★THE NEW NATION

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PERMIT #304

Fidel, capo of theHavana cartelBy ERNESTO BETANCOURT(Excerpts)

The book, The Big Hoax, by JoseAntonio Friedl, itemizes in great detailthe drug-trafficking activities of FidelCastro throughout his career. Friedlbases his writings on numerous booksand articles as well as statementsbrought before judicial and congres-sional hearings. Huber Matos andCarlos Franqui, among others, havedescribed Fidel's cynical reaction withwhich begins this narrative: the accept-ed support of Crescencio Perez, littlechief of the farming and distribution ofmarijuana in the Sierra Maestra. Oncein power, Fidel promoted drug traffick-ing with two objectives: his own per-sonal gain and moral corruption, espe-cially among the youth in the U.S.

Next, Friedl discusses the role ofMajor Manuel Pineiro and hisDepartamento America. Here we seehow Salvador Allende got involved inthese activities and their expansionwith his rise to the presidency of Chile.

Castro’s loversbash BushBy HUMBERTO FONTOVA(Excerpts)

"Bush is a tyrant," declared HarryBelafonte at an Atlanta march commemo-rating the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Afew years ago Belafonte was asked abouthis friend Fidel Castro."If you believe infreedom!" Belafonte quickly replied. "Ifyou believe in justice, if you believe indemocracy-- you have no choice but tosupport Fidel Castro!" It's hard to knowwhere to begin responding to a mentalitylike Belafonte's. So let's proceed to otherluminaries at the Atlanta march. JesseJackson made the scene and declared that,"the Voting Rights Act extension is criticalbecause the same old enemies of civilrights and voting rights will always keepup their activities. We must protect theright to vote against discrimination."

In 1984 Jesse Jackson was in Havana,arm in arm with a man who abolished vot-ing rights for blacks, whites--for any hueon any Cuban Rainbow Coalition-- andunder penalty of the firing squad. . "FidelCastro is the most honest and courageouspolitician I've ever met!" beamed JesseJackson .Rep. Charlie Rangel was not tobe outdone at the Atlanta march.Referring to President Bush, Rangel said,"his record against human rights, civilrights, economic rights, is absolutely terri-ble." Charles Rangel is always bangingthe loudest drums in these campaigns. Healways walks point on these missions. TheCuban "President's" famous visit toHarlem in 1995 comes to mind here. "GodBless you, Fidel!" boomed Pastor CalvinButts of Harlem's Abyssinian BaptistChurch while introducing the man whojailed the longest suffering black politicalprisoner of the 20th Century, and whopleaded, begged and even tried to cajoleNikita Khrushchev into nuking New Yorkin 1962.

Eusebio Penalver might quibble with

By ARIEL REMOSDiario Las Américas (Excerpts)

Democracy in action in a liberated Cuba wasthe focus of the seminar “Challenges andOpportunities of a Democratic Cuba” offeredrecently by the Democratic Nationalist Party ofCuba (PNDC), headed by Alfredo M. Cepero,Secretary General. Destroyed physically andmorally by a 47-year tyranny, the task of restor-ing Cuba to a free and sovereign democracywill be an enormous one in matters such as edu-cation, laws, health, housing, economy, andurban restoration.

As Reverend Martin Añorga well professedin his explanation, Cuba must be re-educated. Inother words, before any other type of educativeprocess is undertaken, it must undertake one of

reeducating itself; which implies to first dis-mantle the Marxists concepts and indoctrinationto take steps toward values of freedom anddemocracy. Dr. Luis A. Gomez-Dominguezcommented on the need for a new and free soci-ety within a sworn code. “There will not be asolution in Cuba until we have a democracy,” hestated. “Cuba needs a provisional multilateralintervention that guarantees security and willgive the Cuban people time to organize them-selves as a democracy.” The Constitution of1940 plays an important role in this.

The freedom of expression before 47 yearsof obstruction and persecution of a free presswas also a topic of interest presented by jour-

PNDC proposes democracy in action

Vea PNDC, pagina 3

See CARTEL, page 3See CASTRO, page 3

Escape from CubaBY SERGIO PERODIN JR.Survivor of the massacre ofthe Tugboat 13 of March.

I was only 7 years old andliving in communist Cuba. Myparents yearned for freedomand dreamt of coming toAmerica. They secretlyplanned to escape, alongwith 72 others who sharedtheir dream. We embarked ona wooden tugboat. Our onlyluggage was hope, but in thatattempt, 41 lives were lost.Among them, my mother andbrother.

