HAVANA — The head of the Cuban national ballet implored American artists, writers and intellectuals to denounce Washington's 45-year-old embargo against the communist-run island, saying Friday that cultural exchanges between both countries should not be considered crimes.
Prima ballerina Alicia Alonso released copies in English and Spanish of an open letter to the American arts and academic community that dismissed the trade sanctions as absurd.
"I address you all, admired and dear friends, to request you to raise your voices with the purpose of rejecting so unfair [a] measure, and demand the end of this inhuman and unjustifiable siege," wrote Alonso, a friend of Cuban leader Fidel Castro.
Alonso's missive came after President Bush on Wednesday urged Congress to continue the embargo, which took its current form in 1962.
Front Section, Pages 2 on 10/27/2007