Report: ANI Correspondent:
ISLAMABAD– Cuban Ambassador to Pakistan Damián Cordero Torres has urged the international community to support a United Nations resolution calling for an end to the US economic blockade against Cuba, saying the restrictions caused losses of more than $8 billion and severely affected healthcare, energy supplies and essential public services.
Addressing a press conference at the Cuban Embassy in Islamabad, Torres said Cuba suffered estimated losses of $8.083 billion between March 1, 2025, and February 28, 2026. He said recent US measures had further intensified economic challenges, particularly by restricting energy supplies and international financial transactions.
The Ambassador said power shortages and fuel scarcity had disrupted healthcare services, leading to the postponement or cancellation of more than 100,000 surgical procedures. He also cited difficulties faced by over 118,000 cancer patients, including 1,200 children, in accessing first-line treatments.
Torres maintained that the blockade violated international law, human rights principles and the UN Charter. He also criticised Cuba’s continued inclusion on the US list of State Sponsors of Terrorism, saying it restricted access to international banking services and increased transaction costs.
Reaffirming Cuba’s willingness to engage in dialogue with the United States on the basis of equality, mutual respect and national sovereignty, he said his country would not compromise on its independence or the right of its people to self-determination.
The Ambassador called on UN member states to support the resolution seeking an end to the longstanding restrictions and urged stronger international diplomatic efforts to address their impact on the Cuban population.
