One of the main objectives of the Italy-Cuba Friendship Association is to refute the defamatory campaigns carried out against the Caribbean island, said on Tuesday in this city Sergio Nessi, its coordinator in the region of Lombardy.

The activist, presented with the Friendship Medal granted by the Council of State, explained that the denunciation of the US blockade against Cuba and solidarity with the five Cuban antiterrorists unfairly condemned in that northern country, are among prioritized themes in their actions to spread the truth about the Caribbean island.

Cuban reality is often distorted by the mass media, however, the work of groups like the Association promote understanding among the peoples by way of culture, sports and cooperation projects, pointed out Nessi.

In 1997, the province of Las Tunas was twinned with the region of Lombardy, which allowed for the support of the Italian people to children’s hospitals, primary and arts schools, theaters, recreation parks, and centers for the attention of pregnant women.