It began on the fateful dayof July 13, 1994, as weembarked on the 13 deMarzo tugboat at about 2a.m. About 13 miles off thecoast of Cuba, we were sud-denly attacked by threeCuban tugboats. Theyrammed us. Pressure hoses,normally used to put out firesat sea, were used against us.

Their impact was so powerfulthat children were swept tosea from their parents' pro-tective embrace.

Those on the tugboatsshouted insults over loud-speakers. In a frenzy, theycrashed into the ship, dam-aging the hull, which causedthe tugboat to take in waterrapidly. Within minutes, theship sank. People werescreaming and begging to be

rescued, butthose on the tug-boats showed nopity. After whatseemed an eterni-ty of brutal abuse,the tugboatsfinally stoppedand began pick-ing up survivors.My mother andbrother were notamong them.

A monthlater, my dad was releasedfrom prison, and we weremore determined than ever toattempt our search for libertyonce more. It took about twoweeks to build a raft. Onenight we embarked on theraft along with seven othersand began navigating theseas with wooden paddles.Finally, we were rescued bythe U.S. Coast Guard andeventually taken to the

Guantánamo Naval Base inCuba.

On Jan. 21, 1995, we final-ly arrived in the UnitedStates. At that moment wefelt happier than ever, butthere was sadness and angerand disappointment that inour search for a new life, myfather and I had lost our mostvalued treasures -- my moth-er and brother. Yet the firstthing my father and relativesdid was fly to Washingtonand testify before the U.S.Congress on what has cometo be known as the Massacreof the Tugboat 13th of March,perpetrated by the Castroregime. Very soon, I will go tocollege. I will do it in the landwhere everything is possible -- in the land where I foundsomething so valuable thatpeople are willing to risk theirlives to obtain it. It is calledfreedom.

• Castro’s lovers bash Bush

• Fidel, capo of the Havanacartel

• PNDC proposes democracyin action

• True Cuban oppositionpresents a united front

• Is Venezuela going nuclear

• Escape from Cuba

Page 4 THE NEW NATION

Official Newsletter of the Nationalist Democratic Party of Cuba Volume 1, Number 4

Inspired by this phrase of Jose Marti, out-standing leaders of the opposition inside Cubahave brought forth the following uniform dec-laration:

“We propose thefollowing points asthe theme of discus-sion of the opposi-tion as componentsof the Cubannation, be it withinthe country or in theexile community.

All are subject todiscussion. Theirenrichment willbetter our condi-tions to present ourdemands togetherto the totalitarian government and to show theworld what we, as peaceful activists, aspire fordemocracy in Cuba.

1. Demand the immediate and uncondition-

True Cuban oppositionpresents a united front

“Coming together:Word of order”

Dr. Oscar Elias Biscet

See Opposition, page 3

“Our only luggage was hope.”

Harry, Jesse and Charlie. He'sthe longest-serving black politi-cal prisoner of the 20th century.A black Cuban, he was holed upand tortured in Castro's jailslonger than Nelson Mandelalanguished in South Africa's.Through 30 years of hell inCastro's dungeons, EusebioPenalver stood tall, proud anddefiant .Ever heard of him? Helives in Miami. Ever see aCNN interview with him? Eversee him on "60 Minutes"? Everread about him in the New YorkTimes? Ever hear the NAACPor Congressional Black Caucusmention him?. Today Castro'spolice bar black Cubans from

tourist areas and 80 percent ofCastro's prison population isblack. Cuba's most prominentpolitical prisoner, Elias Biscet,is black (I won't bother askingif you've heard of him.) Andexactly .08 per cent of Cuba'sCommunist rulers are black.

In other places they calledthis "apartheid," and Harry,Jesse and Charlie ranted andrailed against it, as they rantagainst President Bush today.But regarding a tropicalStalinist and major leagueracist, they do a quick thumbsup and shout themselves hoarsewith "Viva Fidel!" What hap-pened to "We Shall Overcome?

THE NEWNATION

Published quarterly in englishand spanish by the Nationalist

Democratic Party of Cubawhich is registered as a non-profit corporation under thelaw of the State of Florida

Executive CommitteeALFREDO M. CEPERO

Secretary General

ANGEL VEGASecretary of Organization

GUILLERMO GONZALEZSecretary of Promotion

FRANCISCO CORTINAFinance Secretary

LUIS RIVERASecretary of Information

Board of DirectorsFRANCISCO ALVAREZ

ALFREDO CEPEROFRANCISCO CORTINA

GLADYS FERNANDEZ-MARTINEZMIRTA GARCIA

GUILLERMO GONZALEZARMANDO LAVIÑA

ROSA PEREZLUIS RIVERAANGEL VEGA

OSVALDO VENTO, SR.

