In a statement to which Prensa Latina had access, the groups of jurists, human rights defenders and friends of Cuba noted the ‘disastrous effects’ of the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by Washington on the Caribbean nation.

Among the signs of US hostility against the Cuban Government and people, they mentioned the application of Title III of the Helms-Burton Act, the inclusion of Cuba in the arbitrary State Sponsors of Terrorism list, among others.

They also refer to the harassment of Cuban financial and commercial transactions, the intimidation of companies that send fuel to Cuba, the increase in Department of Commerce’s fines against Cuba’s partners and the disinformation campaigns against Cuban medical cooperation.

We condemn the media manipulation of communication companies and corporations, in acquiescence with the US administration, which blurs and hides the true background and those responsible for the open economic war against the Cuban government, the text states.

The signatories the document salute the willingness of the Cuban authorities to address the claims, listen, hold talks and explain the steps to improve the complex socioeconomic situation, in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility, as stated by President Miguel Díaz-Canel.

The communiqué is signed by Tatiana Rivadeneira, president of the American Association of Jurists; Susana Peñafiel, coordinator of the Segundo Montes Mozo S.J. Human Rights Documentation Center; and Vladimir Andocilla, from the Kinty Ñan Human Rights Collective.

Other signatories were Ximena Gudiño, executive secretary of the Pro Human Rights Collective; Billy Navarrete, from the Permanent Committee for the Defense of Human Rights (CDH); Lenin Reyes, head of the Ecuadorian Coordinator of the Movement of Friendship and Solidarity with Cuba; and Annabel Guerrero, vice president of the Pichincha Bar Association.

jg/abo/ro/avr