Foreign Ministry recommends keeping US-made equipment out of Cuba music aid effort
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Organisers of a Finnish campaign to donate musical instruments, recording equipment, and music studio equipment to Cuban music schools, youth bands, and other musicians were surprised to hear that the Ministry for Foreign Affairs has recommended that no items manufactured in the United States should be included among the goods to be sent to Cuba.
The campaign was launched in July during an open-air concert in Helsinki’s Kaivopuisto Park.
Finnish politicians were also urged to work actively in the European Union to persuade the EU to take an active role in dismantling the US trade embargo against Cuba.
"Yes, this recommendation is true", says Veikko Saralahti of the Foreign Ministry.
"Although Finland and the European Union are opposed to the trade embargo against Cuba, we know that the United States is very adamant about this", Saralahti adds.
He said that there is always the risk that the Finnish importers or representatives of the manufacturers of the equipment in question might face difficulties if it comes out that the goods have been exported to Cuba via Finland.
The United States has relaxed the trade embargo by allowing the export of foodstuffs and agricultural products to Cuba.
"However, in other respects, the trade embargo has been maintained", Saralahti says.
The campaign is to continue in the autumn and winter at the Gloria Culture Arena and the Nosturi concert venue in Helsinki, with fund-raising concerts and club evenings.
The idea, the brainchild of producer Sampo Laurikainen, has brought together a number of different cultural organisations in Finland.
The organisations are accepting donations of musical equipment: instruments, as well as instrument parts, such as guitar strings and mouthpieces for wind instruments.
Three music stores in Helsinki are maintaining lists of gifts for the campaign.
The goal is to send a ship container full of musical goods to Cuba in the spring of 2007.
A more extensive article on the affinity felt by many Finns towards Cuba and its culture will be included among our weekly articles on Tuesday.
Helsingin Sanomat
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| 28.8.2006 - TODAY |
 Foreign Ministry recommends keeping US-made equipment out of Cuba music aid effort
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