During the cordial meeting, both parties expressed satisfaction given the positive state of their countries’ bilateral relations, based on traditional bonds of friendship shared by the peoples of Cuba and France. The Army General highlighted the support France has provided in the fight against the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States government on Cuba.

The distinguished visitor was accompanied by Jean-Pierre Bel, former president of the French Senate, and Patrice Paoli, French ambassador to Cuba.

On the Cuban side, the First Deputy Foreign Minister Marcelino Medina González also participated.

(Granma)

- The two leaders addressed areas of economic cooperation of mutual interest and reviewed several issues on the international agenda.

- During the afternoon, the Cuban President visited the Cuban embassy in Paris and conversed with diplomats there as they followed the situation unfolding at the United Nations in New York, where Cuba’s resolution against the blockade was being discussed.

- He expressed his pride and sense of responsibility as he listened to representatives from around the world defend Cuba and demand an end to the U.S. blockade.

- Accompanying the Cuban President is a delegation which includes Council of State Vice President Ricardo Cabrisas; Minister of Communications Jorge Luis Perdomo; Deputy Foreign Minister Rogelio Sierra DÍaz; and Emilio Lozada García, director for bilateral relations at the Foreign Ministry.

- The tour is to include visits to Russia, China, Vietnam, the Democratic Republic of Korea, and Laos

(Granma)

The films to be premiered are ‘Au Revoir La-haut’ (See you Up there) by Albert Dupontel, ‘Un Beau Soleil Interieur’ (Let the Sunshine In) by Claire Denis, ‘La Melodie’ (Orchestra Class) by Rachid Hami, ‘The reunion’ by Martin Prouvost, ‘Jalouse’ (Jealous) by David Foenkinos and Stephane Foenkinos, ‘Patients’ by Grand Corp Malade and Mehdi Idir, and ‘L’Amant double’ (Double Lover) by Francois Ozon, amid other films.

According to organizer of the festival Antonio Mazon, the film ‘C’est la vie’ by Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano will open the festival, which in Havana will be attended by a large delegation of French directors and actors/actresses from France to present the works.

Amid those invited are well-known actor Pierre Richard, as well as Jean-Paul Rouve and Kad Merad, actress Audrey Dana, director Claire Denis, producer Olivier Delbosc, and directors David Foekinos and Mehdi Idir.

Mazon highlighted that two restored classic films will be screened (‘Pierrot le fou’ and ‘Le mepris’) by French-Swiss director Jean-Luc Godard, one of the most influential directors of the Nouvelle Vague (New Wave) of French cinema.

He also highlighted a documentary on the Lumiere brothers and another film called ‘Voyage a travers le cinema francais’ (My Journey Through French Cinema), in which director Bertrand Tavernier makes a hypnotic journey through the history of French cinema.

The films will be screened in cinemas in the capital city and 11 provinces of the country as well.

(Prensa Latina)

According to the academician and writer, that policy ‘is doomed to fail and isolate the United States,’ as illustrated by the 2017 vote at the UN General Assembly, in which 191 countries condemned Washington’s economic sanctions against Havana.

By placing the issue in context, Lamrani stated that ‘by returning to a policy based on the hostility towards Cuba, the Trump administration puts an end to the progress made during the presidency of Barack Obama and clings to an anachronistic strategy.’

The intellectual, author of several books on Cuba, exemplified the decisions marking a setback, such as to reduce staff at the U.S. embassy in Havana and expel diplomats from the Cuban representation in Washington, under the pretext of alleged acoustic attacks.

The Trump administration took those provisions despite acknowledging that its investigators were unable to determine those responsible for these alleged attacks and the causes, Lamrani said, citing U.S. government sources.

According to the specialist, the Trump administration with its hostility policy ‘is opposed to the will of most of U.S. citizens, who aspire to normalize relations with Cuba and to be capable of going to the island as tourists, without obstacles, which is prohibited by Washington more than 50 years ago.’

The university professor also mentioned the position adopted by Cuba, marked by the will to dialogue in conditions of respect.

(Prensa Latina)

It is expected a greater positioning of the island in France in order to diversify new products and modalities to market, such as diving, navigation, nature, tours, heritage cities, events and incentives, cultural and health tourism, according to a statement from the Ministry of Tourism (MINTUR).

The 38th edition of the International Tourism Fair FITCuba 2018, the largest event of this sector in the island, will be launched at the Paris event.

FITCuba scheduled from May 2 to 6 in the keys north of Villa Clara (center) will be dedicated to the sun and beach product and will have the United Kingdom as a guest country.

The Cuban delegation to the fair in the French capital is made of officials from MINTUR and executives from Cubatur and Havanatur travel agencies, Cubanacan Hotels and associated companies such as Iberostar and Blue Diamonds, among others, the statement adds.

The French market continues to be of great importance for Cuban tourism, as it reached last year a 12 percent growth in its emission of travelers to the island’s destinations.

