On June 30, Ambassador Rodrigo Malmierca Díaz denounced the tightening of the U.S. economic blockade against Cuba and the recent measures adopted by Washington, which, he said, are intended to deepen the humanitarian crisis on the island and further isolate it internationally. At the same time, he reiterated Cuba's willingness to engage in dialogue with the United States, provided it is conducted on the basis of equality and with full respect for Cuba's sovereignty.
During a webinar organized by the Group of 78, the Cuban Ambassador outlined the concrete effects of the latest sanctions and condemned their extraterritorial nature, noting that they have affected businesses and commercial relations with third countries, including Canada.
Malmierca Díaz highlighted the human impact of these policies, including prolonged power outages, fuel shortages, constraints on the healthcare system, and restrictions on transportation and economic activity, all of which have worsened the living conditions of the Cuban people.
The Ambassador noted that some Canadian companies in the mining and tourism sectors have been forced to withdraw or sell their assets because of the pressure created by the extraterritorial sanctions. He also expressed his gratitude for the solidarity shown by the Canadian people and civil society organizations. In addition, he welcomed the Government of Canada's approval of humanitarian assistance packages totaling CAD 13 million, delivered through international organizations.
In his remarks, Malmierca Díaz also discussed the 176 measures recently approved by Cuba's National Assembly across 21 policy areas. These initiatives are aimed at transforming key sectors, expanding opportunities for the private sector, and attracting foreign investment in response to the current crisis, while reaffirming Cuba's commitment to preserving the socialist character of the Cuban Revolution and the principles of social justice.
The webinar, entitled "Advancing a Diplomatic Solution to the Cuba Crisis: What Canada Can Do," was moderated by Dr. Ted Jackson, President of the Group of 78, and also featured Senator Rosa Galvez and Member of Parliament Gabriel Ste-Marie.