World youth protest denial of travel license

by Seth Oberman

This article was reprinted from the June 14, 1997 issue of the People's Weekly World. For subscription information see below. All rights reserved - may be used with PWW credits.

NEW YORK - The World Federation of Democratic Youth (WFDY), based in Budapest, this week denounced the U.S. Treasury Department's denial of a license for hundreds of young people from all over the U.S. to attend the 14th World Festival of Youth and Students this summer in Havana, Cuba.

WFDY, an initiator of the festival scheduled for July 28 to Aug. 5, assailed the anti-democratic character of the decision and pledged an international campaign to demand that the U.S. government lift the travel ban.

When notified of the Treasury Department's ruling, WFDY President Olivier Meier said, "We are shocked and I can tell you that we are ready to contribute to the united mass campaign" on behalf of the U.S. delegates.

Meier said WFDY will help circulate petitions and a joint appeal in protest of the decision among all of its member organizations as well as among other international youth non-governmental organizations, international institutions and U.N. agencies.

From the U.S. alone over 700 young people have applied to go to the festival and raised money with raffles, cookouts, phonathons, and carwashes. Youth leaders from high schools, colleges, churches and trade unions have been preparing with great excitement to participate in the festival's workshops on peace and the struggle for jobs and equality.

There will also be musical performances, dancing, theater and other cultural exchanges. More than 5,000 delegates from 112 nations will participate.

The Festival movement began with the Prague festival in 1947 as a mass youth celebration of the defeat of fascism and Nazi Germany. Since then it has evolved into the backbone of the world progressive youth movement.

Now, as a result of the U.S. government's decision, these youth will have to decide whether to challenge the unconstitutional travel ban or give in to the government's intimidation tactics.

The U.S. National Preparatory Committee for the 14th World Festival of Youth and Students called the Treasury Department's denial a violation of the U.S. Constitution, part of the criminal 39-year U.S. blockade of Cuba. The committee is spearheading the nationwide drive in the U.S. demanding that the decision be reversed.

Nationally, the broad list of sponsors and endorsers has already begun to mount a campaign. Members of the U.S. Congress, Ron Dellums (D-Calif.), Jesse Jackson Jr. and Bobby Rush, both Illinois Democrats, have offered support.

Internationally, WFDY, is well-positioned to spearhead the effort. It has fought for peace and the rights of young people since it was founded in 1945. WFDY has consultative status with the United Nations and with UNESCO and was presented with the Peace Messenger award by the U.N. General Secretary in 1987.

"It is imperative that all of us act now to protest this betrayal of democracy," said Lauren Garlovsky, national coordinator of the U.S. Preparatory Committee. "Call the Treasury Department today to register your support for the free exchange of ideas among the world's young people. Let them know that you support young people from around the world gathering to find peaceful solutions to the problems they face."

Call Richard Newcomb, director of Foreign Assets Control at (202) 622-2510 and Steven Pinter, director of Licensing at (202) 622-2480. Tell them you want their decision reversed - and don't take no for an answer.

-Seth Oberman is a United States Student Association National Board member and a Young Communist League National Council member.