressed by the renowned
scholar Song Xiaoping, director of the Center for Cuban
Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

By: Nyliam Vázquez García

E-mail: internac@jrebelde.cip.cu
May 31, 2008

A CubaNews translation. Edited by Walter Lippmann.

BEIJING.— Song Xiaoping, director of the Center for Cuban
Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, takes
his time to answer each question. It’s clear to him that
all the evidence provided by the Cuban authorities about
the U.S. involvement in the funding of mercenaries in Cuba
exposes the hostile nature of its policies.

«The U.S. has been the spirit behind these actions against
the Revolution from day one. Far from being secret, these
policies are fully known to the public, as well as to a
long string of American presidents who have openly declared
their various attempts to overthrow the Socialist
Revolution in Cuba», he assures.

With several books about our country and other articles on
specialized topics to his credit, Song Xiaoping is an
expert in the long-standing dispute between Cuba and the
United States, the reason that he stamps his words with an
emphatic tone.

«We are aware that for almost five decades the United
States has refused to recognize a government elected by
express wish of its people and their dignity and fond of
good State-to-State relations.

«Cuba has always been willing to negotiate with the U.S. on
the basis of equality and dignity to resolve bilateral
matters of importance to the lives of both peoples.
Regardless, the U.S. rejects negotiations and adopts a
tough stance towards the Island. I remember President Raúl
Castro’s speech on July 26, where he stated his willingness
to initiate contacts and talks to settle your differences,
but always on equal terms.

«As a scholar I think Cuba has adopted fair measures. The
U.S. must take its anti-Cuban policy up for
reconsideration».

Professor Song also refers to Washington’s double-dealing
policy in matters crucial to world stability, a recurring
fact we can easily demonstrate, he adds.

«What strikes everybody most is that in fields like human
rights or terrorism, the U.S. usually adopts double
standards. I have read a great deal about the case of Luis
Posada Carriles, your typical terrorist, who has been
proved to have shot a Cubana airplane out of the sky with
76 passengers on board. Despite the testimonial evidence,
the U.S. courts not only leave him free, but also protect
him», he remarks in anger.

«This double-dealing position is cause for concern at
international level, and especially among peace-loving
countries opposed to terrorism», he says.

Then he points out on a more optimistic and heartfelt note:

«Many sectors in the U.S. –in the Congress, the Senate and
the business community– are in favor of good relations with
Cuba. I feel and notice that the American people wish to be
friends and cooperate with the Cuban people. Some people
there frown on their government’s hostility and want a
change, and their voices are becoming louder and louder. I
think it’s about time that the U.S. gives some serious
thought to the possibility of having normal relations with
Cuba».

Before he finished, Professor Song talks about the Cuban
doctors who traveled to China to help the victims of the
earthquake in Sichuan.

«I was moved deep in my heart by the arrival of the Cuban
doctors. It’s a sign of the Cuban people's friendship and
their generous feelings of internationalism for other
peoples, including the Chinese.

«These are times of real sorrow and self-sacrifice for my
fellow countrymen in Sichuan. And it’s precisely now that
the Chinese people are coping with so much hardship when
the Cuban government’s help tugs at your heartstrings», he
said, his voice faltering with emotion.