HAVANA:
THE WELCOMING of 14 heads of state and Government officials from the Caribbean marks the beginning of a summit, which local media consider an important event to strengthen relations between Cuba and the rest of the region.
Most of the presidents of the region confirmed their participation in this meeting, where the establishment, on December 8, 1972, of Caribbean diplomatic links with Cuba is being celebrated.
"Cuba satisfactorily celebrates 30 years of relations, the result of the brave decision of Jamaica, Guyana, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago, which broke off Washington's siege against Havana in the Organisation of American States (OAS)," highlighted a TV-radio programme broadcast throughout the country.
The meeting will analyse the state of bilateral links and ways to reinforce these bonds.
Jamaica's Prime Minister P.J. Patterson and Antigua and Barbuda's Lester B. Bird, arrived on Friday afternoon and the arrival of the other leaders was expected a few hours after.
