Brazilian theologian Frei Betto denounced the humanitarian effects of the economic, commercial, and financial blockade that the United States imposed on Cuba more than sixty years ago. This policy has recently been intensified with an oil blockade, according to the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, Cubaminrex.
In an interview on the program “Édemanhã” on Radio Brasil de Fato, Betto pointed out that the fuel shortage is negatively impacting hospital care, waste collection, and the daily lives of Cuban residents.
The theologian emphasized the importance of global solidarity with the island, noting that several organizations in Brazil have sent medicine to Cuba and continue to raise money for other medical supplies.
He also stressed that the purpose of the restrictive measures is to stifle the Caribbean nation; however, he underscored the importance of resisting and providing solidarity to face its consequences.
The economic embargo on trade between the United States and Cuba was proclaimed in February 1962 by U.S. President John F. Kennedy; he instructed the Departments of Commerce and the Treasury to implement the embargo, which remains in effect today.
The “Our America” initiative will send food and medicine to Havana on March 21st through a logistics operation involving air, sea and land.
IMAGE CREDIT: Frei Betto indicated that the restrictive measures aim to suffocate the Caribbean nation, but emphasized the importance of resistance and solidarity to face their consequences. Photo: EFE
[ SOURCE: teleSUR ]
