Do not designate Cuba as a 'sponsor of terrorism'!

Here is the translation of the text into English:

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Throughout its revolutionary history, Cuba has sent over 605,000 health professionals and technicians to 165 countries, providing medical care where the United States has imposed sanctions.

Over half a million Cubans joined the struggle for national liberation in Angola, contributing to breaking the hegemony of the South African army — a pivotal victory against the apartheid regime.

Cuba has also supported peace throughout Latin America, playing a crucial role in facilitating agreements between armed groups and governments, such as the Peace Agreement with the National Liberation Army (ELN) and the Colombian government.

Many are familiar with the U.S. economic blockade against the island, in effect since the 1960s as punishment for choosing an independent economic path. This embargo has inflicted over $140 billion in losses on Cuba over six decades, explicitly aimed at "depriving Cuba of money and supplies, reducing monetary and real wages, and bringing hunger, desperation, and government overthrow."

Less known is the fact that the United States re-designated Cuba as a "state sponsor of terrorism" at the end of Donald Trump's presidency. This label has had disastrous effects on the island, with international financial institutions sanctioned after BNP Paribas was fined $8.9 billion in 2015 for violating sanctions. Such designation has led banks to freeze Cuban funds and refuse payments even for permitted humanitarian activities.

The consequences are devastating. The Cuban people are deprived of access to basic goods: medicines, food, construction materials, energy, industrial machinery, and spare parts. This label has suffocated the Cuban economy, despite repeated promises of policy review; Joe Biden has maintained this punishment — a cruel and cynical policy that violates fundamental norms of international law.

For this reason, over 250 international organizations — including the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), Workers' Party of Belgium, Communist Party of Chile, and Movimento de Trabalhadores Sem-Teto (MTST-Brazil) — have joined their voices in a global appeal to remove Cuba from this list. A decision Biden could make with a simple stroke of the pen.

International solidarity and medical cooperation: Cuba has maintained an exemplary commitment to international solidarity through its medical mission, sending doctors and health professionals to emergency situations and countries affected by natural disasters. This commitment has been crucial especially in contexts where medical assistance is scarce or nonexistent.

Contribution to culture and education: Cuba has an important cultural and educational tradition that has allowed literacy among the population and the spread of education at all levels, without discrimination. Cuba has sent teachers and educators to the poorest and most forgotten corners of the planet to promote literacy in developing countries. This commitment has made Cuba an example in the world in terms of access to education and promotion of culture.

Environmental sustainability and social policies: Cuba has developed sustainable policies promoting the use of renewable energies, environmental conservation, and resilience to the effects of climate change. Additionally, it has adopted social policies aimed at ensuring the well-being of the population, despite economic difficulties imposed by the embargo.

Human rights and democracy: Despite challenges, Cuba has made significant progress in the field of human rights, including economic, social, and cultural rights. It has ensured access to health and education as fundamental rights, demonstrating commitment to improving the living conditions of its citizens.

Criticism of geopolitical double standards: The designation of Cuba as a "state sponsor of terrorism" has been criticized as politically motivated and based on geopolitical double standards. Other countries facing similar situations have not received similar treatment, raising questions about the consistency and fairness of U.S. foreign policy.

Appeal for international solidarity and social justice: The campaign to remove Cuba from the lists of "state sponsors of terrorism" is an appeal for international solidarity and social justice. It is an opportunity for the international community to demonstrate consistency in principles of national sovereignty, self-determination, and universal human rights.

Maddalena Celano