Ottawa Cuba ConnectionsOn April 17, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that the Trump Administration will end the suspension of Titles III and IV of the Helms-Burton Act. The announcement comes on the 58th Anniversary of the failed military invasion at the Bay of Pigs on April 17, 1961, organized by the CIA to overthrow the revolutionary government of Fidel Castro. The U.S. led invasion was defeated by the Cuban people in less than 72 hours.
The Helms-Burton Act was passed by the U.S. Congress in 1996 for the sole purpose of restricting Cuba's economic, commercial and financial relations with third countries, as well as its capacity to attract foreign investment to develop its economy. Title III authorizes U.S. nationals to bring action before U.S. courts against any foreign citizen that is "trafficking" in U.S. properties that were nationalized in Cuba in the 1960's. The process by which these properties were nationalized was legitimate which was recognized by the U.S. Supreme Court itself. It was found to be in full adherence to not only Cuba's national legislation but also International Law. Until now U.S. Presidents have used executive powers to suspend implementation of Title III every six months. This is because it was seen to be a gross violation of international law and the sovereignty of other states and also because the implementation of it hinders any further solution to claims and compensation sought by some U.S. businesses. This Act has been rejected almost unanimously by the international community at the United Nations, specialized international bodies and regional organizations, such as the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the African Union. Several countries of the EU as well as Canada, Mexico have passed their own national laws to cope with the extraterritorial effects of this Act. Both the EU and Canada have said they will protect the businesses of their nationals harmed by the application of Title III. For more than 20 years, the Helms-Burton Act has guided the interventionist efforts of anti-Cuban sectors in the U.S. to attack the Republic of Cuba and undermine its sovereignty. By virtue of its implementation, hundreds of millions of dollars have been allocated to subvert Cuba's internal order, and countless measures have been proposed to bring about a change of regime. Its economic impact has seriously affected the country's development efforts as well as the well- being of the population. Thanks to Cuba's social programs and system of social justice, the ramifications on people's lives have not been worse. We join with the Cuban people and peoples of the world in categorically condemning this barbaric, hostile and illegal attack against the Cuban nation. We stand in solidarity with the Cuban people who have faced many difficulties and have always fought with courage and principle to defend their freedom. Fidel declared, "We Cubans are made of iron and can resist the most difficult trials." This further U.S. attack destined to force regime change in Cuba and take revenge for its continued support of Venezuela against attempts to achieve regime change in that country are bound to fail. No to Helms-Burton!
This article was published in Article Link:   Website: www.cpcml.ca Email: editor@cpcml.ca |
The implementation of
Titles III and IV of the Helms-Burton
Act is a further intensification of the all-sided economic,
commercial and financial blockade of Cuba by the U.S. This action
is not only an attack on the Cuban people but also a direct
attack on the sovereignty and well-being of third countries
including Canada. As such it is an additional serious violation
of international law.