Setting aside differences and standing united on common ground was the call made by a group of Italian parliamentarians and civil society representatives opposing the US blockade currently affecting Cuba.
Guided by this premise and the aim of assisting the Caribbean nation—which has suffered under Washington’s intensified economic, financial, and commercial embargo for over 60 years—the “Route to Cuba: Being Where It Matters” caravan was organized; it is set to travel to the island on September 23rd.
The initiative is promoted by organizations including ARCI, CGIL, Anaic, Nexus, ANPI, ARCS, AOI, and the Peace and Disarmament Network, in collaboration with the Democratic Party (PD), the Five Star Movement (M5E), and the Greens and Left Alliance.
From now until September 30th, Italian representatives from associations, trade unions, and the media, along with parliamentarians and local leaders, will visit institutions, schools, and hospitals in Cuba, and meet with deputies from the National Assembly as well as leaders of social and cultural organizations.
During a press conference held yesterday, key figures in the project—including PD deputies Laura Boldrini (former President of the Chamber of Deputies) and Rachele Scarpa, as well as MEP Marco Tarquinio—highlighted the importance of informing Italian authorities and the national press, upon their return, about the impact of US sanctions on the Cuban population.
Additionally, Andrea Quartini (M5E deputy) and Walter Massa (President of the social promotion association ARCI) denounced the European Union’s far-right—which aligns with President Donald Trump’s policy toward the island—and spoke out against attempts to isolate Cuba. They were joined by Nicoletta Grieco of the Italian General Confederation of Labour (CGIL), Marco Papacci, president of the Italy-Cuba National Friendship Association, and Fabrizio de Sanctis of the National Association of Italian Partisans (ANPI).
In their statements, the participants urged the Italian government and EU authorities to use the diplomatic and political tools at their disposal to foster dialogue and help remove the obstacles preventing the Cuban population from accessing essential goods and humanitarian aid.
The delegation traveling to Cuba demands guarantees of immediate and unhindered access to food, medicines, fuel, energy, and essential goods, as well as humanitarian aid.
The Italian caravan members call for the removal of the Caribbean nation from the United States’ unilateral list of state sponsors of terrorism, as well as for a firm diplomatic initiative by Italy and the European Union to counter unilateral coercive measures and foster dialogue with Cuba.
Likewise, they call for the strengthening of cooperation and relations between Italian and Cuban institutions, social organizations, trade unions, universities, and communities, and urge full respect for the Cuban people’s right to self-determination, free from economic blackmail or external interference.
[ SOURCE: PRENSA LATINA ]
