Zimbabwe Should Take Lessons From Cuba on Sanctions

Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe and Fidel Castro of Cuba. The two nations have a long record of solidarity and mutual cooperation., a photo by Pan-African News Wire File Photos on Flickr.

Sanctions: Zim should take lessons from Cuba

Sunday, 27 January 2013 00:00
Sunday Mail Reporter

The Cuban government has implored Zimbabweans to continue fighting Western
imperialism and the economic sanctions on the country. Cuban Ambassador to Zimbabwe Cde Enrique Antonio Prieto Lopez said Zimbabweans should concentrate on boosting economic objectives by empowering youths.

Speaking at the 54th Anniversary of the Cuban Revolution and the 160th Anniversary of the birth of Cuban national hero Jose Marti, Ambassador Lopez said despite the illegal 54-year-old blockade imposed on Cuba by the United States, his country has continued to champion free health and education.

“Zimbabweans should take lessons from Cubans, who, against all odds, resisted and maintained their socialist conquests with free health care and education systems,” he said.

“We boast of having more than 56 200 collaborators serving in 101 countries and four overseas territories.

“Over the past three years, Cuba has assisted more than 3 000 Zimbabweans to graduate in different science professions and over 250 Cuban collaborators have assisted in the health industry.

“Currently, we have 55 collaborators in Zimbabwe helping in Chinhoyi, Marondera, Mutare, Gweru, Bulawayo, Gwanda, Chitungwiza and Harare.”

Ambassador Lopez said US terrorism and military aggression have cost the Cuban economy over US$1 billion and thousands of victims.

“Despite all these things, our economy has managed to grow by 2,1 percent, received close to 2,9 million tourists and managed to assist more than 29 300 young students in more than 115 countries.

“We have continued developing the biotechnology sector and improving the sugar industry.”

Speaking at the same occasion, Zimbabwe Cuba Friendship Association (Zicofa) chair Cde Fananidzo Pesanai encouraged Africans to rally behind Cubans in their fight against the illegal blockade.

“As Zicofa, we reiterate our profound gratitude to Cde Fidel and Cde Raul Castro and the Cuban people for having come to our rescue and to the rescue of many countries in the world during our time of need.

“As Zimbabweans, we believe that if yesterday we were helped it is now time for us to assist Cuba.

“We demand the removal of the blockage against Cuba and the liberation of the five imprisoned Cuban nationalists so that they can participate in the development of their country.”