They also stressed their absolute commitment to the defense of Cuba’s sovereignty and independence, “meaning that our people, of whom we are a part, have the right to choose their own destiny and march along the paths of the Revolution and socialism.”

In the Final Declaration of the Meeting of Cuban Resident in Europe (ECRE), which concluded in Madrid on Sunday, they underlined their commitment to Cuba with emotional expressions of support for the nation where they were born.

In that regard, they reiterated their condemnation of the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States on Cuba for more than six decades, and demanded an end to “this unjust policy that causes big shortages and difficulties for Cuban families.”

At the same time, they demanded that Cuba be excluded from “the spurious State Sponsors of Terrorism (SSOT) list.” On the other hand, they reaffirmed the willingness to organize and promote activities that honor the apostle of independence and Cuban National Hero, José Martí, and the dissemination of the thoughts of the historic leader of the Revolution, Fidel Castro.

They urged all associations of Cuban residents in Europe to collaborate with the Galicia Emigration Interpretation Center and the Angel Castro Argíz House Museum, as well as other projects that preserve the revolutionary ideology.

Delegates at the ECRE, representing groups from France, the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Türkiye and Spain, issued a letter addressed to US President Joe Biden.

In the letter and on behalf of the ECRE held in Madrid, they rejected the economic blockade maintained by the White House against Cuba and the Caribbean island’s inclusion on the SSOT list.

They also expressed indignation for the acquittal of Alexander Alaza Baró, “a known terrorist and attacker of the Cuban Embassy in Washington, who is proven to be responsible for a violent act using an assault rifle on US territory.”

In addition, they repudiated the media campaigns orchestrated by the US Government, “which seek to discredit and slander Cuba and its people, inciting with lies and hatred, on social networks and some media within their reach, to overthrow the Revolution.”

At the ECRE conference, the Economic and Commercial Advisor of the Cuban Embassy in Madrid, René Capote, highlighted the importance of facilitating everyone’s contribution to Cuba’s development.

In a speech before the plenary, Capote pointed out that being able to collaborate with the policy of inserting Cubans abroad in the economic development of the nation is transcendental.

“It means opening up beyond business opportunities and addressing new fields and spheres, such as cooperation, local development projects and other opportunities that our country offers,” he noted.

On that date, various groups of Cuban residents in Europe promoted different solidarity actions to help their country confront the United States economic blockade.

The initiative of the Lancara-Cuba Friendship Association to pay tribute to the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro, on August 13, in the town of Galicia, on the occasion of his birthday, was presented in Madrid.

During the second day of the Meeting of Cuban Residents in Europe (ECRE), Cuban Ambassador to Spain Marcelino Medina made emphasis on the continuity of the fight against Washington’s economic blockade against Cuba, as well as the intensification of activism with the creation of a shock force, to confront campaigns and verbal attacks that take place on social networks by the enemies of the Revolution.

Along with the presentation of facts, from the blockade, that generate obstacles and difficulties in entrepreneurship and economic-commercial initiatives to promote Cuba’s development, the ECRE delegates proposed the creation of a Business Association of Cuban Residents in Europe.

The event was also chaired by the general director of Consular Affairs and Attention to Cubans Abroad (DACCRE), Ana Teresita González, with the participation of Consul General in Spain Liyris Aguilar.

jg/mem/ft