The 3rd European Union (EU) and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) Summit on Tuesday rejected the hostile and unjust blockade imposed by the United States on Cuba.

Brussels.- In this regard, it referred to the most recent resolution adopted at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) past November on the need to put an end to the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed for over 60 years.

Likewise, the statement also includes the obstacles to financial transactions as a result of its inclusion in the unilateral states sponsoring terrorism (SST) list.

The text expressed the bi-regional commitment to renew and strengthen their relations, “based on common values and solid economic, social and cultural ties”.

The EU-CELAC Summit underlined the willingness to work together to be stronger ahead of current challenges, including food insecurity, poverty, inequalities, and the economic crisis.

EUROPEAN FUNCTIONARIES DEMAND AN END TO THE BLOCKADE ON CUBA

Leaders of European progressive political forces demanded the end of the US blockade against Cuba, which they denounced as an attack on trade between the countries.

“There is an urgent need to end this blockade, which constitutes an attack on European competition in economic matters,” said Raoul Hedebouw, federal parliamentarian president of the Belgian Labor Party (PTB), during an interview with Prensa Latina.

Hedebouw questioned why European companies have to be sanctioned for trading with Cuba. “The EU should have a policy of territorial integrity and autonomy to challenge this blockade, and I hope that the Third Summit (EU-CELAC) will make progress in this regard,” he said.

On the same issue, the president of the Communist Party of Spain, José Luis Centella, stressed that the blockade against Cuba cannot continue for another minute. “We have to say it loud and clear, we have to end a blockade that is illegal and that condemns a country for the simple right to want to be free,” he told Prensa Latina.

The political leader highlighted the rejection of the policy and the call made during the People’s Summit to hold an International Tribunal in November to judge and denounce the blockade.

“We cannot forget that Washington’s siege against Cuba also harms Europe,” said Centella, who joined the demand that the United States remove Cuba from the list of states sponsors of terrorism. “The United States sends planes and soldiers, Cuba doctors and teachers, how is it possible that it is on that ignominious list,” he said. (PL)