Foreign Affairs Minister Addresses Cuba Sanctions

Courtenay also spoke on the lifting of the embargo against Cuba, the inclusion and acceptance of Taiwan, as well as the urgent need for a Sarstoon Protocol for Belize and Guatemala.  As it relates to Cuba, the Foreign Affairs Minister asked that sanctions be lifted against Cuba.

Eamon Courtenay, Minister of Foreign Affairs: “Belize repeats its call for the immediate lifting of the illegal, immoral and unjust commercial, financial and economic blockade imposed on Cuba. The designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism by the United States of America is evil and pernicious. We deplore it. We condemn it and we call for its immediate removal. In the post cold war dispensation the American policy has no other objective but to cruelly punish ordinary Cubans and stifle their sustainable development aspirations. Indeed the increasing imposition of unilateral coercive measures against Venezuela and other developing countries is both illegal and a significant obstacle to development. Mr.President for more than half a century the international community and the United Nations have failed to deliver a peaceful and secure state for the Palestinian people. Consequently the people of Palestine continue to suffer the indignities and illegal occupation and Israeli apartheid. I reiterate Belize’s full support for the realization of an independent Palestinian state within its 1967 borders with all attendant rights including the recognition of East Jerusalem as its capital and the right of return.”