In several countries, appeals are now being made to governments in the hope that simultaneous consultations by various countries can propel reason in Washington and lift the numerous blockades and sanctions that counter the coronavirus pandemic.
Sunday April 12 - 2020 Dano-Cuban Association
LETTER:
The Dano-Cuban Association, with the support of more than 400 signatures of individuals, appeals to the Danish government and members of Parliament with an urgent appeal for two actions:
1: That US President Trump and the federal government in Washington understand that Denmark wants the blockade against Cuba and sanctions in general to be removed, because blockades and sanctions often harm the possibilities of poor countries to counteract the pandemic of the Coronavirus and save human lives.
2: That the Danish authorities, in their support for the efforts of other countries against the coronavirus, explore the possibilities of cooperating with Cuban teams of doctors and nurses that are deployed in countries seriously affected in the fight against COVID-19. And that the Danish authorities investigate whether the Cuban medicine Interferon Alpha 2B (Recombinant Human) could help in Denmark, which has been shown to be effective in the treatment of patients with Coronavirus in China, among others, and is now used in Italy and Andorra.
This consultation refers to the following international appeal, which so far has signed more than 14,000 people in 126 countries. In several of these countries, similar appeals are now being made to governments in the hope that simultaneous consultations from various countries can propel reason in the White House and Washington.
In particular, we would like to point out that 32 members of the London Lower House have signed this appeal addressed to Boris Johnson and his government. (The names of the 32 appear in the document below, which also contains the names of the 400 Danish signatories).
We are serving this request on behalf of the Executive Board of the Dano-Cuban Association.
And with the support of all signatories, including: * Member of Parliament Christian Juhl, * Member of the Southern Region regional council Jørn Lehmann Petersen, * member of 3F's main board of directors, Ole Nors Nielsen, * former mayor of Copenhagen Villo Sigurdsson, * professor at Aarhus University Sven Tarp, * physician and author Ellen Ryg Olsen, * author Jørgen Møller, * lawyer Kirsten Bindstrup, * former union president Tue Tortzen, * artist Lena Bidstrup, * president of artists for Fred Pernille Grumme, * consultant Steffen Hjøllund, * author Kåre Bluitgen, * President of 3F BJMF Claus Westergreen, * author and biologist Anders Bjerre-Mikkelsen, * artist Verner Brems, * president of the Union of Painters in Central Jutland Hans Martin Andersen, * author Aksel V. Carlsen, * author Ron Ridenour, * photographer Søren Zeuth.
Sven-Erik Simonsen / President of the Danish-Cuban Association
See all signers at the bottom:
THE JOINT INTERNATIONAL APPEAL:
“While the world is waging an international fight against the coronavirus pandemic, Cuba has once again emerged as a flag for internationalism and solidarity.
In recent days, Cuba has sent teams of highly trained health brigades to 15 countries, including Italy, Granada, Jamaica, Nicaragua and Venezuela, to help congested medical care in the countries during the crisis.
On March 18, the Cuban government opened a passenger port on the British cruise ship MS Braemer, which was in serious trouble. The ship had been refused to go to port in various countries, after which Cuba accepted it in Havana, a gesture that Britain's Foreign Minister Dominic Raab publicly thanked Cuba in a statement to Parliament.
Cuba also developed the antiviral drug Interferon Alfa 2B and made it available to countries around the world for the treatment of patients infected with COVID-19.
The disinterested response of this island state to the global emergency is a continuation of Cuba's humanitarian commitment. In the past 56 years, 400,000 Cuban health workers have assisted in natural disasters and have helped build national health systems in 164 countries. Efforts include medical teams deployed in Pakistan after the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, to Haiti in the wake of the devastating cholera outbreak after the 2010 earthquake, and to West Africa in the fight against Ebola in 2015. Since 1998, Cuba has trained 35,613 doctors and health specialists from 138 countries. at his Latin American medical school (ELAM).
At the same time, Cuba has suffered the consequences of a 58-year-old criminal blockade initiated by the United States. The blockade has led to a lack of food, fuel, and other basic needs. Last year, the blockade resulted in additional losses and expenses in Cuba's health system of more than $ 104 million.
As we write this, Cuba is struggling to counter the spread of the coronavirus in the population. To this end, Cuba needs access to equipment and drugs to ensure the well-being of vulnerable citizens, and the blockade of the United States, in fact, halted the cargo that was supposed to bring face masks, test equipment, and more to Cuba.
Cuba has always put the needs of the people above, regardless of borders or politics. During this time of the international crisis, the blockade of the United States is a crime. It not only affects the Cuban people, but also affects Cuba's ability to help everyone in the fight against this virus.
The solidarity movement with Cuba expresses its deep gratitude to the Cuban health teams, for the inspiring example of global solidarity that they carry out.
At the same time, we call on governments to urgently request the United States government to immediately lift the blockade, at least temporarily suspend it, so that vital supplies of food, fuel and medical devices can reach Cuban residents. "
*****
Firms:
First, the names of the 32 members of the British lower house who signed the appeal:
1. Jeremy Corbyn MP
2. Claudia Webbe MP
3. Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP
4. Richard Burgon MP, Shadow Secretary of State
5. Apsana Begum MP
6. Navendu Mishra MP
7. Kate Osborne
8. Ian Mearns MP
9. Grahame Morris MP
10. Paula Barker MP
11. Kate Osamor MP
12. Mick Whitley MP
13. Ian Lavery MP
14. Janet Daby MP
15. Jonathan Edwards MP
16. Rachel Hopkins MP
17. James Murray MP
18. Andy Mcdonald MP
19. Mary Foy MP
20. Kenny MacAskill MP
21. Bethan Winter MP
22. Preet Gill MP
23. Chris Stephens MP
24. Zarah Sultana MP
25. Órfhlaith Begley MP
26. Mickey Brady MP
27. Chris Matheson MP
28. Chris Hazzard, MP
29. Michelle Gildernew MP
30. John Finucane MP
31. Paul Maskey MP
32. Francie Mollow MP
Including the more than 403 Danish people who have so far signed the continuous collection of signatures:
FOUR HUNDRED THREE SIGNATURES APPEARED AMONG MEMBERS OF THE DANO CUBANA ASSOCIATION, FRIENDS OF CUBA, FRIENDLY POLITICAL FORCES, TRADE UNIONS.
http://cubavenner.dk/nyheder/cuba-appel-til-folketinget-og-regeringen