The National Network on Cuba (NNOC) welcomes the announcements that the United States and Cuba will reopen embassies in both countries. The opening of formal embassies and the appointment of ambassadors are important gestures of mutual respect.
While this is a significant gesture, the NNOC as a Cuba solidarity organization, continues to insist on full recognition of Cuban sovereignty and self-determination. This includes completely lifting the unilateral and illegal United States economic, commercial and financial blockade of Cuba . We call on Congress to act now to remove all travel and trade restrictions.
It is inconsistent with mutual respect to occupy territory or fund regime change programs aimed at another sovereign country, thus we demand the return of the Guantanamo naval base to Cuba and defunding of USAID, National Endowment for Democracy, Radio and TV Marti and other such programs.
The 26th Pastors for Peace Friendshipment Caravan and 46th Venceremos Brigade – both member organizations of the NNOC – are preparing to travel to Cuba this month to assert the right of U.S. residents and citizens to freely travel to Cuba as with every other international destination without U.S. government restrictions. We support them.
The reestablishing of formal diplomatic relations and the opening of embassies is a recognition that a vocal minority in congress can no longer deny the overwhelming sentiment of the people of the United States .
Nalda Vigezzi
Banbose Shango
Franklin Curbelo
Cheryl LaBash
Alicia Jrapko
