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Book Fair Showcases the Importance Cuba Places on Reading
By Sonia Sanchez

Cuban Minister of Culture Abel Prieto, on behalf of the Island’s writers and publishers, sent a message of appreciation to recovering President Fidel Castro for putting so much emphasis on reading and “turning the annual book fair from a Havana-based phenomenon to a nationwide event.”

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the 16th International Cuban Book Fair 2007, Prieto asked First Vice President Raul Castro to convey the message to Fidel as well as wishes for his prompt recuperation.

The event, held at the Morro-Cabana Fortress turned cultural center, was attended by high-ranking government and party officials, as well as renowned international guests, including a delegation from Argentina, this year’s guest of honor.

Prieto described the book fair as the country’s premier cultural event, and said that this year will be the largest ever with some 82 foreign exhibitors, 690 publishing houses and 450 international guests from 28 countries. He also noted the great love Cubans have for Argentine culture to which Cubans are bound by a common “emancipating, revolutionary and eternal symbol, Ernesto “Che” Guevara.”

Argentine Secretary of Culture Jose Nun said he was proud of the diverse Argentine delegation coming to Cuba for the fair and added that “the book is a medium that is here to stay.”

Cuban writers Cesar Lopez and Eduardo Torres-Cuevas, respectively evoked the meaning of poetry and history, and their importance in forming the Cuban nationality.

Singer Teresa Parodi and guitarist Juan Falu, both from Argentina, and the Cuban group Vocal Sampling performed during the opening celebration.

After the official opening, Raul Castro, along with the Argentinean delegation, inaugurated the Argentine pavilion.

http://www.periodico26.cu/english/culture/fair020907.htm
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