SIPTU Global Solidarity Committee has urged the Irish Government to support the upcoming resolution at the United Nations General Assembly which calls for the ending of the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the US against Cuba.
SIPTU Deputy General Secretary, Ethel Buckley, said: “The illegal blockade has placed immense hardship on the Cuban people with continuing shortages of food and medical supplies as well as power outages and the disruption of public transport and other services.
“The re-imposition of restrictions on trade and travel into the country by the Trump administration has further undermined its tourism industry and has denied much needed revenue for the economy.
“Cuba has suffered under the US blockade for more than 60 years. The UN resolution calls for the reaffirmation, among other principles, of ‘the sovereign equality of States, non‑intervention and non‑interference in their internal affairs and freedom of international trade and navigation’, which are also enshrined in many international legal instruments.
“Ireland, along with a large majority of countries represented at the UN General Assembly, has consistently supported the annual motion to end the blockade which is causing such hardship for the Cuban people and the destruction of its economy and public services.”
She added: “We are calling on the Government to renew its opposition to the trade and commercial embargo and to intensify its practical support for the Cuban people who are facing another immediate threat arising from the recent, illegal and fatal, attacks by the US navy on vessels in the region.”
The vote on the US blockade of Cuba will take place at the UN General Assembly on Wednesday, 29th October.