The José Martí Cuba–Türkiye Friendship Association called on the deputies of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye to take a clear and active stance in solidarity with the Cuban people, in light of the recent intensification of the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States.
Dear Member of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye,
With the new presidential decree issued by the U.S. administration in January 2026, the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed against Cuba for more than 60 years has been further tightened. This blockade constitutes a clear violation of international law, United Nations resolutions, and the right of peoples to sovereignty.
The blockade, which hinders the Cuban people’s access to food, medicines, energy resources, and basic technologies, has direct humanitarian consequences, particularly for children, the elderly, and the sick. The restriction on Cuba’s purchase of oil under the latest presidential decree has deeply affected the country’s education and healthcare systems, as well as food reserves and agricultural and industrial production. This situation places the Cuban people in the face of a systematic and prolonged form of genocide similar to that suffered by the Palestinian people.
The sanctions imposed by the United States on Cuba’s trade and financial transactions with third countries have, in practice, become a mechanism of global pressure. For years, the United Nations General Assembly has adopted, by an overwhelming majority, resolutions calling for the end of the blockade. Türkiye has also supported these resolutions. However, Cuba’s current conditions make it necessary to take concrete measures that go beyond diplomatic voting.
As the Cuba–Türkiye Friendship Association “José Martí,” we call upon the members of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye to issue a statement and adopt a resolution demanding the lifting of the blockade imposed by the United States against Cuba, which is contrary to international law, as well as the withdrawal of the U.S. presidential decree of January 29, 2026, which prevents the supply of fuel to Cuba. Thousands of artists and intellectuals in our country, together with broad sectors of Turkish society, have signed an open letter addressed to President Donald Trump condemning and rejecting this presidential decree. We expect parliamentarians to join and support this campaign as well.
Despite all difficulties, the Cuban people continue striving to preserve their achievements in healthcare, education, and scientific development, which stand as an example to humanity. Attempting to economically suffocate Cuba runs counter to the common interests of humanity and constitutes collective punishment against the Cuban people; it is an act of genocide. Today, this is not only about Cuba, but about defending international law, the right of peoples to sovereignty, and the principle of independence. Therefore, adopting a clear, ethical, and active stance is a historical responsibility. We invite you to take the initiative in this regard and to take the necessary steps before public opinion to prevent this act of genocide against the Cuban people.
Sincerely,
Board of Directors
Cuba–Türkiye Friendship Association “José Martí”