US National Network on Cuba demands an end to US blockade

Activists of the US National Network on Cuba condemned Washington´s economic blockade against the island on Wednesday in Havana during a meeting at Casa de la Amistad.

Kenia Serrano, President of the Institute of Friendship with the Peoples, ICAP, welcomed the solidarity activists on behalf of the Cuban people and thanked them for their struggle for the release of the Cuban Five.

"They are back, she said, thanks to you", making reference to the US solidarity activists.

Fernando Gonzalez, Vice President of ICAP, and one of the Cuban Five also thanked the activists for their support and stressed that their release was the culmination of years of struggle, international solidarity and resistance of the Cuban people.

Nalda Viggezi, one of the five co-Presidents of the National Network on Cuba said that the Caribbean island has earned international support and recognition thanks to its model of Revolution.

She added that Cuba has offered and achieved education, health and wellbeing for its people and shares its achievements in other parts of the world. "While we celebrate the return of the Cuban Five we need to look forward, the US blockade is still in place and we must fight for this criminal policy to end", said Nalda.

Representatives from organizations like Casa de las Americas, National Lawyers Guild, International Committee for the Release of the Cuban Five, among other solidarity groups in the United States pledged that they will do all they can to fight for an end to the criminal blockade and push for a change of policy towards the Caribbean nation.

Alicia Jrapko, member of the International Committee for the Release of the Cuban Five said that now that Ramon, Rene, Fernando, Gerardo and Antonio are back home with their families, we must continue our struggle to end the blockade and demand the return of Guantanamo back to its legitimate owners, the Cuban people.

The US solidarity activists will celebrate International Workers Day with the Cuban people on Friday and will also carry out a number of activities on the island.