Guatemala -. On January 20, government representatives from Costa Rica, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Panama and Mexico met in the Guatemalan capital to review the first transfer of 180 Cuban migrants from Costa Rica, through Central America via airplane and bus, on route to the United States.
The establishment of twice-weekly flights, scheduled to continue until the more than 7,500 Cubans still stranded in Costa Rica are safely transported to their destination, was agreed upon during the meeting.
According to AP, “It was agreed to continue the mobilization beginning February 4, using the same route, timetable and procedures as the pilot plan,” stated the Guatemalan Foreign Minister in a press release.
The entire process will be closely monitored in each country, to guarantee a successful operation.
Taking into account their arrival date in Costa Rica, families including pregnant women or small children will be prioritized.
According to official reports, since November 14, 2015, almost 8,000 Cuban migrants have been stranded in Costa Rica, hoping to continue their journey on to the United States.
The U.S. “wet-foot-dry-foot” policy and Cuban Adjustment Act remain in force in violation of the agreements signed with the island, which encourage irregular migration and threaten the lives of thousands of people, while creating problems in several countries across the region.
Representatives will meet again on February 15 to assess the situation and set dates for subsequent trips.
OFFICIAL VOICE OF THE COMMUNIST
PARTY OF CUBA CENTRAL COMMITTEE