(Prensa Latina)

According to a statement, the meeting checked the French government’s willingness to give continuity to the progress made in the bilateral relationship, following President Francois Hollande’s visit to Havana in May 2015 and Cuban head of State Raúl Castro’s stay in Paris in February 2016.

Medina highlighted the historical relationship between the two nations, which extends to several sectors, and assessed as positive the presence in Cuba of the French Development Agency (AFD), as well as important French companies.

He also stressed the interest that France strengthens itself as a priority partner in the medium and long-term development plans of the Caribbean country.

The communiqué stated that both parties discussed relevant issues on the bilateral agenda and exchanged views on different current international issues, particularly on the situation in Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East.

The Cuban foreign minister thanked France’s traditional support to the Cuban Resolution calling for the lifting of the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States.

(Prensa Latina)

Although it is still early to consider surveys conclusive, right wing candidate Marine Le Pen and the youngest individual nominated, Emmanuel Macron, appear to be the favorites.

A recent poll cited by teleSUR, indicated that Le Pen would win in the first round, but that Macron would emerge victorious in the second with approximately 63% of the vote.

The Republican candidate Francois Fillon, and Benoît Hamon, nominated by the governing Socialist Party, would finish third and fourth respectively.

Marine Le Pen, from the National Front (FN), aspires to become the first woman to lead the country, and is putting forward a program “to return freedom to France, and to the French, the word.”

Her 144-point plan proposes a referendum to determine if France should leave the European Union – Frexit – and establish its “monetary, territorial, economic and legislative independence.”

Le Pen advocates limiting the rights of immigrants, restricting religious freedom, and pursuing economic nationalism, isolating the country from globalization.

Some experts note the similarities between the FN candidate’s proposals and those advocated by U.S. President Donald Trump, both in terms of anti-immigrant policies and economic protectionism.

In a press conference following Trump’s victory, La Pen stated, “The election of Donald Trump is good news for our country.”

Many fear a possible victory of the right wing candidate and its consequences for the future of the country. Former Prime Minister Manuel Valls noted that the continuing advance of the right on the continent could lead to the demise of the European Union, adding that such a Presidency would “totally change the equilibrium of political life in France.”

On the other hand, Francois Fillon, nominated by the Republicans, and one of the favorites identified in early polls, has been pushed into the background following the PenelopeGate scandal.

According to the satirical magazine Le Canard Enchaîné, Penelope Fillon, the center-right candidate’s spouse, received a hefty salary for allegedly serving as her husband’s parliamentary assistant, for 15 years.

An investigation into the issue was opened, now including the couple’s two sons, who were contracted as collaborators of then-Senator Fillon, well before they received their law degrees.

Despite all this, Fillon has not withdrawn from the Presidential race, insisting that he is a “viable candidate.”
Fillon, who served as Prime Minister during Nicolas Sarkozy’s administration, has proposed a drastic cut in the number of government functionaries, the elimination of the 35-hour work week, and a reduction in immigration.

He advocates liberalizing the economy, cutting public spending, while increasing the defense and security budget.
The big winner emerging from the Fillon scandal is Emmanuel Macron, a candidate who holds the opinion that “the division between the left and the right has been overcome,” claiming to represent a political movement he himself launched: En Marche! (conveniently reflecting his initials, E.M.)

His government plans have not yet been fully explained, but it is known that he favors a more humane, effective policy on immigration, defends Muslims while denouncing Islamophobia, and proposes a revision of the country’s Labor Code.

During a speech in February, he commented that all French men and women alive today had seen the Berlin Wall fall, and will not forget that Europe has a past, stating, “In my program, there are no walls.”

Macron was appointed by current President Francois Hollande as Minister of the Economy in 2014, but resigned last year to devote himself to developing his Presidential platform, completed in April of 2016.

Also among the candidates is Benoît Hamon, nominated by the currently governing Socialist Party.

Hamon was Minister of Education for a period during Hollande’s administration, and his program is supported by most youth, given its social and environmentalist content.

The candidate proposes a cut in the work week to reduce unemployment, a new tax on companies automatizing production, and a guaranteed minimum income, considered his main selling point.

Hamon describes himself as Pro-Europe, in the face of advancing challenges to the EU, stating, “We need a Europe that better defends its citizens. The exterior borders of the EU must be reinforced, not the national ones. The cost is not much, given the threat of Marine Le Pen.”

Hamon has called on all representatives of the left in the nation to join together to construct a majority and form a social democratic government.

Although, if he is elected, Hamon will face the great challenge of reunifying the fractured Socialist Party, which has lost more than 60% of its members over the last decade.

Beyond the government proposals and plans, the new President of France will be obliged to deal with a country shaken, these past two years, by terrorist attacks which have kept the forces of public order, and residents, on edge.