CONTACT USYou can contact us by

visiting www.pndcuba.org or by writing to:

PND-CUBA2520 S.W. 22nd Street,

Suite 2-240 Miami, FL 33145

nalist and former prisoner ManuelVazquez Portal and the ReverendMarcos Antonio Ramos. In turn,Dr. Antonio Jorge highlighted theimmense help a post-Castro Cubawill need from the internationalfinancial entities. He also statedthat the new republic cannot andshould not assume responsibilityfor a debt created by the illegiti-mate regime of Castro. The mainconcern of environmentalist EudelEduardo Cepero is preserving thepurity of the environment once thespeedy reconstruction processtakes place upon the fall of the dic-tatorship. The steps for urbanrestoration, where almost every-thing is in ruins and down to itsfoundation, were among the chal-lenges that a post-Castro era willface, undertaken by architectNicolas Quintana.

Everything that was broughtforth in the seminar, which tookplace at the Holiday Inn acrossfrom the University of Miami, con-stitute elements for a democracy inaction, as was expressed byAlfredo M. Cepero, “whereimprovisation leads the waytowards planning, the haste to per-severance, the diatribe to the agree-ment and the indifference to com-mitment… We have to move

beyond our dif-ferences andemphasize ours o l i d a r i t y . ”Cepero conclud-ed by saying,“Here we havecome as Cubansto exchangeideas to find abetter way toserve our coun-try, be it as aver-age citizens or as members of apolitical party. But all of us asguardians of our rights and soldiersof our duties in the rebuilding of a

free and democratic Cuba that weall yearn for but will only deservewhen we have learned how tofound it and defend it.”

PNDC, de la pagina 1

CASTRO, from page 1CASTRO, from page 1

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT

If you share our goals of a free and democratic

Cuba, write check or money order to

PND-CUBA and send it to the above address.

Page 2 THE NEW NATION THE NEW NATION Page 3

al release of all political prisonerswithout terms or exclusions. Theseliberations must be made throughan irrevocable legal provision sothat those released from the groupof 75 will not be subject to anyreprisal once outside prison.

2. Consider that the subject ofpolitical prisoners should contin-ue to be first on the agenda of anyactivity of the groups that agree toa meeting. Until the last one ofthem is released, monitoring thesituation, acts demanding theirfreedom, and protests for abusessuffered should not cease.Condemn new imprisonments ofcitizens for merely expressingpeacefully the discrepancies ofthe ruling system, just as has beenoccurring in recent years, so thatthe release of the present politicalprisoners does not become a sim-ple recycling act.

3. Demand of the present

Cuban government the immediateabolition of the death penalty anddemand of the authorities to com-mute all outstanding death sen-tences of many compatriots foryears.

4. Demand the immediatereturn of our country to democra-cy. Reject any discriminationtowards citizens for their politicalideas, as well as any legal provi-sion that grants any political partyauthority over society as a wholeand put into effect considerableeconomic reforms that award eco-nomic freedom to its citizens. TheCuban economy continues toexperience a grave and growingcrisis, a direct result of a dismaleconomic system put in place andmaintained by the current regime,which is irreversible as long asthe necessary changes are notimplemented. For the Cuban gov-ernment politics is more impor-

tant than the economy.5. Support the Universal

Declaration of HumanRights document of whichthe Republic of Cuba was aparticipant and a signer;and demand that the Cuban gov-ernment respects the 30 articles ofsaid international document.

6. Consolidate even further theindissoluble alliance between theCuban democrats from within theisland and the exile communityand make the firm disposition tocontinue, without yielding, thepeaceful struggle towards thedemocratization of our countryand national reconciliation.

7. Avoid public disagreementsamong opposition projects, civicor in defense of human rights,between groups and organizationsof the dissident movement or

among members of the same;these situations only lead to theweakening and the loss of focusof the struggle for the peacefulreforms toward a free and demo-cratic society within a lawfuldemocratic state. Work to avoidthe demonstrations of sectarian-ism, intolerance and marginaliza-tion on the part of any person,organization or group that formspart of the movement for Cubandemocracy. Promote fraternal,respectful, and cordial relationsamong the dissidents so that they

also reflect theessential unity ofour peacefulstruggle above thedifferences inpoints of view,focus or ideologi-cal positions.

8. Divulgeamong the population everyopposing project that promotesdemocracy and respect for humanrights, whether presented by anyopposing organization or group,regardless of the particular crite-ria that we might have on thesame.”

Without any special statuswithin the opposition, the namesbelow sign with only the desire todemocratize our country. We callon the rest of the Cuban democ-rats to express their opinions sothat we can make this an instru-ment on which to base thereforms in our country.

