Cuba Marks Anniversary of OPEC Fund (2006)

Havana, March 24 (AIN) A commemorative stamp has been issued in Havana marking the 30th anniversary of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries Fund - an intergovernmental development finance institution from which Cuba has received some $50 million for a range of physical development programs since 2002.

The stamp's endorsement was signed both by Cuban Minister of Foreign Investment Marta Lomas and Minister of Communication Ignacio Gonzalez Planas, reported the Granma online newspaper.

Lomas explained that the Cuban government has invested a large part of these funds in the treatment of Havana's Almendares River, the rehabilitation of the capital city's electric system and the modernization of irrigation systems in the provinces of Ciego de Avila and Matanzas.

The Cuban Minister praised the assistance offered by OPEC to the island, noting that most other funders make awards connected with their own interests.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries Fund --created in 1976-- is an intergovernmental financial institution which aims to promote cooperation among member states and other developing nations.

The signing ceremony was attended by ambassadors and diplomats from Algeria, Indonesia, Iran, Niger, Qatar and Venezuela - all members of OPEC states.

(in http://www.ain.cubaweb.cu/ingles.htm)

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