THE FRENCH ELECTORAL SYSTEM

This coming April 23, the French will choose a new President via direct popular vote. If no candidate wins an absolute majority of over 50% in the first round, the two candidates with the highest votes will face off in a second round on May 7. The winner will serve as President for a five year term.

Following the Presidential voting, parliamentary elections will take place in June.

(Granma)

Savinel noted that French consumers purchased three million liters (some 330,000 cases) of the spirits last year, according to Prensa Latina.

Such success is due in large part to the quality of the rum, its tradition and above all Cuba’s history, stated the director, visiting the island accompanied by another 430 Pernod Ricard executives.

He highlighted that the journey to such an accomplishment began long ago, at the beginning of the 1990s when the brand was created by Pernod Ricard and local producer CubaRon, with initial results seen at the end of 1997, when the first 100,000 liters of Havana Club were sold.

Since then, noted Savinel, sales of the product and its popularity around the world have grown rapidly, especially in Cuba, until reaching the current figure, which the company hopes to surpass.

The Director General of Pernod Ricard for France also noted that purchases of the beverage in this nation are predicted to increase to five million liters by 2020.

Savinel also highlighted that company directors, including heads of marketing, production, and sales, are visiting Cuba in order to celebrate the accomplishment.

Meanwhile, Sergio Valdés director of Market Development at Havana Club International S.A., noted that the important result has seen France become the second largest market for Cuban rum, only preceded by Germany.

The joint venture Havana Club International S.A. (HCI), founded in 1993, is present today in over 120 countries, while Havana Club is the world’s third most popular international rum brand, outside of the United States.

HCI has been strengthening its lines over the years, which includes Havana Club Selección de Maestros; Añejo 15 años, Unión and Máximo, all premium spirits.

(Prensa Latina)

Machado Ventura, accompanied by Deputy Foreign Minister Rogelio Sierra, wrote that he wished to express Cuba’s solidarity with the people of France, and in particular with families of the victims.

At times like these, he commented to the press, we must express our sentiments, and this I did in honor of the ties of brotherhood friendship that unite us with the French people.

Speaking with the country’s ambassador in Havana, Jean-Marie Bruno, he emphasized the importance of fighting terrorism in all its forms, wherever it is manifested.

Jean-Marie Bruno recalled that, sadly, this is not the first terrorist attack in his country, and that Cuba has always conveyed its solidarity, noting that having friends here is encouraging.

Thus far, a number of ambassadors from other countries have signed the book of condolences here as well.

(Granma)

A battery of journalists followed him along the red carpet to the palace entry, where Hollande again embraced him and extended his hand, nine months after their meeting in Havana.

Following established protocol, the two posed for a few seconds for the benefit of photographers, and greeted the respective delegations, before entering the Ambassadors’ Room for official talks.

Once the private dialogue was concluded, the two Presidents witnessed the signing of several agreements regarding Cuba’s debt; the economic-commercial agenda; negotiations for the establishment of the French Development Agency on the island; bilateral cooperation; and the promotion of trade between the two countries.

Activities within Élysée Palace, a majestic building located in the heart of Paris, continued with the two Presidents making statements to the press, sharing details of the state visit, the official talks, and prospects for an even stronger bilateral relationship.

Photo: Estudio Revolución
François Hollande, said it was a pleasure to receive Raúl in Paris, on the first state visit by a Cuban President to this European nation, and thus returning the hospitality he enjoyed during his stay in Havana.

Among his first comments was a condemnation of the U.S. blockade, saying that it should be definitely ended, to allow Cuba to take its rightful place in the world.

Hollande emphasized that France wants to accompany Cuba along the road of more interaction with the world which the country has chosen, mentioning specifically the accord reached to alleviate Cuba’s debts with the Paris Club.

He recalled his visit to the Alliance Française in Havana, last May and highlighted cultural ties between the countries, along with cooperation in the area of medical research, also praising Cuba’s role in facilitating peace talks to end the Colombian conflict and the recent climate change conference in Paris.

After listening to his host, Army General Raúl Castro recalled the historic links between the two countries and thanked French authorities for the warm welcome he and his delegation had received, noting that the official talks held were conducted in an atmosphere of cordiality and mutual respect.

Raúl reiterated Cuba’s willingness to broaden bilateral relations in all areas, highlighting the signing of a bilateral agreement on Cuba’s debt and thanking the French government for its significant role in the historic Paris Club agreement.

He likewise welcomed the desire expressed by French authorities to accompany Cuba and actively support its development, saying, “France has been, is, and will be an important associate for Cuba.”

As night fell in this city, which has seen to every detail to ensure a successful visit, the French President hosted a gala dinner for his Cuba counterpart, where the two leaders again described the visit as historic, noting its significance to a improved relations between the countries.

Thus concluded the first day of Raúl’s state visit which began at the Arc de Triomphe, and will continue Tuesday with a full agenda.

(Leticia Martínez, Granma)