A DECLARATION OF THE CUBAN
ACADEMY OF SCIENCES.
“…In the twenty
first century science must become a shared asset benefiting all peoples on the
basis of solidarity …(considering) the importance for scientific research
and education of full and open access to information…”
From
the Declaration on Science and the Use of Scientific Knowledge of the World
Conference on Science, 1999.
The Academy of Sciences of Cuba, formed by scientists of
relevant merits, representing the national scientific community, denounces to
the national and international public opinion a new aggression against Cuba by
the present US administration.
The Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of
the Treasury of the United States of America made public the prohibition to review,
edit, or modify in US scientific journals, papers by authors from countries
subject to “trade embargoes”, including Cuba. Those who would do
so, would have transgressed the Law of the USA, and could be imposed elevated
fines, and even incarceration.
Since the public announcement of this measure, several US editors
have rejected articles presented by Cuban scientists for publication in
specialized journals in the USA. Once again, the Government of George W. Bush
increases its anti Cuba policies in their wish to satisfy the Cuban-American
extreme right of South Florida, particularly in an electoral year.
The publication of research outcomes is the first step in
the socialization of knowledge, and an indispensable pre-requisite for the
healthy development of science. Only through the free flow of ideas and
knowledge among scientists from all over the world can science grow and advance
for the benefit of all of humankind. Contrasting with that, the present
measures deprive the scientific communities of the USA, and the world at large,
from sharing with our scientists the well recognized Cuban scientific
developments.
The adoption of that decision by the present government of
the USA violates both, the most elementary rights of scientists in any part of
the world, and the USA Constitution itself.
Comparable to the burning of books practiced by fascist
regimes, this absurd measure, which is the expression of a strengthening of the
US blockade, is a reflection of the viciousness of the present Government of
that country, that has not been remiss to resort to irrational limits in total despise
of the most sacred principles of international law.
This is the same government that, without taking into
account the voice of the scientific community of its own country, has denied
the existence of global warming, has destroyed in savage military actions many
unique pieces of the World heritage, and in their contempt for any other
opinion, has ignored the voice of the World community of nations.
Cuban scientists denounce with indignation this measure that
affects not only us Cubans, but all of humankind. We call for our colleagues in
the USA to act in solidarity with our declaration, and to scientists in the
rest of the World to condemn and reject this new absurd aggression.
The Academy of Sciences of Cuba.
Havana, Cuba
March 9, 2004.