OPPOSITION, from page 1

CARTEL, from page 1

Firmas: Elsa Morejon Hernández

Lawton Foundation for HumanRights. Signs representing Dr. Oscar Elías Biscet

Vladimiro Roca AntunezMovimiento Todos Unidos

Félix Antonio Bonne CarcasesAssembly to Promote CivilSociety

Rene Gómez Manzano (PRISONER)Assembly to Promote CivilSociety

Martha Beatriz Roque CabelloAssembly to Promote CivilSociety

Alfredo M. Cepero Manuel Vazquez-Portal

By DOUGLAS MACKINNONHouston Chronicle (Excerpts)

The most prominent development in U.S.-Venezuelan relations these days involves the caseof Luis Posada Carriles and whether he should beextradited from the United States to Venezuela.Meanwhile, a story with the potential to be muchmore important is being ignored: The growingpower and global ambitions of Venezuela'sPresident Hugo Chavez.

To the minute number of people who under-stand the threat Chavez poses to the United States,his recent hosting in Caracas of Iranian PresidentMohammad Khatami was disturbing enough. Buthigh oil prices have made Chavez an antagonist tobe reckoned with, and we ignore such a menace atour peril.

Standing side by side with Khatami in Caracas,Chavez said, "Iran has every right to developatomic energy and to continue research in thatarea. ... Faced with the threat of the U.S. govern-ment against our brother people in Iran, count onus for all our support“. After receiving the reportthat Chavez might be trying to acquire nucleartechnology or weapons from Iran, I met with a

high-ranking U.S. official to voice my concernsand ask what he thought about such speculation.He answered me point blank: "It would not sur-prise me. Chavez is dangerous, underestimatedand capable of almost anything".

Toward that end, Chavez recently went on al-Jazeera television to call for Arab and developingnations to unite against the United States andPresident Bush. Terrorists use this network as atool against U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq, andChavez told its viewers, "We have already invad-ed the United States, but with our oil."

Coupled with the disturbing news that Chavezmight be trying to acquire nuclear weapons is thefact that Chavez, a dictator in all but formal title,just concluded a deal with the People's Republicof China to launch a telecommunications satellitefor him. So great is Chavez' interest in rockets,space and missiles that the government ofVenezuela has created a special commission toadvise him on such issues. Chavez with a nuclearweapon is bad enough. Chavez with a medium-range ballistic missile just minutes from thesouthern United States is a disaster waiting tohappen.

Vista panorámica de los participantes en el semi-nario.

IS VENEZUELA GOING NUCLEAR?

Fidel sent the agent DemidFernandez de Ona as head ofCuban intelligence in Chile, andlet him marry Allende's favoritedaughter, Tati, despite the factthat he was already married.Upon discovering her husbandalready had a family, Tati com-mitted suicide during her exilein Cuba.

This book also relates thedistribution of arms to the M-19of Colombia in exchange forthe beginning of cocaine ship-ments to the U.S. in 1975. Thisscandal involved the Cubanambassador to Colombia,Fernando Ravelo, an agent ofPineiro, and Jaime Guillot Lara,Colombian trafficker. In thechapter about the “Panamaconnection,” Fidel acts as theliason between the MedellinCartel and Manuel AntonioNoriega, according to testimo-ny before a U.S. Senate com-mission. Shortly thereafter,Carlos Lehder, Colombian traf-ficker, enters the ring, as well asRobert Vesco, the notoriousinternational swindler andsmuggler that negotiated withthe Sandinistas drug traffickingthrough Nicaragua.

The drug trafficking partici-pation of the Castros creates acrisis with the case of fatherand son Ruiz, whose activitieshave been infiltrated by theDEA. When they are to be triedin 1989, Fidel attends the trialof General Ochoa and kills twobirds with one stone. He freeshimself from being accused ofany involvement in drug traf-ficking and eliminates a poten-tial rival within the armedforces.

In 1996, a strange caseunfolds on Jorge GorditoCabrera, arrested while smug-gling 6000 pounds of cocaineinto the U.S. Photos werefound of him with Fidel andlater with Al Gore and HillaryClinton having made a $20,000campaign contribution toClinton's reelection. In the lastchapter, Friedl describes theposition of American authori-ties to these acts under thetitle, “The Strange Silence ofWashington, a Scandalous andSystematic Conspiracy.” Forme, this silence is simply a wayto avoid taking any action.When they do act, they cancount on our support.

