The Italian people expressed their overwhelming and growing solidarity with Cuba in the face of pressure and threats from the United States during a massive national demonstration that marched on Saturday along several of Rome’s main avenues.
More than ten thousand people participated in the march, organized by the National Association of Italy-Cuba Friendship (ANAIC). They were convened by numerous political, social, and labor organizations, and departed at 3:00 PM local time from the iconic Roman Colosseum.
Marco Papacci, president of ANAIC, emphasized in statements to Prensa Latina the support for this initiative, which aimed to reaffirm support for the island in the face of the intensification of the US economic blockade imposed for more than 60 years, to which new genocidal measures have recently been added.
This call, launched by that group in conjunction with the Gianni Miná Foundation, chaired by Loredana Macchietti, widow of the renowned intellectual and great friend of the island, was joined by dozens of important political groups such as People’s Power, Italian Left, Green Europe, Communist Refoundation, and Socialist Homeland.
Also mobilized were the Communist Party, the ARCI Social Promotion Association, the Global Peace Mobilization Network, the Agency for Cultural and Economic Exchange with Cuba (AICEC), the Base Trade Union (USB), and the Italian General Confederation of Labor (CGIL).
Representatives of the Five Star Movement (M5S), the “La Villetta for Cuba” Association, Socialist Homeland, Seeds of Peace, the Federation of Metalworkers and Employees (FIOM), the youth organizations Cambiare Rotta and Alternative Student Opposition (OSA), and associations of Cubans residing in Italy also participated.
Saturday’s march was themed “Cuba is not a threat,” in rejection of this false argument used by US President Donald Trump to justify the recent signing of a genocidal executive order aimed at preventing the entry of fuel into the country.
Cuban flags and signs with solidarity slogans flooded San Gregorio, Aventino, and Piramide Cestia avenues, all the way to Piazza Ostiense, near Porta San Paolo, a 3rd-century monument that was the site of important actions by the Italian anti-fascist resistance during World War II.
During the march, speakers from the participating groups addressed the crowd, and at the rally held at the end of the route, Papacci, Macchietti, the prominent scientific researcher Fabrizio Chiodo, and Ulises Mora, representing associations of Cubans residing in Italy, spoke.
The president of ANAIC declared, “We are here to speak a truth the world cannot ignore: Cuba is under attack,” but it lives, it resists, and we stand with it, with the Cuban people, with its Revolution.”
The solidarity leader expressed that “a fundamental point we must remember from this gathering is the importance of our unity,” which was demonstrated in this demonstration, held “on the centenary of the birth of Fidel Castro,” the historical leader of the Cuban Revolution.
“This immense display of solidarity is a tribute to his memory, as we dedicate it to the man who forged an island, a symbol of dignity and sovereignty, demonstrating to the world that respect is non-negotiable, that principles are non-negotiable.”
“Cuba is not alone! No more blockades! Ever onward to victory! Homeland or Death, We Will Overcome!” Papacci declared in the final part of his speech, amidst applause from the attendees.
[ SOURCE: PRENSA LATINA ]
