Hero of the Republic of Cuba, Gerardo Hernández, continues his tour of Italy’s Tuscany region today, undertaking an extensive programme of activities that strengthen ties between both peoples.

Hernández was received this morning in Viareggio by members of the local chapter of the National Association of Italy-Cuba Friendship (ANAIC), reported Marco Papacci, president of the association, who is accompanying the Coordinator of Cuba’s Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR). Papacci spoke to Prensa Latina.

Papacci indicated that as part of his Italy visit organised by ANAIC, the Cuban deputy and State Council member also met yesterday with Cosimo Guccione, President of Florence City Council, and councillor Dmitry Palagi of the Left Project commune.

At this meeting held in Florence’s city hall – also attended by Marco Fantechi of ANAIC’s national secretariat – Italian authorities reaffirmed their condemnation of the US economic, commercial, and financial blockade against Cuba.

They further opposed Cuba’s inclusion on the spurious list of alleged State Sponsors of Terrorism, a unilateral US government action aimed at increasing pressure on the country.

The two Tuscan politicians pledged to present a motion before Florence City Council condemning these US actions against the Caribbean nation, Papacci stated.

At 18:00 local time today, the Cuban hero will participate in an event at the Sala Maestri d´Ascia e Calafati in the CRO Darsene 45 social centre, sponsored by the local Partisans Forever Association.

The CDR national coordinator arrived in Rome on 23 June, beginning a visit that initially included various events: meetings with Cuban diplomatic mission personnel and a lecture at Roma Tre University.

Subsequently, he engaged with solidarity groups in Naples and participated in ANAIC’s 4th National Festival from 27-29 June in Cava de’ Tirreni (Salerno province, Campania region).

He then proceeded to Florence, where he has undertaken multiple activities. From 4-6 July, he will join the 3rd International Meeting «Europe for Cuba».

His itinerary continues in Bologna (Emilia-Romagna) and Turin (Piedmont), featuring talks with Cuban solidarity groups, tributes to Comandante Ernesto Che Guevara at his namesake square monument, and an ascent to «Pico Fidel» in the Alps.

«For years we fought for his freedom, and finally we have him with us,» Papacci stated in recent remarks to Prensa Latina, highlighting the significance of the Cuban hero’s visit to Italy, which extends until 9 July.