The Ambassador of Cuba, Pedro Luis Despaigne González, highlighted before a group of written, radio and television media in Ghana, the Cuba’s Report on Resolution 71/5 of the United Nations General Assembly entitled “Necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States of America against Cuba”.
The Cuban diplomat made reference to the origin of the blockade, considered since its official implementation in February 1962 as a way to destroy the Cuban Revolution. He also showed the millions of damages caused by this genocidal policy in all sectors of the Cuban economy and society, confirming that these actions of war constitute the main obstacle to the socio-economic development of the Cuban nation.
The Ambassador explained that the current US administration is repealing the slight advances in bilateral relations reached with former President Barack Obama. However, he commented that the people of Cuba have not lost the dream with these threats, because for more than five decades has faced with creativity the restrictions derived from this genocidal policy.
He also stressed that for 25 consecutive years, the United Nations General Assembly has reiterated its condemnation of the blockade, demonstrating the international isolation that the US faces in this matter. He reiterated his appreciation to the African governments, which voted in block against the blockade, and maintained their condemnation as a subject of consensus at the Summits of the African Union. It also ratified Cuba's appreciation for the people of Ghana, which has been part of the international battle against the blockade.
In his conclusions, the Ambassador said that the Cuban people continue facing the difficulties stemming from the blockade with their heads high, and continue demonstrating their solidarity with the just causes in the world, as has happened recently in the natural disasters that affected several countries of the Caribbean. He explained how before the affectations on these countries Cuba responded by sending medical personnel and specialists of other sectors to cooperate in the recovery efforts.
After stressing the presentation of the essential aspects contained in the Report, the Ambassador responded to a group of questions from the attending journalists, who covered topics such as: the historical relationship between Cuba and Ghana; Cuba-US relations; the non-binding nature of the scope of UN General Assembly Resolutions; the figure of Commander in Chief, Fidel Castro.
At the Press Conference attended an important representation of the organizations and personalities that make up the Solidarity Campaign with Cuba, including the leader of the Socialist Forum of Ghana, Mr. Kwesi Pratt; Dr. Karl Mark Arhim, graduated in Cuba and Deputy Director for International Relations of the National Democratic Congress (NDC); Professor Albie Walls, leader of the All African People's Revolutionary Party (A-APRP) and Ms. Nana Yaa Gyemfua of the same party, who together with her young son Che Priddy Gyemfua represented to Ghana at the Fifth Regional Conference of Solidarity with Cuba celebrated in Namibia; a representation of the Association of Graduated Ghanaians in Cuba (ESBECAN), some of whom participated in the Program for the 40th Anniversary of the internationalist education in Cuba. Also present were the Cubans living in Ghana and the whole group of the Embassy.
The Press Conference was a new expression of the condemnation in Ghana of the U.S. economic, commercial and financial blockade against Cuba.