Harry, Jesse and Charlie. He'sthe longest-serving black politi-cal prisoner of the 20th century.A black Cuban, he was holed upand tortured in Castro's jailslonger than Nelson Mandelalanguished in South Africa's.Through 30 years of hell inCastro's dungeons, EusebioPenalver stood tall, proud anddefiant .Ever heard of him? Helives in Miami. Ever see aCNN interview with him? Eversee him on "60 Minutes"? Everread about him in the New YorkTimes? Ever hear the NAACPor Congressional Black Caucusmention him?. Today Castro'spolice bar black Cubans from

tourist areas and 80 percent ofCastro's prison population isblack. Cuba's most prominentpolitical prisoner, Elias Biscet,is black (I won't bother askingif you've heard of him.) Andexactly .08 per cent of Cuba'sCommunist rulers are black.

In other places they calledthis "apartheid," and Harry,Jesse and Charlie ranted andrailed against it, as they rantagainst President Bush today.But regarding a tropicalStalinist and major leagueracist, they do a quick thumbsup and shout themselves hoarsewith "Viva Fidel!" What hap-pened to "We Shall Overcome?

THE NEWNATION

Published quarterly in englishand spanish by the Nationalist

Democratic Party of Cubawhich is registered as a non-profit corporation under thelaw of the State of Florida

Executive CommitteeALFREDO M. CEPERO

Secretary General

ANGEL VEGASecretary of Organization

GUILLERMO GONZALEZSecretary of Promotion

FRANCISCO CORTINAFinance Secretary

LUIS RIVERASecretary of Information

Board of DirectorsFRANCISCO ALVAREZ

ALFREDO CEPEROFRANCISCO CORTINA

GLADYS FERNANDEZ-MARTINEZMIRTA GARCIA

GUILLERMO GONZALEZARMANDO LAVIÑA

ROSA PEREZLUIS RIVERAANGEL VEGA

OSVALDO VENTO, SR.

CONTACT USYou can contact us by

visiting www.pndcuba.org or by writing to:

PND-CUBA2520 S.W. 22nd Street,

Suite 2-240 Miami, FL 33145

nalist and former prisoner ManuelVazquez Portal and the ReverendMarcos Antonio Ramos. In turn,Dr. Antonio Jorge highlighted theimmense help a post-Castro Cubawill need from the internationalfinancial entities. He also statedthat the new republic cannot andshould not assume responsibilityfor a debt created by the illegiti-mate regime of Castro. The mainconcern of environmentalist EudelEduardo Cepero is preserving thepurity of the environment once thespeedy reconstruction processtakes place upon the fall of the dic-tatorship. The steps for urbanrestoration, where almost every-thing is in ruins and down to itsfoundation, were among the chal-lenges that a post-Castro era willface, undertaken by architectNicolas Quintana.

Everything that was broughtforth in the seminar, which tookplace at the Holiday Inn acrossfrom the University of Miami, con-stitute elements for a democracy inaction, as was expressed byAlfredo M. Cepero, “whereimprovisation leads the waytowards planning, the haste to per-severance, the diatribe to the agree-ment and the indifference to com-mitment… We have to move

beyond our dif-ferences andemphasize ours o l i d a r i t y . ”Cepero conclud-ed by saying,“Here we havecome as Cubansto exchangeideas to find abetter way toserve our coun-try, be it as aver-age citizens or as members of apolitical party. But all of us asguardians of our rights and soldiersof our duties in the rebuilding of a

free and democratic Cuba that weall yearn for but will only deservewhen we have learned how tofound it and defend it.”

PNDC, de la pagina 1

CASTRO, from page 1CASTRO, from page 1

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT

If you share our goals of a free and democratic

Cuba, write check or money order to

PND-CUBA and send it to the above address.

Page 2 THE NEW NATION THE NEW NATION Page 3

al release of all political prisonerswithout terms or exclusions. Theseliberations must be made throughan irrevocable legal provision sothat those released from the groupof 75 will not be subject to anyreprisal once outside prison.

2. Consider that the subject ofpolitical prisoners should contin-ue to be first on the agenda of anyactivity of the groups that agree toa meeting. Until the last one ofthem is released, monitoring thesituation, acts demanding theirfreedom, and protests for abusessuffered should not cease.Condemn new imprisonments ofcitizens for merely expressingpeacefully the discrepancies ofthe ruling system, just as has beenoccurring in recent years, so thatthe release of the present politicalprisoners does not become a sim-ple recycling act.

3. Demand of the present

Cuban government the immediateabolition of the death penalty anddemand of the authorities to com-mute all outstanding death sen-tences of many compatriots foryears.

