Hector Igarza Cabrera, the Cuban ambassador to Algeria, condemned the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States on Cuba for over 60 years. He reiterated his call for an end to this “unjust” blockade during a press conference held at the Cuban embassy.
Cabrera addressed the media regarding Cuba’s report on UN General Assembly Resolution 78/7, titled “Necessity of Ending the Economic, Commercial, and Financial Embargo Imposed on Cuba by the United States of America.” This report is set to be presented during the General Assembly session scheduled for October 29 and 30, 2024.
At the conference, which was attended by representatives from the diplomatic corps and various political parties, the Cuban ambassador emphasized that “this resolution, approved annually since 1992, enjoys broad support among UN member states, with the sole exceptions being the United States and the Zionist entity, both of which have consistently voted against the will of the international community.”
Notably, thirteen U.S. presidents—from Dwight D. Eisenhower to Joe Biden—have implemented policies of sanctions aimed at fostering despair and hardship among the Cuban populace in hopes of prompting regime change. However, the resilience of the Cuban people has thwarted these efforts by successive U.S. administrations, as highlighted by the diplomat.
He also pointed out that “the Cuban economy has suffered immensely due to the repercussions of this blockade, particularly affecting the industrial, service, and retail sectors, as well as leading to severe shortages of food and medicine, which in turn impact consumption levels and the overall well-being of the population.”
For political ends, the U.S. administration has attempted to undermine the reputation of Cuba’s international medical cooperation, which has greatly improved health conditions for millions and serves as a model of South-South cooperation recognized globally, he added.
Additionally, Abdelkader Taleb Omar, the ambassador of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic who attended the conference, remarked that “Cuba is a nation that stands in solidarity and has assisted various countries in their struggles against colonialism.” He noted, “Cuba has also made significant contributions to education and operates medical missions worldwide,” affirming that the Sahrawi people, who endure occupation and oppression, stand in solidarity with the Cuban people facing the blockade.
On this occasion, the Sahrawi ambassador called for support for the Cuban people, asserting that they deserve to live in peace and dignity.
