United Nations, Oct 29 (Prensa Latina) South Africa today reaffirmed its unfailing and firm support for the lifting of the economic blockade imposed on Cuba by the United States and the exclusion of the island from the list of countries sponsoring terrorism.
The Deputy Permanent Representative of South Africa, Marthinus van Schalkwyk, said that just as last year his country joined 187 other States that voted in favor of the Resolution “Necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed on Cuba”, this position will be ratified in 2024.
The African representative stressed that this policy of Washington is the most notable obstacle faced by the Caribbean nation in its efforts to achieve its development goals, particularly the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
He also expressed concern about the pernicious impact that the blockade has on the livelihoods of the Cuban people, especially on the most vulnerable, and therefore urged the United States to remove this unfair burden of sanctions and opt for a constructive dialogue.
He highlighted the effects that the U.S. policy causes in terms of shortages of basic products, which leads to hyperinflation, especially in the food sector, in addition to the increase in the price of fuel, which increases the cost of food and other items, and increases the damage caused to the population.
Marthinus van Schalkwyk later referred to the extraterritorial application of the blockade measures, which hinder Cuban trade with other nations by increasing the legal, economic, commercial and financial risks and, therefore, restrict the strengthening of bilateral trade relations.
He gave as an example that the blockade is a major obstacle for South African companies to do business with the Caribbean nation, although both countries maintain relations that are a model of South-South cooperation.
“South Africa has strengthened its bilateral cooperation with Cuba and we are exploring new areas, such as infrastructure development, agriculture, education and science and innovation,” he said.
Van Schalkwyk also highlighted how Washington’s policy hinders the normal development of the country, which relies on tourism and the provision of professional skills as the main drivers of its economy.
“Cuba sends many medical professionals as part of exchange programs and has an emerging biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry, the blockade, however, continues to prevent the full potential of these sectors from being reached, leading to hundreds of millions of dollars in losses and potential income,” he said.
The South African representative praised those countries that have taken measures to alleviate the specific effects of the Helms Burton Act and called on other nations to remove any legislation that hinders the development of the West Indian country.
“The same call we make today to the United States to remove Cuba from the list of sponsors of terrorism. The conception of the 2030 Agenda remains under threat because the blockade prevents a member state from participating equitably in its own socioeconomic development,” he added.