4. Demand the immediatereturn of our country to democra-cy. Reject any discriminationtowards citizens for their politicalideas, as well as any legal provi-sion that grants any political partyauthority over society as a wholeand put into effect considerableeconomic reforms that award eco-nomic freedom to its citizens. TheCuban economy continues toexperience a grave and growingcrisis, a direct result of a dismaleconomic system put in place andmaintained by the current regime,which is irreversible as long asthe necessary changes are notimplemented. For the Cuban gov-ernment politics is more impor-

tant than the economy.5. Support the Universal

Declaration of HumanRights document of whichthe Republic of Cuba was aparticipant and a signer;and demand that the Cuban gov-ernment respects the 30 articles ofsaid international document.

6. Consolidate even further theindissoluble alliance between theCuban democrats from within theisland and the exile communityand make the firm disposition tocontinue, without yielding, thepeaceful struggle towards thedemocratization of our countryand national reconciliation.

7. Avoid public disagreementsamong opposition projects, civicor in defense of human rights,between groups and organizationsof the dissident movement or

among members of the same;these situations only lead to theweakening and the loss of focusof the struggle for the peacefulreforms toward a free and demo-cratic society within a lawfuldemocratic state. Work to avoidthe demonstrations of sectarian-ism, intolerance and marginaliza-tion on the part of any person,organization or group that formspart of the movement for Cubandemocracy. Promote fraternal,respectful, and cordial relationsamong the dissidents so that they

also reflect theessential unity ofour peacefulstruggle above thedifferences inpoints of view,focus or ideologi-cal positions.

8. Divulgeamong the population everyopposing project that promotesdemocracy and respect for humanrights, whether presented by anyopposing organization or group,regardless of the particular crite-ria that we might have on thesame.”

Without any special statuswithin the opposition, the namesbelow sign with only the desire todemocratize our country. We callon the rest of the Cuban democ-rats to express their opinions sothat we can make this an instru-ment on which to base thereforms in our country.

OPPOSITION, from page 1

CARTEL, from page 1

Firmas: Elsa Morejon Hernández

Lawton Foundation for HumanRights. Signs representing Dr. Oscar Elías Biscet

Vladimiro Roca AntunezMovimiento Todos Unidos

Félix Antonio Bonne CarcasesAssembly to Promote CivilSociety

Rene Gómez Manzano (PRISONER)Assembly to Promote CivilSociety

Martha Beatriz Roque CabelloAssembly to Promote CivilSociety

Alfredo M. Cepero Manuel Vazquez-Portal

By DOUGLAS MACKINNONHouston Chronicle (Excerpts)

The most prominent development in U.S.-Venezuelan relations these days involves the caseof Luis Posada Carriles and whether he should beextradited from the United States to Venezuela.Meanwhile, a story with the potential to be muchmore important is being ignored: The growingpower and global ambitions of Venezuela'sPresident Hugo Chavez.

To the minute number of people who under-stand the threat Chavez poses to the United States,his recent hosting in Caracas of Iranian PresidentMohammad Khatami was disturbing enough. Buthigh oil prices have made Chavez an antagonist tobe reckoned with, and we ignore such a menace atour peril.

Standing side by side with Khatami in Caracas,Chavez said, "Iran has every right to developatomic energy and to continue research in thatarea. ... Faced with the threat of the U.S. govern-ment against our brother people in Iran, count onus for all our support“. After receiving the reportthat Chavez might be trying to acquire nucleartechnology or weapons from Iran, I met with a

high-ranking U.S. official to voice my concernsand ask what he thought about such speculation.He answered me point blank: "It would not sur-prise me. Chavez is dangerous, underestimatedand capable of almost anything".

Toward that end, Chavez recently went on al-Jazeera television to call for Arab and developingnations to unite against the United States andPresident Bush. Terrorists use this network as atool against U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq, andChavez told its viewers, "We have already invad-ed the United States, but with our oil."

Coupled with the disturbing news that Chavezmight be trying to acquire nuclear weapons is thefact that Chavez, a dictator in all but formal title,just concluded a deal with the People's Republicof China to launch a telecommunications satellitefor him. So great is Chavez' interest in rockets,space and missiles that the government ofVenezuela has created a special commission toadvise him on such issues. Chavez with a nuclearweapon is bad enough. Chavez with a medium-range ballistic missile just minutes from thesouthern United States is a disaster waiting tohappen.

Vista panorámica de los participantes en el semi-nario.

IS VENEZUELA GOING NUCLEAR?

Fidel sent the agent DemidFernandez de Ona as head ofCuban intelligence in Chile, andlet him marry Allende's favoritedaughter, Tati, despite the factthat he was already married.Upon discovering her husbandalready had a family, Tati com-mitted suicide during her exilein Cuba.

