With 53 votes in favor and 44 against, this institution passed a motion that condemns the extraterritorial nature of Washington’s economic, commercial and financial blockade, which has been tightened during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The resolution calls for an end to measures enforced by the Basel Cantonal Bank and its branch, the Bank Cler, which are linked to the enforcement of that US policy in Switzerland and are affecting the work of Cuba solidarity organizations.

According to the document, those banks are deliberately violating legal provisions and giving more importance to businesses abroad than to banking activities in the country, which is unacceptable.

The document urges the local government to comply with laws in force or change them to forbid discriminatory practices, especially against cooperation and aid organizations.

Over the last few years, several Swiss banks have refused to carry out operations related to Cuba fearing US retaliation, which has hindered the shipment of donations to support the fight against Covid-19 in Cuba.

Some of the groups affected by those decisions are the Switzerland-Cuba Association and Medicuba Switzerland.

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