A CALL TO THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION

 

The Auckland Cuba Friendship Society wishes to add its voice to the international and worldwide condemnation of the actions of the outgoing Trump administration in listing Cuba as a “state sponsor of terrorism”. 

We call upon the incoming Biden administration to work towards returning to the Obama era's rapprochement with Cuba, when the important step to formally remove Cuba from the terrorism list was taken, leading to the restoration of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

 

The Auckland Cuba Friendship Society strongly rejects this act of aggression against Havana by an outgoing president, desperate to retain his power. He wished to retain the support of the conservative wing of the Republican party. Biden must counteract this cynical action.

 

The numerous sanctions against Cuba were tightened further by Trump during his presidency, and this final blow makes clear how ridiculous the entire policy is. Since the outbreak of the Covid 19 pandemic, no country has done more to ease the situation in other areas than Cuba. We note that nearly 40 countries across five continents have received help from the Henry Reeve International Medical Brigades during the pandemic as this small island nation again punches above its weight in bringing healthcare to those who need it. This is clearly medical diplomacy and not terrorism.

 

We join other countries and solidarity groups in calling upon the Biden administration to immediately remove Cuba from the list of terrorist states, and begin work to withdraw all the crippling and scandalous sanctions against this small nation.

 

 At this time of worldwide pandemic, solidarity between nations is the only way.

 

Auckland Cuba Friendship Society