Open space for all Cubans

Open space for all Cubans / Somos+, Manuel Diaz Mons
Posted on August 24, 2015

Somos+, 18 July 2015 — Many times I heard about the existence of this
"Espacio Abierto" (Open Forum) however, from the beginning I decided to
enclose it in quotes; in Cuba, there is nothing so inclusive! Used to
the constitutionally legal and obligatory silence, lack of spirituality
and double standards, it was impossible for me to believe in a
respectful dialogue among the diversity, and much less if it was about
Cuban dissidents; those who, according to the official press, do
everything for money. With Fidel everything and without Fidel nothing!
Or at least so I thought.

Being a member of the Somos+ movement, has definitely been a real
transition in my life, it has been like being reborn in a different
Cuba, where everything is possible as long as courage and desire walk
together.

Last July 16, I had the honor of representing Somos+ in a forum called
Espacio Abierto de la Sociedad Civil Cubana (Cuban Civil Society Open
Forum) and to my surprise, the quotes were not necessary. Organized at
the headquarters of 14ymedio and with representatives of a large
majority of independent political, social and cultural organizations,
this meeting was held with the healthiest and friendliest of the
intentions, a better Cuba.

With Miriam Celaya as moderator and a down to earth agenda, the meeting
took place with interventions from people who could easily be classified
as experts: Dagoberto Valdes, Director of the magazine Convivencia, José
Conrada, a Catholic priest, the young Saul R. Quiala, from the Social
Democratic Party of Cuba and the journalist Reinaldo Escobar, among many
others.

As a result of this important and respectful event, three important
agreements were reached:

- To call for a National Dialogue where all Cubans can participate.
- To request by official letter to His Holiness, Pope Francis, an
agreement to receive one by one, every representation of the Cuban Civil
Society on his next visit to the island, and act as guarantor in the
calling for a National Dialogue.
- To speak out with an official statement of Espacio Abierto de la
Sociedad Civil Cubana, against the repression of the independent civil
society.

At this meeting, where is not forbidden to think differently, and
unanimity is almost impossible, I learned that a democratic alternative
is what we all want and respect and good listening are the main
ingredients to achieve it.

Source: Open space for all Cubans / Somos+, Manuel Diaz Mons |
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