Pretoria, 4th September, 2019.- The ANC rejects in the strongest possible terms the latest escalation in the aggressive behavior against Cuba, and the strengthening of the unilateral, illegal and criminal economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed on the island for more than 60 years. It is evident that the objective of the imperialists is to impose regime change in Cuba by strangling the Cuban economy, and causing severe damage to the population. With this kind of conduct, imperialism shows their disdain for international law and human rights in general. The blockade against Cuba is a clear violation of the Charter of the United Nations, international law and the rules of free trade. It constitutes a direct attack on the sovereignty of Cuba, and its legitimate right to decide its own political and economic system. This strengthening of the hostility and the blockade is aimed at crushing an entire nation that has set an example to the world about what can be done with regards to international solidarity. The intimidatory and bullying policy against Cuba is destined to fail, as it has been the case with all the previous imperialist administrations that tried to defeat the Cuban Revolution. While the financial blockages imposed by previous imperialist administrations have always been entirely unacceptable, the tone of the pronouncements by, and extraordinary arrogant conduct of, the imperialist administration is particularly obnoxious. No-one who believes in the sovereignty of all countries, and their inalienable right to self-determination can leave this kind of behavior unchallenged. The ANC fully supports and welcomes the firm position against the unilateral blockade imposed against Cuba adopted by the international community, including the United Nations, the African Union, the Arab League, the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation, the Caribbean Community, the Movement of Non Aligned Countries, the Group of 77 plus China, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, among others. Next November, the United Nations General Assembly will once again consider the draft resolution entitled “Necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States of America against Cuba”. The ANC is confident that this resolution will be again adopted this year with the overwhelming support of the international community, evidencing the international isolation of the US Government’s policy of aggression and the economic blockade against Cuba. The ANC resolutely reiterates its solidarity with Cuba and adds our voice in line with our 54th National Conference Resolutions, demanding an immediate end to the blockade and the wanton aggression agai st Cuba.
ISSUED BY THE AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS
