Just moments ago we got word that the Pennsylvania State Legislature unanimously adopted a resolution put forth by State Representative, Michael Diven from Pittsburgh, to become the first sister state-to-province relationship, expanding the work of the Pittsburgh-Matanzas Sister City Project, and the Philadelphia-Cardenas Sister City Initiative into a statewide affiliation! Sisterhood IS powerful! The following is the text of the resolution:

"Whereas, on June 1, 1999 by Presidential Order, food sales were allowed on a case by case basis to non governmental entities in Cuba, and on October 28, 2000 under legislation signed and approved by Congress which became law 106-387, an exemption was made to allow food and medicine sales to Cuba, which was a first since sanctions against Cuba were imposed in 1962

Whereas, Pennsylvania is home to the United States head quarters for the

US-Cuba Sister Cities Association, a non profit 501c3 organization who's mission it is to "foster sister city relationships and understanding through mutually beneficial exchanges between individuals, community groups, organizations, and institutions in the United States with their counterparts in Cuba," by establishing proactive people-to-people interaction between the Republic of Cuba, and the United States of America,

Whereas, the commonwealth of Pennsylvania has already consummated official ties between the City of Pittsburgh and Matanzas, and the City of Philadelphia and Cardenas, both of which cities are located in the same province of Matanzas

Whereas, the City of Pittsburgh on March 24, 2000 will host an official delegation of Cuban representative consisting of Cuban government officials, educators, medical doctors, artisans, and farmers to further the effort of friendship, peace and economic opportunities between these two nations

Whereas, with Pennsylvania's leading industry in the field of agriculture, and with it's world class cutting edge medical and research facilities, it serves a two fold purpose of providing both humanitarian assistance to our neighbor, as well as cultivating a vast untapped market for both Pennsylvania's agriculture and medical products which are allowed under U.S. laws.

Now therefore be it resolved that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania does here by extend it's heartfelt welcome to the Cuban dignitaries visiting our commonwealth during the week of March 24, 2000.

And be it further resolved that the common wealth extends it's hand in friendship and peace and economic opportunities for both nations in establishing a sister-state relation with the province of Matanzas, Cuba. And furthermore looks forward to sending a delegation of State Officials to Cuba to experience first hand the benefits of people to people interaction between our countries.

Sponsored by State Representative Michael Diven

This is why USCSCA advocates regionalism! We couldn't have accomplished this if our cities were not developing relationships within the same province! Congratulations to everyone, statewide, who cooperated to accomplish this profound victory.

The cities of Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, can be especially joyous, as it was our individual efforts focused on the same goal that made this achievement possible. Next step, getting our representatives in Congress to truly represent the people of Pennsylvania!

Since the legislature will be on recess in Harrisburg next week, the resolution will be presented to the Cuban delegation arriving from Matanzas next week, in Pittsburgh City Council Chambers on Tuesday, March 27th. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend.

We will post the resolution as soon as we get a copy. We would also appreciate if folks could contact our state representatives and THANK THEM for supporting this monumental expansion of possibilities towards normalizing relations with Cuba."

Sincerely,

Lisa Valanti
President
US-CUBA Sister Cities Association, Inc.
National Office:

320 Lowenhill Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15216
Phone: 412-563-1519
Fax: 412-563-1945
Email: USCSCA@aol.com

Website: www.uscsca.org