Nations of the world highlight the absurdity of the U.S. blockade against Cuba in the UN
Once again, the UN General Assembly debated the draft resolution presented by Cuba calling for an end to the U.S. blockade. Despite U.S. attempts to sabotage the annual debate and pressure other nations to vote against Cuba — through the submission of eight ridiculous amendments to the text — many nations express their support for Cuba and condemn this criminal, genocidal policy.
The final vote turned out to be 189-2. The two votes in favor of the blockade: the United States and Israel.
What follow are summary of some of the speeches of the representatives of their respective countries:
EL SAVADOR
El Salvador’s representative to the UN, speaking on behalf of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) stressed: “The U.S. should normalize relations through bilateral dialogue according to international law. The U.S. should end the blockade and return Guantánamo to the Cuban people.”
SINGAPORE
Singapore’s UN representative, speaking on behalf of ASEAN (The Association of Southeast Asian Nations) stated: “Ending the blockade will contribute to economic development of both Cuba and the U.S.”
VENEZUELA
Venezuelan Ambassador to the UN, Samuel Moncada, spoke on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM): “The Movement takes the opportunity to denounce the coercive and unilateral measures implemented by the U.S. government toward Cuba.” He emphasized that the blockade damages all vital sectors of the economy, that Cuba has been denied access to international markets and technology transfer, and that the prolongation of the policy is totally absurd.
THE BAHAMAS
UN representative of The Bahamas, speaking on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), expressed support for Cuba’s resolution: “The blockade is a punitive act against the Cuban people. Cuba is a peaceful and cooperative state – and a voice of reason for matters on the international agenda.”
VIETNAM
Vietnam’s representative referred to Trump’s Cuba policy: “Since last year, the embargo has been further intensified and tightened – representing further setbacks in U.S.-Cuba relations and causing grave damages to the Cuban people.”
JAMAICA
Jamaica’s ambassador noted: “The U.S. embargo of Cuba is an affront to the collective expression of the international community that has consistently called for the embargo to be lifted.”
SOUTH AFRICA
The South African representative to the UN stressed: “As a manifestation of solidarity, Cuba shares its human resources across the global south… Cuba made a great contribution to the elimination of apartheid, and for that we are eternally grateful.” He continued: “South Africa rejects the United States’ amendments to Cuba’s resolution. They are clearly an attempt to undermine the serious issue of the collective human rights violations imposed by the U.S. against the Cuban people through the embargo.”
BOLIVIA
The Bolivian Ambassador to the UN noted: “It is highly cynical of the U.S. to attempt to tamper with Cuba’s resolution… The U.S. is trying to attack the entire multilateral system and the principles of the UN.” He added: “We should pay tribute to Cuba who has provided selfless assistance to so much of the world in health, in education: Where illiteracy plagues countries – Cuba is there. When Ebola struck – Cuba was there. When earthquakes happen – Cuba is there. Cuba keeps hope alive.”
ALGERIA
Algeria’s representative explained: “Cuba is more than just a friend that stood by us in dire times… Cuba has expressed solidarity in many parts of the world, including the undeniable commitment and expertise shown by the Cuban doctors who responded to the call to help fight the Ebola crisis in 2014.
NICARAGUA
Nicaragua’s representative to the UN emphasized: “Despite the U.S. attacks, Cuba continues to remain strong. Cuba is solidarity. Our Cuban brothers and sisters have always been the vanguard for responding to emergency situations in any part of the world.”
(From Granma International)
