Solidary Group Debates Strategies against US Blockade on Cuba

The National Network of Solidarity with Cuba (NNOC) in the United States debates on Saturday actions to demand the lifting of the blockade imposed by Washington against the island and other issues related to bilateral relations.

After opening last night at the University of Augsburg in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the annual conference of the organization, participants at the meeting are addressing the importance of resolutions endorsed by authorities in several US cities to demand the end of the economic siege on Cuba, which has already lasted for more than 55 years.

Alicia Jrapko, NNOC’s co-director, told Prensa Latina they are working to make more people aware of the need to lift the unjust blockade, and recalled that on October 31 a new vote will be held at the UN to condemn that hostile policy. ‘We need to be present there,’ she said.

She added that during the debates, which will close on Sunday, participants will discuss trips that network members want to make to Cuba next year, with special emphasis on the Venceremos Brigade, an initiative that will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2019.

They will also talk about preparations for the First of May Brigade, and there will be a discussion on the racial issue and the differences between that issue in one country and the other.

All participants in the event agree that it is necessary to put an end to the blockade, the travel ban that prevents Americans from going freely to Cuba and the subversive policy of regime change, while supporting the return to Cuba of the territory illegally occupied by the US military base in Guantanamo.

At the opening session, a message sent to participants was read by Republican Congressman Tom Emmer, who said he was confident that this event ‘will take us one step further in our coordinated effort to lift the blockade and improve bilateral relations.’