For the 23rd consecutive time the world massively rejected the  U.S. economic war against the people of Cuba. On October 28, 2014, the United Nations General Assembly overwhelmingly condemned the U.S. economic blockade of that island nation by resoundingly voting in favour of the resolution, "Necessity of Ending the Economic, Commercial and Financial Embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba."  Mirroring the undiminished global outrage, the vote of the 193 UN member countries was 188 in support of Cuba, with only 2 voting in support of Washington: the United States and Israel. Three countries (Palau, Marshall Islands and Micronesia) abstained. Since 1992,  the international community has repudiated the ongoing economic aggression of the United States against the people of Cuba in these annual votes in the UN. This rejection of Washington’s diktat, graphically underscores the isolation of the empire in world public opinion.

-Statement by the Canadian Network On Cuba, October 2nd , 2014 -
 
Much bile has been spilled in the Canadian media condemning Cuba regarding the conviction and sentencing of Toronto businessman Cy Tokmakjian and two of his executives (Claudio Vetere and Marco Puche) for corruption, bribery and suborning of Cuban officials, Under Cuba law they were convicted of acts “that are contrary to the principles and ethics that should characterize commercial activity, and contravene the Cuban judicial order.” Of course, it is within the legitimate purview of anyone to question the correctness of the outcome of any judicial process, however, some other motives and motifs appear to be guiding the Globe & Mail, CBC, Toronto Sun, Financial Post, CTV and others. While articles in the monopoly media denounce the conviction on the basis of “lack of due process” and “unfairness”, this is an uninformed statement since in fact the trial went to great lengths to ensure that everything was done by the book. Most importantly, however, is that none of the media who accuse Cuba of lack of due process even attempt to address the question of whether Tomakjian actually engaged in corrupt activities.

The book is the result of an exhaustive research effort, including the author’s review of more than 20,000 pages of court records of the longest case in U.S. history, that he presents in a clear and objective narrative. Kimber’s style is riveting from the first page to the last as he leads the reader through the twists and turns of their mission leading up to the arrest of the Cuban 5. The book shows how embedded the case is in U.S. – Cuba relations while being so hidden from the U.S. public. Stephen Kimber is a professor of journalism at the University of King’s College in Halifax and an award-winning writer, editor and broadcaster. 

The CNC executive wishes to congratulate Keith Ellis on the award of the prestigious Medal of Friendship by the Council of State of the Republic of Cuba.

This award is a recognition of Professor Ellis's unflagging and indefatigable dedication to building bridges of solidarity and friendship between the Canadian and Cuban peoples.

Keith Ellis, a professor emeritus at the University of Toronto, had made - and continues to make - an invaluable contribution to Latin American culture and life. His brilliant translation into English of the work of key Cuban figures - such as José Martí - has made these works accessible to those who would otherwise remain unaware of the beauty and insights of this literary treasure.

It must be emphasized that these are not solely literary exercises by Professor Ellis, but part and parcel of his commitment to the create a better world based on equality and justice for all.