This book also relates thedistribution of arms to the M-19of Colombia in exchange forthe beginning of cocaine ship-ments to the U.S. in 1975. Thisscandal involved the Cubanambassador to Colombia,Fernando Ravelo, an agent ofPineiro, and Jaime Guillot Lara,Colombian trafficker. In thechapter about the “Panamaconnection,” Fidel acts as theliason between the MedellinCartel and Manuel AntonioNoriega, according to testimo-ny before a U.S. Senate com-mission. Shortly thereafter,Carlos Lehder, Colombian traf-ficker, enters the ring, as well asRobert Vesco, the notoriousinternational swindler andsmuggler that negotiated withthe Sandinistas drug traffickingthrough Nicaragua.

The drug trafficking partici-pation of the Castros creates acrisis with the case of fatherand son Ruiz, whose activitieshave been infiltrated by theDEA. When they are to be triedin 1989, Fidel attends the trialof General Ochoa and kills twobirds with one stone. He freeshimself from being accused ofany involvement in drug traf-ficking and eliminates a poten-tial rival within the armedforces.

In 1996, a strange caseunfolds on Jorge GorditoCabrera, arrested while smug-gling 6000 pounds of cocaineinto the U.S. Photos werefound of him with Fidel andlater with Al Gore and HillaryClinton having made a $20,000campaign contribution toClinton's reelection. In the lastchapter, Friedl describes theposition of American authori-ties to these acts under thetitle, “The Strange Silence ofWashington, a Scandalous andSystematic Conspiracy.” Forme, this silence is simply a wayto avoid taking any action.When they do act, they cancount on our support.

★

THE NEW NATION

Nationalist Democratic Party of Cuba2520 Southwest 22nd StreetSuite 2-240Miami, FL 33145Address Correction Requested

★

THE NEWNATIONTHE NEWNATIONINSIDE:INSIDE:

PRST STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDMIAMI, FLA.

PERMIT #304

Fidel, capo of theHavana cartelBy ERNESTO BETANCOURT(Excerpts)

The book, The Big Hoax, by JoseAntonio Friedl, itemizes in great detailthe drug-trafficking activities of FidelCastro throughout his career. Friedlbases his writings on numerous booksand articles as well as statementsbrought before judicial and congres-sional hearings. Huber Matos andCarlos Franqui, among others, havedescribed Fidel's cynical reaction withwhich begins this narrative: the accept-ed support of Crescencio Perez, littlechief of the farming and distribution ofmarijuana in the Sierra Maestra. Oncein power, Fidel promoted drug traffick-ing with two objectives: his own per-sonal gain and moral corruption, espe-cially among the youth in the U.S.

Next, Friedl discusses the role ofMajor Manuel Pineiro and hisDepartamento America. Here we seehow Salvador Allende got involved inthese activities and their expansionwith his rise to the presidency of Chile.

Castro’s loversbash BushBy HUMBERTO FONTOVA(Excerpts)

"Bush is a tyrant," declared HarryBelafonte at an Atlanta march commemo-rating the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Afew years ago Belafonte was asked abouthis friend Fidel Castro."If you believe infreedom!" Belafonte quickly replied. "Ifyou believe in justice, if you believe indemocracy-- you have no choice but tosupport Fidel Castro!" It's hard to knowwhere to begin responding to a mentalitylike Belafonte's. So let's proceed to otherluminaries at the Atlanta march. JesseJackson made the scene and declared that,"the Voting Rights Act extension is criticalbecause the same old enemies of civilrights and voting rights will always keepup their activities. We must protect theright to vote against discrimination."

In 1984 Jesse Jackson was in Havana,arm in arm with a man who abolished vot-ing rights for blacks, whites--for any hueon any Cuban Rainbow Coalition-- andunder penalty of the firing squad. . "FidelCastro is the most honest and courageouspolitician I've ever met!" beamed JesseJackson .Rep. Charlie Rangel was not tobe outdone at the Atlanta march.Referring to President Bush, Rangel said,"his record against human rights, civilrights, economic rights, is absolutely terri-ble." Charles Rangel is always bangingthe loudest drums in these campaigns. Healways walks point on these missions. TheCuban "President's" famous visit toHarlem in 1995 comes to mind here. "GodBless you, Fidel!" boomed Pastor CalvinButts of Harlem's Abyssinian BaptistChurch while introducing the man whojailed the longest suffering black politicalprisoner of the 20th Century, and whopleaded, begged and even tried to cajoleNikita Khrushchev into nuking New Yorkin 1962.

