Iran-Cuba Parliamentary Friendship Group Strongly Condemns US’ Anti-Havana Sanctions

Chairman of the parliamentary friendship group Mohammadreza Mansouri in a statement voiced the group members' all-out support for the people of Cuba in the face of the “domineering policies of Washington”, in addition to denouncing the unfair economic siege laid on Havana.

The Iranian Parliament appreciates the Cuban government’s efforts to protect its people from the inhumane consequences and material damage of Washington’s economic sanctions, read the statement.

The statement urged the parliaments of responsible countries to tap into their capacities to counter the unilateral and destabilizing measures of the US.

The Iranian foreign ministry had also in May lashed out at Washington for imposing fresh sanctions against Cuba, and stressed support for the Latin American country.

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Seyed Abbas Mousavi condemned the US hostile policies against Cuba, specially lifting of waivers on Title III of the 1996 Holmes-Burton Act.

“Once again, Washington proved that it takes advantage of any illegitimate instrument to put pressure on independent countries and despite disagreement of the majority of UN members about economic embargo against Cuba, the US sees no restrictions for imposing inhuman sanctions against a country,” Mousavi said on May 09.

He underlined Iran's support for the Cuban nation and government against the US sanctions and threats, calling on other countries to take effective measures against the US violation of the international law.

Effective May 2, the US administration lifted a longstanding ban against American citizens lodging lawsuits against foreign businesses that use properties taken by Cuba's Communist government since Fidel Castro's 1959 revolution.

Title III of the Helms-Burton Act had been fully waived by every US president over the past 23 years due to opposition from the international community and fears it could create chaos in the US court system with a flood of lawsuits.

The US is reportedly seeking to pressure the Havana government into giving up its support for embattled Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

The European Union and Canada, whose companies are the top investors in Cuba, particularly in the tourism and mining sectors, have denounced the Trump administration’s implementation of Title III of the Helms-Burton Act.