Statement of the State Duma on the Escalation of United States Policy Toward the Republic of Cuba

The deputies of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation express deep concern over the recent increase in tensions surrounding the Republic of Cuba, which they attribute to unprecedented, unfounded, and internationally unjustified pressure exerted by the United States of America on the Island of Freedom.

The continued economic and financial restrictions imposed by the United States on the Republic of Cuba, together with what has become an increasingly comprehensive energy blockade, constitute, in the view of the State Duma, interference into the affairs of the Sovereign State, serving as an example of conducting interstate relations based on unilateral coercive measures, and run counter to the rules of international law and the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. The current course pursued
by the United States administration has, in the opinion of the deputies, further aggravated the already difficult humanitarian and socioeconomic situation the Cuban people face. Particular concern is caused by the deployment of a United States Navy carrier strike group in the Caribbean region.

The State Duma considers these actions to be aimed at exerting economic and military pressure on the Cuban leadership in an effort to secure political concessions and influence the country’s internal political development with the purpose of establishing subsequent control over it.

The deputies of the State Duma reaffirm their solidarity with the people of Cuba, the leadership of the friendly nation, and their colleagues in the National Assembly of People’s Power and the Council of State of the Republic of Cuba and express support for Cuba’s efforts to safeguard its independence and its sovereign right to determine its own path of development. The State Duma further reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the continued strengthening of the strategic partnership between the Republic of Cuba and the Russian Federation, as well as to the expansion of bilateral cooperation and mutual support.

The deputies of the State Duma call for the immediate cessation of all forms of political and economic pressure on the Republic of Cuba and urge an end to the American practices based on coercion and threats in international relations.

The deputies of the State Duma also call upon the United Nations, international parliamentary organizations, and national parliaments around the world to condemn the United States policies that increase tensions around Cuba and to encourage Washington to lift without delay the trade, economic, financial, and energy restrictions imposed on the Island of Freedom.