Eusebio Penalver might quibble with

By ARIEL REMOSDiario Las Américas (Excerpts)

Democracy in action in a liberated Cuba wasthe focus of the seminar “Challenges andOpportunities of a Democratic Cuba” offeredrecently by the Democratic Nationalist Party ofCuba (PNDC), headed by Alfredo M. Cepero,Secretary General. Destroyed physically andmorally by a 47-year tyranny, the task of restor-ing Cuba to a free and sovereign democracywill be an enormous one in matters such as edu-cation, laws, health, housing, economy, andurban restoration.

As Reverend Martin Añorga well professedin his explanation, Cuba must be re-educated. Inother words, before any other type of educativeprocess is undertaken, it must undertake one of

reeducating itself; which implies to first dis-mantle the Marxists concepts and indoctrinationto take steps toward values of freedom anddemocracy. Dr. Luis A. Gomez-Dominguezcommented on the need for a new and free soci-ety within a sworn code. “There will not be asolution in Cuba until we have a democracy,” hestated. “Cuba needs a provisional multilateralintervention that guarantees security and willgive the Cuban people time to organize them-selves as a democracy.” The Constitution of1940 plays an important role in this.

The freedom of expression before 47 yearsof obstruction and persecution of a free presswas also a topic of interest presented by jour-

PNDC proposes democracy in action

Vea PNDC, pagina 3

See CARTEL, page 3See CASTRO, page 3

Escape from CubaBY SERGIO PERODIN JR.Survivor of the massacre ofthe Tugboat 13 of March.

I was only 7 years old andliving in communist Cuba. Myparents yearned for freedomand dreamt of coming toAmerica. They secretlyplanned to escape, alongwith 72 others who sharedtheir dream. We embarked ona wooden tugboat. Our onlyluggage was hope, but in thatattempt, 41 lives were lost.Among them, my mother andbrother.

It began on the fateful dayof July 13, 1994, as weembarked on the 13 deMarzo tugboat at about 2a.m. About 13 miles off thecoast of Cuba, we were sud-denly attacked by threeCuban tugboats. Theyrammed us. Pressure hoses,normally used to put out firesat sea, were used against us.

Their impact was so powerfulthat children were swept tosea from their parents' pro-tective embrace.

Those on the tugboatsshouted insults over loud-speakers. In a frenzy, theycrashed into the ship, dam-aging the hull, which causedthe tugboat to take in waterrapidly. Within minutes, theship sank. People werescreaming and begging to be

rescued, butthose on the tug-boats showed nopity. After whatseemed an eterni-ty of brutal abuse,the tugboatsfinally stoppedand began pick-ing up survivors.My mother andbrother were notamong them.

A monthlater, my dad was releasedfrom prison, and we weremore determined than ever toattempt our search for libertyonce more. It took about twoweeks to build a raft. Onenight we embarked on theraft along with seven othersand began navigating theseas with wooden paddles.Finally, we were rescued bythe U.S. Coast Guard andeventually taken to the

Guantánamo Naval Base inCuba.

On Jan. 21, 1995, we final-ly arrived in the UnitedStates. At that moment wefelt happier than ever, butthere was sadness and angerand disappointment that inour search for a new life, myfather and I had lost our mostvalued treasures -- my moth-er and brother. Yet the firstthing my father and relativesdid was fly to Washingtonand testify before the U.S.Congress on what has cometo be known as the Massacreof the Tugboat 13th of March,perpetrated by the Castroregime. Very soon, I will go tocollege. I will do it in the landwhere everything is possible -- in the land where I foundsomething so valuable thatpeople are willing to risk theirlives to obtain it. It is calledfreedom.

• Castro’s lovers bash Bush

• Fidel, capo of the Havanacartel

• PNDC proposes democracyin action

• True Cuban oppositionpresents a united front

• Is Venezuela going nuclear

• Escape from Cuba

Page 4 THE NEW NATION

Official Newsletter of the Nationalist Democratic Party of Cuba Volume 1, Number 4

Inspired by this phrase of Jose Marti, out-standing leaders of the opposition inside Cubahave brought forth the following uniform dec-laration:

“We propose thefollowing points asthe theme of discus-sion of the opposi-tion as componentsof the Cubannation, be it withinthe country or in theexile community.

All are subject todiscussion. Theirenrichment willbetter our condi-tions to present ourdemands togetherto the totalitarian government and to show theworld what we, as peaceful activists, aspire fordemocracy in Cuba.

1. Demand the immediate and uncondition-

True Cuban oppositionpresents a united front

“Coming together:Word of order”

Dr. Oscar Elias Biscet

See Opposition, page 3

“Our only luggage was hope.”