Reaffirming support for the Cuban Revolution: POPCRU
Noting that:
1. For over 56 years Cuba has been the victim of a sustained criminal and terrorist campaign organised and directed by the exiled Cuban Mafia based in the US, and supported by the US government, which has caused human and financial damage to Cuba.
2. Cuba, as a sovereign, independent state, has every right, under international law, to employ all reasonable means at its disposal to defend its sovereignty and to combat economic and financial war imposed by the Washington Administration.
3. The increased propaganda through illegal broadcasting into Havana
4. US have increased its aggression towards Cuba since Donald Trump came to power and there is an increased US unilateralism and disregard of UN structures. The increased aggressive pronouncements against Cuba, in particular because of its support to the Bolivarian revolution of Venezuela.
5. The government of the United States continues its hostility towards Cuba as shown by various punitive measures against Cuba and its people.
6. The recent deterioration of diplomatic relations based on accusations of acoustic attacks of US diplomats,
7. The dominance of western media in the global discourse and their continued propaganda against Cuba and the global South.
8. The marking of 30 years of the battle of Cuito Cuanavale and the historic resolution 7 of the 38th SADC summit of heads of state and government held in Namibia on 17-18 August 2018
9. The historic political ties between Cuba and South Africa and the role played by former leaders Mandela and Castro in deepening them resulting in many partnerships and now faced with a complex political, economic and social transition in Cuba
Believing that:
1. One of the key terrains of struggle that contributed decisively to the defeat of Apartheid in South Africa was the international solidarity movement.
2. The contribution of Cuba to the liberation of the peoples of Africa, and of Southern Africa in particular, was vital, and was based on selfless and principled internationalism. The Cuban Revolution and its achievements, particularly in terms of the defence of national sovereignty, internationalism, education, social services, sports and culture and participatory democracy, serve as a model and an inspiration to oppressed peoples all over the world.
3. The illegal use of the airwaves by the USA to broadcast inciting and destabilising material into Cuba from Miami must be countered by an objective global media outlet
4. It is the duty and responsibility of all progressive forces to support the struggle of the Cuban people to defend their sovereignty and the remarkable achievements of their Revolution and socialism
5. United Nations remains the single most important world authority on international and regulating relations of national states; UN decisions of the General Assembly, and other charters are supreme laws binding to all national states regardless of military power or wealth
6. The Cuban people have contributed their all in the liberation of the people s of Africa and that the acceptance of March 23rd s a collective recognition of the people of Africa of the role that Cuba played for the liberation of the continent
7. The victory of Angolan and Cuban troops in Cuito Cuanavale marked a turning point in the war against the Angolan people, laying the basis for the independence of Namibia and contributing to the eventual commencement of negotiations in South Africa and ending colonialism in Southern Africa
8. The current political changes in Cuba require more deeper understanding and solidarity; the political changes in Cuba are to strengthen the resolve of the Cuban revolution and its advances to socialism
9. South Africa is in a better position to play leading role in strengthening of Cuban relations in Africa
Hereby Resolve:
1. To demand of the USA government the immediate and unconditional lifting of the economic blockade imposed on Cuba.
2. The unconditional return to the government and people of Cuba of the territory illegally occupied by the government of the United States at the Naval Base in Guantanamo.
3. To support the Latin American news network teleSUR TV which has been launched in South Africa and Africa
4. To fully participate in the solidarity activities to raise awareness of the role Cuba played
5. Heighten exchange programmes to fully understand the current changes and work with Cuban institutions, organisations and people to help Cuba manoeuvre the new terrain as clearly defined by the resolutions of the congress of the Communist Party of Cuba
6. Reaffirm our support for the Cuban people and condemn the continued support and entrenchment of the embargo by the USA and Israel which are now the only two countries in the world voting against the lifting of the embargo at the UN and call on our government to continue supporting Cuba in the UN including the upcoming vote on October 31st 2018
7. Improve and strengthen bilateral between COSATU affiliates and their counterparts in Cuba
8. Commend our government and others led by former liberation movements to advance the recognition of Cuito Cuanavale and Cuba sacrifice; and use March 23rd as a day to highlight and recognise Cuban solidarity with the peoples of Africa and the Cuban contribution to global solidarity through their maximum sacrifice
9. Support the political transition in Cuba; which marks the end of an era, with the election of Miguel Diaz-Canel as president of Cuba a leader born after the revolution
10. Urge the South African government to seize the opportunities availed by this transition to strengthen bilateral political and economic ties and assist Cuba as much as possible to be able to stand as a nation. Further call on our government to take interest in ensuring that the Africa-Cuba Solidarity Conferences become successful through maximum participation at the highest government level .
