Aid impounded by US expected to be released

A computer "blocking" system is now believed to be responsible for Irish aid, destined for Cuba, being impounded by the US authorities last month. Sources in Ireland now believe the money, forwarded to an account in the US, was automatically blocked when a computer recognised the word "Cuba" in a transferring order from the Ulster Bank branch at Dublin Airport. It is now expected the money will be released following clarification that it was intended for spending by a pastor's group in the US and Mexico and not in Cuba itself. Under provisions of the US Trading with the Enemy Act, money cannot be transferred either from or via the US to Cuba.

Among the contributors to the $1,960 sent to an account in a New York bank on June 23rd were the leader of the Labour Party, Mr Ruairi Quinn; his predecessor, Mr Dick Spring; the leader of Democratic Left, Mr Proinsias De Rossa; his party colleague, Ms Liz McManus; the former junior minister, Mr Emmet Stagg, and the Independent Senators Mr David Norris and Dr Mary Henry.

They had responded to a letter from a group of "Irish Friends" of the US Pastors for Peace 8th "Friendshipment" Caravan to Cuba, a cross-denominational group of American clergy and their supporters who have been bringing aid to voluntary and church groups in Cuba since 1992.

Among the signatories to the Irish letter were Father Austin Flannery, Dean Victor Griffin, the Rev Terence McCaughey, Sister Stanislaus Kennedy, Father Sean Healy and Sister Brigid Reynolds.

Since the money was impounded, a further $3,090 has been contributed to the Ulster Bank (account number 82759043) at Dublin Airport.

Meanwhile, the pastors' caravan arrived in Havana last Thursday, bringing 200 tonnes of aid, including two ambulances, five buses, three bookmobiles, and $1 million worth of medicines, medical equipment, antibiotic raw materials, and thousands of doses of asthma medication.

The caravan was accompanied by a European delegation from six countries, led by Ireland's Mr Michael O'Riordan (80). Other Irish people to travel with the caravan included Ms Bernie Dwyer, of the (Irish) Cuba Solidarity Campaign, and Mr O'Riordan's grand-daughter, Jessica.