People's Democracy

Against Blockade of Socialist Cuba

The 20th Congress of the CPI(M) condemns the illegal and inhuman blockade imposed by the United States on Socialist Cuba and demands that it be lifted without any delay.

The embargo on Cuba which was initially partially imposed soon after the Cuban revolution, in October 1960 has been tightened over the years. In 1996, the draconian Helms-Burton Act was passed which was further expanded in 1999. The imperialist aim has been to strangulate Socialist Cuba and to prevent its trade and commercial relations with the rest of the world. The damage caused by the blockade on Cuba is estimated at $975 billion.

This blatant interference in the sovereign rights of nations to choose their own path of development and in particular the Socialist path of advance chosen by the Cuban people has been condemned the world over. For the last twenty years, the UN General Assembly repeatedly and consecutively has passed resolutions demanding the lifting of the blockade. On October 25, 2011, when the resolution was put to vote, 186 member countries of UN voted in favour demanding the lifting of blockade on Cuba and only USA and its inseparable ally in genocidal actions – Israel – opposed it. Three Pacific island countries abstained. It is significant that after his recent visit to Cuba, Pope Benedict XVI also joined his voice against the blockade.

This Party Congress also demands that the five innocent Cubans who have been incarcerated in US jails for many years now without any proven crime committed by them should be released forthwith. The US insists on keeping them in jail as a means to punish and humiliate Cuban citizens, who have refused to give up unflinching commitment to socialism and unwavering opposition to imperialism.

The 20th Congress extends its solidarity with the courageous people of Socialist Cuba. It demands the lifting of US blockade on Cuba and release of the Cuban Five. The Congress calls upon the Party units to expose the brutal character of US imperialism and rouse public opinion against it.