HAVANA, Cuba. – Cuba has a strong and organized civil society, with a presence in all areas of the country´s life, Fermin Quiñones, president of the Cuban Association of the United Nations (ACNU), said.

In an exclusive interview with the Cuban News Agency regarding the seven decades of the foundation of ACNU, Quiñones highlighted the body´s challenges, such as joining more institutions of the civil society to those they work.

The Cuban Association of the United Nations is a non-governmental, non-profit organization that groups on voluntary basis natural and legal persons genuinely interested in knowing and participating in the management of the UN.

Quiñones said the association supports Cuba’s independence and sovereignty, and endorse the path undertaken for the nation’s economic development.

To Promote Cuba’s Foreign Policy

Among the first actions of the Cuban Association of the United Nations (ACNU) after its creation in 1947, it was the collection of funds to feed the victims of the famine ravaging Europe after the end of the war.

Quiñones pointed out ACNU has been growing in membership because it continues incorporating prestigious associations and institutions within society, such as scientific and academic centers.

He remarked it is a powerful and strong organization, articulated with other NGO to carry out actions aimed to promote Cuba’s foreign policy.

One of ACNU´s strengths. Quiñones explained, is the work with the rest of the civil society in matters of interest to Cuba, as denouncing the unfair policy of blockade of the US against Cuba.