Dear comrade Emilio Lozada García
Head of the International Relations Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba

Dear comrades,

First and foremost, please allow me on behalf of the PCP, to thank you for the invitation to participate in this initiative and to convey warm and solidary greetings of the Portuguese communists to the Communist Party of Cuba and, through you, to the Cuban people in this very difficult time.

I would also like to extend a fraternal greeting to all those present.

The latest escalation of aggression by US imperialism against Cuba can only bring about very strong denunciation, condemnation and repudiation from communists and all democrats around the world.

There are no words to express how hypocritical Trump's proclamation is that the policies, practices and actions of the Cuban Government constitute a so-called “unusual and extraordinary threat” to the “national security and foreign policy” of the United States.

This unacceptable proclamation adds to the cruel, criminal and illegal blockade that the US has imposed on Cuba for decades, to Cuba's inclusion on the US's illegitimate and arbitrary list of so-called “state sponsors of terrorism”, and to the systematic interference and subversion that the US continues to wage against the sovereignty and rights of the Cuban people.

Each and every one of these measures and actions violate the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law and are repeatedly condemned throughout the world.

It is everyone's duty to state that it is the United States, not Cuba, that has been practising a policy of interference, aggression and state terrorism against other countries and peoples, as witnessed in Venezuela and Iran.

It is the United States, not Cuba, that disrespects and violates human rights and the rights of peoples and their sovereignty, as witnessed in its support for the genocide of the Palestinian people at the hands of Israel.

It is the United States, not Cuba, that poses the most serious threat to Peace and security for the peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean, the Middle East, Europe and other regions of the world. 

It is our duty to clarify that while the United States exports weapons, war, subversion, coups d'état, destruction, suffering and death, Cuba exports medical aid, solidarity, friendship, hope, alternatives and confidence in a better future.

The Cuban Revolution has always been this way throughout its history, an exhilarating affirmation of national sovereignty and independence, of building a new society, of free human beings, free from injustice and inequality, socialism.

And how many struggles for national independence? How many struggles against imperialist interference, destabilisation and aggression? How many struggles for rights, for better living conditions, for social progress? How many peoples have been helped solidarily by Cuba? 

Comrades,

We are aware of the difficulties, problems and enormous challenges facing Cuba. We are also aware of the serious threat posed by the offensive led by US imperialism against all the peoples of the world.

That is why we believe that the example of dignity, courage, sovereignty and solidarity that Cuba gives to the world, at a time when imperialism is sharpening its claws and speaking openly of neocolonialism and colonialism, takes on even greater importance and meaning.

It is impossible to separate the intensification of US aggression against Cuba from the broader plan of US imperialism to impose its domination on Latin America and the Caribbean, which includes military aggression against Bolivarian Venezuela and the abduction of President Nicolás Maduro, as well as threats against Colombia, Mexico and other countries – to whom we express our solidarity.

We therefore consider that the escalation of US aggression against the sovereignty and rights of the Cuban people also represents an increased threat to the sovereignty and rights of other Latin American peoples and those throughout the world.

It is therefore the duty of all of us to value the steadfastness of the Cuban people and their Party, the Communist Party of Cuba, who for decades have faced imperialism’s interference and aggression.

Cuba's resistance doesn’t just curb reactionary projects that seek to re-subjugate the Cuban people to imperialism.

Cuba's resistance raises awareness and shows that, even when violently attacked, it is possible to resist and move forward.

On our part, on behalf of the PCP, we will remain committed to solidarity with Cuba, with the Cuban people and their socialist Revolution, demanding respect for the sovereignty and independence of the Republic of Cuba and the rights of its people, including the right to decide their own path, free from external interference, pressure and threats.

Cuba is not alone!
Long live the Communist Party of Cuba!
Long live the Cuban people!
Long live socialist Cuba!