The European Solidarity Convoy with Cuba has left by air from Rome — with a stopover in Milan — carrying a humanitarian cargo that will be delivered to the island by more than 100 representatives of political forces, as well as social, youth, and trade union organizations.
A statement released by the initiative’s organizers notes that its objective is to support the Cuban people, who are facing a complex situation resulting from the intensification of the criminal economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States for over 60 years.
It is pointed out that the genocidal actions of the U.S. government worsened following the signing, on January 29, by President Donald Trump, of an executive order aimed at preventing the entry of fuel into the country, with the specific goal of attempting to trigger a humanitarian crisis.
The members of the convoy — who include Members of the European Parliament Doménico Lucano and Ilaria Salis, representing the parliamentary alliance between the Green Europe and Italian Left parties (AVS), alongside leaders from other groups — will transport medicines, medical supplies, and medical equipment to the island.
Among the organizations promoting the project are solidarity groups such as the Agency for Cultural and Economic Exchange with Cuba (Aicec); political parties including Communist Refoundation, Power to the People, and the Network of Communists; as well as trade unions such as the Grassroots Trade Union (USB) and the Autonomous Collective of Port Workers (CALP).
The group also includes affiliates of the Grassroots Collectives Union (Cobas), members of the Italian Union of Metalworkers (FIOM), as well as members of the youth organizations *Cambiare Rotta* and the Student Opposition for an Alternative (OSA). The arrival of this large delegation in the Caribbean nation is scheduled for 9:55 p.m. local time this Tuesday; following their arrival, they will engage in various activities between March 18 and 21, at which point they will join the *Nuestra América* Convoy, which is set to arrive in Havana by sea on that same day.
“Cuba urgently needs our help: the Revolution is under constant attack, the economy is crippled by the blockade, and threats from the U.S. government are escalating day by day,” states an appeal issued by the USB.
Anna Camposampiero, Director of Foreign Relations for the Communist Refoundation Party, told news outlets that “the solidarity that has been mobilized is extraordinary” and that “participation in the European Convoy represents another step in an effort that has never ceased over the years—because Cuba is not alone.”
A message posted on social media by the leftist youth group *Cambiare Rotta* states that the purpose of this initiative is “to demonstrate concrete solidarity with the Cuban government and people, who are currently under attack by U.S. imperialism.” “For us, the Cuban revolutionary process serves as a beacon for all of humanity”; therefore, “we will be there to offer our assistance during these difficult times, because Cuba is calling us!”
IMAGE CREDIT: Solidarity with Cuba from Italy. File photo from 2022
[ SOURCE: PRENSA LATINA ]
