Puerto Rico Reaffirms Its Condemnation of the Criminal Blockade Against Cuba

The Sixth National Assembly of the Hostosian National Independence Movement (MINH) of Puerto Rico reaffirmed today its categorical condemnation of the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States against Cuba.

At the same time, the organization reiterated in a resolution its strong support and solidarity with the people and government of the Republic of Cuba, recognizing their right to live in peace, with dignity, and self-determination.

“The Cuban Revolution has been a beacon of sovereignty, self-determination, and dignity for the peoples of the Caribbean and Latin America, facing for more than six decades a hostile policy of economic, commercial, and financial blockade by the United States government, which has been repeatedly condemned by the international community,” the resolution stated.

The MINH urged the Puerto Rican people, progressive sectors, and the international community to strengthen ties of solidarity with Cuba in defense of justice, freedom, and the self-determination of peoples.

The declaration, approved Sunday at the assembly held at the University of Puerto Rico in Arecibo, categorically condemned the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed more than 60 years ago by the United States, as well as any form of interference, destabilization, or aggression that undermines Cuban sovereignty.

“Cuba has shown solidarity with the Puerto Rican people in their struggle for decolonization and independence, and has raised its voice in support of the Puerto Rican cause in international forums, including the United Nations Decolonization Committee,” the resolution affirmed.

The MINH also called for reaffirming the historic bonds of brotherhood between Cuba and Puerto Rico, and to “continue fighting for Caribbean and Latin American unity as the foundation for the liberation of our peoples, who share historic, cultural, and political ties that date back to the common anti-colonial struggle.”

It cited the ideal reflected by poet Lola Rodríguez de Tió when she wrote that “Cuba and Puerto Rico are two wings of the same bird, they receive flowers and bullets in the same heart,” an idea also expressed by Puerto Rican patriot Eugenio María de Hostos and reaffirmed by José Martí in his vision of a free and united America.

“The Cuban people have demonstrated courage, resilience, and creativity in the face of adversities imposed by imperialism, maintaining achievements in health, education, internationalist solidarity, and scientific development that serve as an example to the world,” the organization asserted.

The Hostosian National Independence Movement also reaffirmed the inalienable right of all peoples to determine their own destiny without external interference, as well as its opposition to the blockade and to any measure that threatens Cuban sovereignty.