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
| 
