"In the case of Cuba what makes this situation unique and extraordinary is the deliberate determination of the United States to asphyxiate the national economy; sabotage and impose insurmountable obstacles to prevent our growth and development"
Statement by Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cuba, at the presentation of draft Resolution a/79/l.6 entitled “Necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States of America against Cuba.
Mr. President; Distinguished Permanent Representatives; Esteemed delegates; For five consecutive days, from Friday, October 18 to Wednesday, October 23, Cuban families had no electricity, except for a few hours, getting all uptight about the possibility that their food would be spoiled, knowing that it would not be possible, or very costly, to replace them. Many of them lacked running water. Hospitals worked under emergency conditions and schools and universities suspended their classes. Entities interrupted their activities. The most important ones maintained only those considered vital. The economy stopped. Hurricane Oscar started to lash the eastern region of the country since October 20. It had a devastating impact in the province of Holguin, but the hardest hit province was Guantanamo, where a US naval base is usurping part of our territory.
