Joint Statement of the U.S. Peace Council and the House of Latin America (HOLA) — Iran
Remove Cuba from the
“State Sponsors of Terrorism List (SSOT)”
Inclusion of Cuba to the “State Sponsors of Terrorism List (SSOT)” by the US State Department, which occurred first during the Reagan administration in 1982 and remains as of today, is an act to further escalate and tighten the genocidal blockade on the Cuban people — a policy that has resulted in the loss of precious life of thousands of innocent people and the financial loss of above $159 billion at the current prices!
Beyond serving as political fodder to defame Cuba and justify atrocities against this small island that has been striving for its sovereignty, the most outstanding consequences from inclusion of Cuba to the SSOT is the specter of the risk associated with any kind of humanitarian aid, business, investment, and trade that involves Cuba.
The tragedy becomes more apparent when we consider the fact that the main target of such policy are the Cuban citizens, who suffer from the implementation of the blockade in several ways, including:
— Depriving the Cuban people from the realization and enjoyment of their basic human rights, including the rights to life, food, health, fuel, medical equipment and other basic goods, education and economic development.
— Creating obstacles to economic and financial transactions by third parties with Cuba, fearing from the fines.
Additionally, because of Cuba’s inclusion on the SSOT:
— Cubans with Spanish citizenship have had their ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) visa waiver to the United States canceled or denied.
— Cubans residing in the European Union have been denied bank accounts or have had existing accounts frozen since their nationality makes them “high-risk” clients.
— Some universities in the United States are barred from supporting research by academics, or other work by Cuban artists, writers, activists, and journalists who reside on the island.
— Faith-based groups have had their funds frozen, and their humanitarian supplies shipments blocked.
— People attempting to make a PayPal or Wise money transfer to their family in Cuba may have their funds frozen and accounts locked.
All these measures for mass punishment are carried out under a totally unfounded charge.
A nation that has been for decades a constant victim of terrorism is falsely branded as a country that allegedly sponsors terrorism! That shows the extent to which the real meaning of a word terrorism could be distorted.
Cuba, as a unique example, has been at the forefront of international solidarity with other peoples. And now, it is the time for all of us to stand by the side of Cuban people and government and demand: remove Cuba from the list of states which allegedly sponsor terrorism immediately!