Ecuador's Legislative Group Approves Resolution Against Blockade on Cuba

The Ecuador-Cuba Parliamentary Friendship Group today rejected the blockade imposed by the United States against the Caribbean nation, citing its extraterritorial effects which violate rights and hinder development.

The assembly members comprising the legislative group, led by Deputy Liliana Durán, approved a resolution this Thursday that includes denouncing this coercive policy against the island nation in other forums, particularly in the upcoming vote on the issue at the UN General Assembly.

The lawmakers urged the Ecuadorian executive branch to maintain its favorable vote for the resolution that each year demands the end of the blockade at the United Nations. They also called on the government to promote a bilateral agenda of cooperation with Cuba in health, education, culture, science, and sports.

Legislator Xavier Lasso recalled that for over 30 years, the majority of nations in the multilateral body have voted against the blockade; however, it is not a binding decision.

"This year we will be monitoring the resolution, and my expectation is that my country will be faithful and maintain its position against the blockade. From the Group, we will do everything possible to ensure this happens," Lasso asserted.

Parliamentarian Fernando Cedeño also expressed his expectation that Ecuador would maintain its historical position of voting at the UN against the set of coercive measures affecting Cuba, though he warned about the shift in Ecuador's foreign policy regarding causes such as those of Palestine or Western Sahara.

Meanwhile, legislators Nuria Butiñá and Mireya Pazmiño spoke about how Cuba has always made its mark in history by defending dignity, sovereignty, and social justice.

"It is a symbol of self-determination, struggle, and resistance," stated Pazmiño.

The Cuban Ambassador to Ecuador, Basilio Gutiérrez, thanked the support of the Ecuadorian National Assembly for his country through a space like the Interparliamentary Group, which allows for the strengthening of relations.

"The resolution approved here expresses the majority sentiment of the Ecuadorian people, who have always been sensitive and supportive of other nations, and we expect Ecuador's vote in support of the Cuban cause," the diplomat added.

Gutiérrez denounced how the United States is pressuring other governments to change their stance regarding the vote scheduled for October 29th at the UN General Assembly.

Washington has launched "a slanderous, mendacious campaign of information poisoning, aimed not only at distorting Cuba's image but also at generating pressure elements against third countries" so they do not endorse the resolution, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez warned the day before.