Cuba Thanks the 130 Countries that Voted Against the U.S. Blockade at the UN
On Wednesday October 28th the United Nations General Assembly approved for the thirty-fourth time a resolution that demands the end of the economic, commercial and financial blockade of the United States against Cuba, with 130 votes in favour, 17 against and 25 abstentions. Ireland was among the countries which voted against the blockade.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel thanked the nations that supported the initiative and denounced pressure from Washington to modify the result.
“On behalf of the people of Cuba, we appreciate the solidarity of the 130 nations that voted against the genocidal blockade and the collective punishment to which the U.S. government subjects us,” Díaz-Canel said in a statement on twitter.
The President described the vote as an act of courage and sovereignty, despite frantic diplomatic efforts by the U.S. aimed at reducing support for the resolution presented by Havana.
The day before the vote saw a diplomatic battle for support between Cuba, which defends multilateralism and international law, and the United States, a country which has repeatedly violated the United Nations Charter.
Below is a statement issued by the Workers Party in advance of the vote.
Statement of the Workers Party of Ireland on the draft resolution against the economic, commercial, and financial blockade on Cuba
On October 27th and 28th, Cuba will once again present a draft resolution to the United Nations General Assembly against the economic, commercial and financial blockade. This now assumes a particularly urgent dimension following the U.S. imposition of an energy blockade which has had serious consequences for the lives of the Cuban people.
For over six decades Cuba has faced an economic blockade designed to strangle its development and destroy Cuba's revolutionary state. Yet despite sabotage, sanctions, violent assaults and relentless pressure, the Cuban people have refused to surrender their independence. The U.S. administration has pursued this policy despite its rejection by the overwhelming majority of the world's peoples.
Today, as Cuba confronts intensified criminal sanctions and renewed attempts to break its spirit, defending the Revolution is not merely an act of solidarity - it is a defence of socialism, human dignity and the right of people to determine their own future. The Workers Party confirms its unwavering solidarity with the Cuban people and their Communist Party and their right to pursue a socialist course of development without foreign imperialist interference. This demands the immediate and unconditional lifting of the criminal blockade and an intensified international campaign of solidarity to preserve Cuba's revolutionary path and achievements. The Workers Party of Ireland calls on the Irish government to openly and unequivocally reject U.S. pressure and threats and to support the draft resolution to lift the blockade.
Long live Cuba! Defeat the blockade!
Ted Tynan, President
Gerry Grainger, International Secretary
On behalf of the Central Executive Committee of the Workers Party of Ireland