On July 12, 2013, M&TBank informedtheCuban Interests Section in Washington, D.C.,about itsdecision tono longer provide banking services toforeign missions and a limited period of time was given to the Cuban Interests Section and the Cuban Permanent Mission to the United Nations to close all accounts and find a new bank to do business with.

Due to the restrictions still in force, derived from the U.S. policy of economic, commercial and financial blockade against Cuba, and despite the numerous efforts made with the Department of State and several banks, it has been impossible for the Cuban Interests Section to find a U.S. or international bank with branches in the U.S. to operate the bank accounts of the Cuban diplomatic missions.

This situation will seriously affect the normal performance of the functions of the Cuban Interests Section and the Permanent Mission to the United Nations.

Due to this circumstance of force majeure, the Cuban Interests Section is forced tointerruptconsular services, starting from November 26, 2013,until further notice.Consular services will only be provided for humanitarian cases and other of specific nature.

The Cuban Interests Section in Washington, D.C., has reiterated to the U.S. Department of State the legal duty of the U.S. Government to meet the commitments undertaken under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of April 18, 1961, and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of April 24, 1963, which stipulate that the receiving State shall accord full facilities for the performance of the functions of the diplomatic missions and consular offices. Likewise, the U.S. government is legally bound to comply with the agreement signed on May 30, 1977, which established the interests sections in both countries, as part as the reaffirmation of the commitment with the letter of International Treaties governing the diplomatic and consular relations.

The Cuban Interests Sectionparticularly regretsthe effects this may have on Cuban and U.S. citizens, due to our Consular Section’s impossibility to continue offering the services related to passport and visa issuance, authentication of documents and other services, with the negative impact on family visits, academic, cultural, educational, scientific, sports and other kind of exchange between Cuba and the United States.

Cuban Interests Section in Washington, D.C.

26 November 2013

From Making Change at Walmart:

Strikes are spreading through Walmart’s stores nationwide and Black Friday is fast approaching. Today, Walmart workers in Ohio walked off the job.

Can you come out to a Black Friday protest near you?

Last week, Walmart workers in Chicago and Seattle joined their coworkers in going on strike to protest Walmart’s retaliation against those who speak out. Today, Walmart workers in Ohio went on strike for the same reason.

They’ve asked community supporters to mark Black Friday (November 29th) on their calendars. Can you come out to an event in your area (or host an event is no one has yet)?

Find an event in your area now:

https://actionnetwork.org/event_campaigns/black-friday-near-you

In Solidarity,
Making Change at Walmart

http://tinyurl.com/mpty3c8

During the past few months, the Venezuelan government led by President
Nicolas Maduro has denounced multiple incidents of sabotage against the
country’s electrical infrastructure along with an ongoing campaign to
undermine the nation’s economy. A majority of international media,
together with private media in Venezuela, have ridiculed the Venezuelan
President’s accusations, and have instead attempted to pin responsibility
on the government for the instability and harm caused to the country by
these actions. Nevertheless, an internal document authored by three
organizations from Colombia and the United States, evidences a sinister
plan against the Venezuelan state to provoke violence – even death – with
the intention of justifying an international intervention in anticipation
of municipal elections scheduled for next December 8.

Dear Friends:

http://tinyurl.com/lccq3xq

Palestinian-American community activist and beloved womens’ rights advocate Rasmea Yousef Odeh will be arraigned in the U.S. District Court, 231 W Lafayette Boulevard in Detroit, Michigan on Wednesday, November 13th at 1:30 p.m. She’s battling an immigration charge that carries a possible 10 year prison sentence, and we’re urging supporters from across the Midwest to pack the courtroom in her support. We’ll gather in front of the court building in Detroit at 12:30 on November 13 — join us!

Chicagoans are leaving by car for Detroit at 5:00 AM on Wednesday, November 13. If you’ve got a car with space — or if you need a ride — contact joeiosbaker@gmail.com or call 773-301-0109. If you can’t make it to Detroit, please consider donating to Rasmea’s legal defense here: http://www.stopfbi.net/donate

The government’s case against Rasmea is clearly motivated by politics — and represents part of an ongoing wave of government repression against Palestinians and those who advocate for them. Check out this article in the Electronic Intifada to learn more about her case: http://electronicintifada.net/blogs/maureen-clare-murphy/palestinian-arrested-chicago-because-her-community-activism-groups-say

Supporters are demanding U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade withdraw the indictment of Rasmea Yousef Odeh and drop all federal charges.

More information: http://www.stopfbi.net/

Rasmea Yousef Odeh

http://moratorium-mi.org/

Kriscia and Gabriela Hernandez

For Upcoming Events, Milwaukee Palestine Solidarity Coalition: https://www.facebook.com/mkepalestine

http://tinyurl.com/l43nkvu

Flyer: http://tinyurl.com/mszxce6

1 p.m., 35 Freeport Way, Dorchester, MA

Sponsored by the United Steelworkers International, Team Solidarity- the Voice of United School Bus Union Workers and a broad coalition of labor and the community to Say NO to Veolia/City Union Busting! Hands off the Boston School Bus Union 5 – Vice President Steven Gillis (fired 11/1/13), Grievance Chair and Local founder Stevan Kirschbaum (fired 11/1/13), Recording Secretary and Charlestown Chief Steward Andre Francois, Steward and Local founder Richard Lynch and Steward and 3 term former President Garry Murchison. All three suspended and threatened with firing. The Demonstration will include the NY ATU 1181, NY School Bus workers Union Solidarity Caravan!