CNC November Newsletter
International Tribunal Against the Blockade of Cuba
On November 16th and 17th, the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples and The Left, a parliamentary group in the European Parliament, hosted the International Tribunal Against the Blockade of Cuba in the parliament of the European Union in Brussels, Belgium.
As quoted in People’s Dispatch, Cuba’s National Assembly and member of Cuba’s State Council, Homero Acosta, drew the connections between the genocidal policy targeting Cubans and the pressing events of the world today: “Comrades, my first words are for the Palestinian people that suffer a true genocide by Israel with the complicity of the North American government, the same one that has blockaded us for more than 60 years.”
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After two days of analyzing the facts, the judges presiding over the tribunal found that the blockade is illegal by international law and that it violates the UN Charter. According to Minrex, “they also reiterated their demand for the exclusion of Cuba from the unilateral list of countries sponsoring terrorism and reiterated their support for the Cuban people who are resisting the pressures and suffering the consequences of the criminal blockade, in violation of international law.”
This tribunal came after the United Nations General Assembly again voted overhwelmingly to condemn the blockade on Cuba, on November 2nd, 2023.
Cuba Continues its Solidarity with Palestine
On November 23rd, the people of Cuba marched in solidarity with Palestinians.
As Manolo De Los Santos said on Twitter/X, “Cuba is the only country in the world where the President leads a march past the US embassy with thousands of people in solidarity with Palestine while shouting support for the Palestinian liberation struggle.”
Two days before the march, President Miguel Diaz-Canel met with 144 Palestinian students who are currently studying medicine for free in Cuba. The students presented the President with a Palestinian keffiyeh as an expression of gratitude for Cuba’s unwavering support. Diaz-Canel reiterated that Cuba “stands and will continue to stand by the cause of the brotherly Palestinian people.”
In Havana, the José Martí Memorial in Plaza de la Revolución was lit up with the flags of Cuba and Palestine, a symbol of the shared struggle of both peoples against US imperialism.
Read the Canadian Network on Cuba’s statement on the genocide of Palestinians by the Israeli state here.
A Tribute to Fidel on the 7th Anniversary of His Passing
November 25th marked the 7th anniversary of Fidel’s passing. To commemorate the event, the Canadian Network on Cuba reached out to four prominent figures in the Cuba-Canada solidarity movement who have had the extraordinary experience of meeting Fidel face to face. The stories of these encounters were recorded and edited together in the video below.
CNC Members Out in Solidarity with Cuba!
Every month, our dedicated members head out to face the elements and show solidarity with Cuba to the rest of Canada as part of Puentes De Amor. This month was no different!
Around the Web
EU envoy says US sanctions in Cuba worsening human rights situation
Reuters, November 25th 2023
"It's hurting the human rights situation because it hurts people on the ground. The people who are impacted are ordinary Cuban citizens who have difficulty accessing food, medicines."
American singer Norah Jones excited about trip to Cuba
Prensa Latina, November 7th 2023
“I look forward to learning more about the country’s rich musical heritage and sharing my music through two shows at the historic Martí Theater on February 17 and 18.”
Mariela Castro: “Palestine Is and Will always be Arab Land”
Resumen, October 30th 2023
“The Zionist dictatorship of the terrorist State of Israel will not be forgiven by God or humanity. The people will never forget the cowardice of the leaders who opposed the cessation of the genocide in Gaza when it was approved by a resolution at the United Nations.”
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