Sancti Spiritus´ rice planters were able to surpass the delay of the early season and completed planting of 33 000 178 hectares planned for the current year, a result which constitutes a decisive step to ensure the production growth expected.»

Machado Ventura highlights futuresa advantages of the creation of an economic area that links ALBA, Petrocaribe and Mercosur.»

The President of the Cuban Friendship Institute Kenia Serrano bestowed the Cuban Friendship Medal on Spanish activist Juan Manuel Morales for his unconditional and active support of the Cuban people.»

Venezuelan executive Vice-President Jorge Arreaza stressed sports cooperation between Cuba and his country under the Barrio Adentro Deportivo program, which was implemented by Hugo Chavez.»