Cuba Is Not a Threat – the Blockade Is!

The Communist Party of Canada (Marxist-Leninist) congratulates Cuba, her government and entire people for the resounding vote at the United Nations on October 28 to end the all-sided U.S. blockade of Cuba. The role of the solidarity movements around the world demanding their governments take a principled stand is also noteworthy. In this country, Canadians and Quebeckers are relieved the Government of Canada also joined the rest of humanity by voting to end the U.S. blockade of Cuba.

The vote followed the debate in the United Nations General Assembly on October 27 and 28 on the resolution tabled by Cuba entitled "Necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba."

Result of the Vote

Following the debate on Cuba's resolution 130 countries voted in support of the resolution, 17 against, with 25 countries abstaining.

In the graphic below, 20 countries have no mark or a black square next to the name, suggesting they either could not vote for some reason or were absent. Two of these 20 countries, Afghanistan and Venezuela, are suspended from voting because their dues are in arrears. This accounts for all 192 UN member states.

Actions in Canada and Quebec Stand with Cuba

On the weekend of October 24 – 25 Canadians and Quebeckers organized actions in support of Cuba, and particularly to bring attention to the importance of Canada's stand at the UN. There were demonstrations, a car caravan and other actions in several cities including Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Calgary, Ottawa besides other places. The theme of the actions was Cuba Is Not a Threat – the Blockade Is! Demonstrators demanded that Canada stand with the Cuban people and all of humanity, for an end to the blockade and vote YES! to the resolution.

Montreal

On Saturday, October 24, Montreal answered the call! More than a hundred people gathered at 2:00 pm in the Quartier des Spectacles, following a call by the Quebec-Cuba Solidarity Coordinating Committee. Throughout the march, participants heard from representatives of the Central Council of Metropolitan Montreal (CSN), the Federation of Collective Action (CSQ), the Association of Cubans Residing in Canada, the Moroccan Association for Human Rights (Canada chapter), the Ukraine-Cuba Friendship Association, the International Centre for Workers' Solidarity (CISO), an elder from the Kanyen'kehá:ka nation (Kahnawake), and various member organizations of the Coordinating Committee. With the UN General Assembly vote on lifting the blockade approaching on October 28, the speakers urged Canada to take a principled stand -- consistent with international humanitarian law and the UN Charter -- by voting in favour of the resolution, as it has done for 33 consecutive years. A specific appeal was made for the public to contact the office of Prime Minister Mark Carney to urge the government to once again support the UN resolution.

The resistance, resilience, and indomitable spirit of the Cuban people in defending their sovereignty -- as well as Cuba's internationalism toward peoples around the world -- were also highlighted, serving as an inspiration to all. They serve as a call to intensify actions demanding an end to the inhumane, illegal, and genocidal commercial, financial, and energy blockade.

Throughout the march, people warmly received leaflets being distributed, which explained the purpose of the demonstration. "Yes, Canada must vote in support of Cuba!" they responded on many occasions. Amidst the honking of car horns and gestures of support from passers-by, the protesters made their way to the Guy-Favreau complex -- housing Canadian government offices -- before concluding their march in front of the UN's International Civil Aviation Organization offices, chanting all the while: Cuba is not a threat; the blockade Is!

Toronto

A lively picket was held across from the U.S. consulate in Toronto on October 25 to denounce the U.S. blockade and call on the Canadian government to take action to assist Cuba by sending aid, including fuel. Speakers gave information on the consequences of the blockade, its violations of the basic human rights of the Cuban people. Among those are the deaths of many, including children, because the energy shortage affects the functioning of the health care system, depriving the people of necessary medical care.

Speakers emphasized that Canada must vote in favour of ending the blockade on October 28 when the UN debates Cuba's resolution "Necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba." They stressed that Canadians have always stood with Cuba against the blockade and demand that the Canadian government maintain its stand of over 33 years and vote with the majority of Member States to end the blockade.

Winnipeg

Edmonton

(Photos: TML, @manitobacubasolidarity)

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