October 18, 2000 Fidel leads immense march against the United States HAVANA.- Tens of thousands of Cubans, led by President Fidel Castro, began this Wednesday morning with a march to protest against the false impression being created by the United States, to the effect that the blockade against the island is being relaxed. Authorities called on 800,000 Havana residents-almost half of the city's population-to participate in a patriotic march in front of the U.S. Interest Section. The march is being broadcast live over local radio and television stations. At 9 a.m. on the dot, Fidel Castro, dressed in his traditional olive green field uniform and waving a Cuban flag, began the demonstration, which was expected to last about two hours. "Forward, Cubans, the homeland is proud of you!" shouted an official announcer at the march, echoing a phrase from the Cuban national anthem. Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives approved an amendment to step up the blockade against Cuba, by strengthening existing restrictions on U.S. citizens traveling to Cuba. The measure would prevent the White House from lifting the travel ban without congressional approval. This amendment has yet to be voted on by the U.S. Senate. . NEWS . INTERNATIONAL . SPORT . CULTURAL . This WEEK . FROM OUR MAILBAG . OUR AMERICA . ARTS IN THE WORLD . MORE INFORMATION ON THE SOUTH SUMMIT Javier Sotomayor | Documentos | Revistas | Correo-E | Inglés | Francés | Portugués | Alemán © Copyright. 1996-2000. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. GRANMA INTERNATIONAL/ ONLINE EDITION
