The following is a resolution unanimously adopted at the Maritime Union of Australia National Conference on 7-11 April in Sydney.
"We congratulate and support the Venezuelan government for its continuing utilisation of the country's wealth and resources for reforms that benefit working people, the poor and the landless. These reforms include the elimination of illiteracy and other social programs designed by Venezuelans themselves through democratic structures to promote health care, education, job training, land reform and subsidized food.
"We further continue to support the rights of the Cuban government and people to determine their political and economic future free of intimidation and the savage impact of the economic blockade imposed by the US administration.
"We view with alarm the hostile and bellicose ststements made by the Bush administration towards Venezuela and Cuba and their connivence in supporting Latin and Central American governments who have turned on their own people through murder and intimidation, such as the murder of the trade union leader Pedroa Zamora of Guatemala.
"We will seek to show our solidarity with the peoples of Latin and Central America by establishing a Latin American solidarity group within the MUA to promote a better understanding and relationship with those fighting to create a better life for themselves in the region."
- Login to post comments
