Carry humanitarian aid and supplies to Cuba by sea, through a flotilla, is a task that entails “real political risks,” he said in a telephone interview with EFEand from Rome (Italy), David Adler, general coordinator of the Progressive International and one of the organizers of the initiative that seeks to set sail next month for the Caribbean island.
The initiative — in which a coalition of social groups and unions participate — seeks to create a “movement” of solidarity on the continent with “the Cuban people,” and this leads them to confront “the most powerful country in the world,” said the activist.
The United States passed an executive order last month to impose tariffs on any country that supplies oil to Cubaan island already suffocated by an embargo imposed by Washington since 1962.
He oil blockade has caused a devastating impact in the Caribbean country, affecting hospitals, public services and food distribution. This Friday the UN already described Washington’s measures as a violation of human rights.
What does the “Our America” Flotilla towards Cuba represent and what are its main objectives?
This flotilla It is more than a mission: it is a movement. Our goal is to use maritime mobilization to deliver humanitarian aid (food, medicine and supplies) and, at the same time, pressure governments to meet their obligations under international law. We seek to break the siege against Cuba and promote popular diplomacy based on solidarity.
You have compared the situation in Cuba with that in Gaza. Because?
We are seeing how the siege of Gaza, which deprives this small occupied territory of access to food and energy, light and fuel, is now being applied to the island of Cuba. Restricting any type of access, even prohibiting its population from having the fuel necessary to maintain basic infrastructure and food to feed their families. We cannot allow the strategy applied in Gaza to be replicated anywhere else in the world. We cannot allow these systematic violations of international law to become normalized in our international system.
Just like you, some people who participated in flotillas to Gaza are also involved in the mission. What does that experience contribute?
We have very close coordination with those preparing missions to Gaza and many of their main members are also involved in the cause for Cuban self-determination. They will provide the technical and nautical experience necessary to pull this off.
“It’s going to get worse.” Transportation crisis after the oil blockade of Cuba
What has the international response been like since the initiative was launched?
Millions of people around the world are watching what is happening in Cuba with indignation and despair. How is it possible that the United States can promote a policy of collective punishment with such obvious and evident humanitarian consequences for parents and newborns, for the elderly and sick, for homes, for hospitals, for schools, and still want to get involved?
Do you fear risks, given the increase in the US military presence in the Caribbean?
Yes, there are real political risks for the people who participate in this flotilla, given the US aggression towards the Cuban people in the Caribbean and also its efforts to criminalize solidarity movements with Cuba. We must be very clear that this is a confrontation with the most powerful country in the world and we must have the moral clarity to defend humanity.
Have you received any official response from the US Government?
Not publicly, but we expect negative reactions, especially from Republican sectors and their allies. The irony of all this is that one of the arguments that has been given the most to defend the embargo is that there are exceptions for humanitarian aid. We will follow the law and the regulations of the Office of Asset Control (OFAC). But we still expect them to invent any kind of excuses to discredit the mission.
International flotilla is organized with humanitarian aid for Cuba: “The Cuban people are not alone”
