Cuban FM Calls for Int’l Efforts to Prevent New US Sanctions

Havana, Apr 25 (Prensa Latina) Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez called on Thursday for efforts by the international community to avoid the effects of new US actions aimed at economically choke the island.

In Twitter, the Foreign Minister described the new measures that Washington will implement from May 2 as contrary to international law and Cuba’s sovereignty.

He also stressed that they threaten international peace and security, and the sovereignty of all states.

‘We call on Governments and Foreign Ministries to help prevent the negative consequences of new US sanctions, not only against international law and the sovereignty of Cuba, but also against international peace and security, and the sovereignty of all states,’ said the island’s chief diplomat.

In mid-April, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced Donald Trump’s government’s decision to activate Title III of the Helms-Burton Act, which allows to bring to US courts individuals and companies from third countries who have invested in properties nationalized in Cuba after the triumph of the Revolution 60 years ago.

Trump’s predecessors since William Clinton (1993-2001), who signed the Helms-Burton Act in 1996, avoided its implementation with suspensions that were extended every six months, due to the damages that its activation would cause not only on Cuba, but also on the United States and allies such as the European Union and Canada.

In response to Trump administration’s implementing it, Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell warned of a litigious phase between the United States and Europe and the World Trade Organization.

Similarly, the Mexican Government regretted the fact and affirmed that it will protect its companies that do business with Cuba or have an interest in it and that could be affected by the application of Title III of the Helms-Burton Act.

