Carlos Gutiérrez vuelve a pedir que el gobierno cubano permita la entrega de ayuda.

On Friday, September 19, 2008, the United States extended its fourth offer of aid to the Cuban people who continue to suffer from the destruction of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike. Our most recent offer was in direct response to the Cuban government’s plea for construction materials. In addition to our previous offers, USAID is prepared to deliver, via air and sea, building supplies and shelter kits that could provide temporary and permanent housing that will help 48,000 Cubans.
“In the three weeks since Hurricane Gustav hit western Cuba, concern for the well-being of the Cuban people has been growing and getting aid to them is our top priority. Reports from news agencies and relief organizations that have visited the island indicate that as many as 2.5 million Cubans remain without homes. We understand the difficulties caused by such devastating storms and we want to give the people of Cuba the materials needed to begin to recover. We hope the Cuban government will consider our genuine offers of assistance and that the best interests of the Cuban people will come before political differences. The United States stands ready to provide relief to the Cuban people.”
The latest aid package includes aircraft filled with 8,000 Family Emergency Shelter and Emergency Household Kits, followed by a shipment of supplementary material to include: zinc roofing and lumber for residential repair to complement the 8,000 Family Emergency Shelter Kits.

PD: Comunicado de USAID.

Nueva Reflexión de Fidel Castro:

La hipócrita oferta del gobierno de Estados Unidos fue rechazada. Se le respondió lo que debía respondérsele. No vacilé en expresar mi punto de vista. La gusanera dentro y fuera de Cuba cacareó con la medida. Anhelaban que hiciéramos el bochornoso papel de limosneros. Pero ese combate no ha cesado y apenas comienza.

Clara negativa a eliminar los impuestos a las remesas, como pedía la Carta abierta que hemos estado promoviendo aquí:

Los que reciben las remesas de dinero de Estados Unidos, después de pagar el impuesto correspondiente, pueden comprar las cuotas normales a bajísimo precio y también adquirir productos en las tiendas de divisas, que hoy ofrecen mercancías cuyos costos en el exterior se han elevado considerablemente.