Cuban Vice President Salvador Valdés Mesa thanked the Caribbean and European Union (EU) countries for their recent support at the United Nations of his nation’s demand to end the U.S. embargo.
In a speech delivered on the closing day of the IV Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the EU, held in this city, the Vice President revealed that Cuba appreciates the support of the Caribbean Community nations, which maintain their solidarity with the island.
“We appreciate your firm call for the exclusion of our country from the fraudulent and unilateral list of State Sponsors of Terrorism,” he added.
He also took the opportunity to express his deep condolences and solidarity with the sister Caribbean nations, which, like Cuba, suffered the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa.
He mentioned that Cuban healthcare workers, as well as those from other sectors in the affected countries, are joining the recovery efforts.
Valdés emphasized that Cuba is attending the Caribbean-EU Leaders’ Meeting with the hope that this forum will contribute to promoting actions that benefit both parties, particularly the Caribbean nations.
“We demand fair and differentiated treatment, as well as reparations for the horrors of colonialism and slavery, and the fulfillment of financing commitments for adaptation, mitigation, and addressing climate change, which is a matter of survival for all,” he stated.
He pointed out that the Small Island Developing States of the Caribbean face the severe effects of the global multidimensional crisis with greater intensity, effects exacerbated when some suffer the impact of unilateral coercive measures.
The Vice President requested a review and modification of the current graduation criteria for Official Development Assistance.
He also called for an end to the arbitrary and discriminatory designation of CARICOM countries as non-cooperative tax jurisdictions, which negatively impacts their economies.
Valdés called for the preservation of peace, security, and stability in the region in the face of the offensive and extraordinary military deployment by the United States government, which he emphasized threatens war in the Caribbean under the false pretext of combating drug trafficking.
He also expressed his hope that ties between the Caribbean and the EU would be strengthened, requiring greater dialogue, cooperation, and solidarity, “without pressure or preconditions,” with due attention to the legitimate demands and concerns of Caribbean countries. “In this endeavor, based on mutual respect and sovereign equality, you can continue to count on Cuba.”
[ SOURCE: CUBA DEBATE ]
IMAGE CREDIT: Salvador Valdés Mesa, Vice President of Cuba. Photo: Prensa Latina.
