USA/CUBA: Cuba calls for end to United States embargo against the island ahead of U.N. vote

The Chief of the Cuban Interest Section in Washington D.C held a news conference on Tuesday (October 24) calling for the United States to lift the economic embargo it has had on the island since 1962. "(United States President George W.) Bush has taken the brutal and immoral policy of aggression and hostility to unprecedented levels in flagrant violation of the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and the International Law, ignoring the express and nearly unanimous will of the international community, expressed in the successive resolutions approved by the UN General Assembly," said Dagoberto Rodriguez Barrera. On November 8 the United Nations General Assembly will vote on a resolution presented by Cuba to lift the embargo. In 2005, 182 countries voted against what Cuba calls a blockade. "The U.S. blockade has caused the Cuban people immense suffering and not only violates their fundamental human rights, but also the rights of Cubans who live in the U.S., the people of the United States and citizens in third countries," he added. Rodriguez said that in 2005 the economic sanctions would cost Cuba over 4-billion dollars. The United States defends the embargo, which allows the sale of some U.S. food and medicine to Cuba, saying open trade and travel to the island would support Cuban President Fidel Castro's communist government. They say Cuba's imprisonment of dissidents and restrictions on economic and political freedoms justify the policy. The health of 80-year-old Castro has been in question since he temporarily ceded power to his brother Raul in order to recuperate from intestinal surgery, but Rodriguez said he would "soon" be returning to work. "His health has been improving everyday and he will be soon assuming his duties as the President of Cuba," confirmed Rodriguez. Castro has not been seen in public since July 26 when he gave two speeches totalling three hours.

ITN Source | October 25, 2006

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