The President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, urged the government of the United States to lift the economic blockade against Cuba as the best form of humanitarian aid. The declaration came in response to the US offer of assistance following Hurricane Melissa’s passage through the Caribbean island.
The head of state recalled the recent pronouncement by the United Nations Organization, in which 165 countries voted in favor of ending unilateral coercive measures against Cuba. Likewise, he emphasized that the international community has overwhelmingly expressed its opposition to these economic sanctions.
He further stressed that the immediate lifting of all restrictive measures would constitute «the best historical aid for a heroic and patriotic people.» This stance reiterates the Venezuelan government’s solidarity with the Cuban nation and its rejection of policies of economic pressure.
While the demand for an end to the blockade continues, Venezuela has already sent humanitarian aid to Cuba via the Conviasa airline. This action contrasts with the conditional offers from the United States and demonstrates Venezuela’s commitment to international cooperation without preconditions.