According to the Civic Forum, the annual award of which is granted to people or groups of people who excel for their work in the fields of solidarity and human rights, Cuba's gesture is one of the greatest acts of justice toward other people.

Forum spokeswoman Blanca Castillo noted that Cuba's medical brigades "are working quietly" in catastrophes or emergency situations in several countries, including Pakistan, Guatemala and Venezuela.

On this occasion, the award is justified, because the Cuban doctors have been present in emergency situations, both before and after the earthquake and today they are working in that impoverished Caribbean country to fight cholera, she added.

It has been a praiseworthy, silent and real work that deserves this acknowledgement, Castillo stressed during the awards ceremony, attended by Cuban Ambassador Alejandro Gonzalez.

After expressing gratitude for the award, Gonzalez noted that it was Cuba's duty to cooperate with other peoples in the world, particularly in poor countries.

"Although we are a poor nation, we share what we have, especially medical resources," the diplomat said.

Also present at the awards ceremony were the delegate of the Central Government of La Rioja, the mayor of Logroño and several council people from that region, among other officials.

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