Cuba speaks

As diplomatic relations are cautiously resumed between Cuba and the US, Comrade Jorge Luis Garcia outlines the challenges that face Cuba's people now.

Comrade Jorge Luis Garcia, political councillor of the Cuban embassy in London, speaks to a packed meeting organised by the CPGB-ML to mark the 62nd anniversary of the storming of the Moncada barracks and the victory of the Korean people over the aggressive invasion and occupation of their country in 1953.

Comrade Jorge points out that the last year has seen some changes in Cuba’s position, and thanks the CPGB-ML and British progressive workers for their support in pressurising the US government to release the Cuban Five.

The meeting celebrated the fact of their release and greeted with enthusiasm the news of their world tour to meet progressive peoples and governments in Africa and Latin America.

The Cuban representative also notes that while there has been a slight thawing of diplomatic relations, and the re-establishment of dialogue with the USA, the Obama administration remains the 11th successive US regime that seeks to overthrow the Cuban revolutionary government.

It still maintains its illegal blockade of the country, despite overwhelming world sentiment – often expressed at the UN – that it must end this criminal action.

Our chief demands must be the lifting of the blockade, the removal of US troops from the illegally-occupied part of Cuba and the closing US imperialism’s notorious torture camp, naval and military base at Guantanamo Bay.

CPGB-ML chair Comrade Harpal Brar introduces the speakers, who addressed the CPGB-ML’s international barbecue at Saklatvala Hall in Southall, west London, on Saturday 25 July.

The meeting was packed with supporters and party comrades of the CPGB-ML, who were also addressed by representatives of the Korean and Venezuelan governments and peoples, and by representatives of our party.

Workers of all countries, unite! We have nothing to lose but our chains; we have a world to win!