Cuba analyzes effects of US blockade on communications

 HAVANA, Cuba, Jul 30 (ACN) A meeting was held in Havana to deepen in the difficulties caused by the economic, commercial and financial blockade of the U.S. government in the communications sector.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the Ministries of Communication (MICOM) and Foreign Affairs (MINREX by its Spanish acronym), as well as executives of the companies that are part of the sector.

Josefina Vidal, deputy minister of MINREX, detailed the different stages of the blockade of the U.S. government against Cuba and argued the aggressiveness of this interference policy implemented decades ago.

She added that what began as an embargo in the commercial sphere, subsequently covered the different sectors of the country's economic life and harms the population in the health, economic and social spheres.

Mayra Arevich Marin, Minister of MICOM, added that as officials they should explain to the population the effects of the blockade so that they are aware of the influence of this measure on the country.

Tania Velazquez, president of Empresa de Telecomunicaciones de Cuba (ETECSA by its Spanish acronym), said that the entity is facing a loss of income that not only affects them as an organization but also influences the services they provide.

She stated that access to technologies is hindered by the obstacles to which they are exposed and that the relationship with the different suppliers is affected by the pressure they suffer if they do business with Cuba.

Ariadne Plasencia Castro, president of the Informatics and Communications Business Group, pointed out that there is interference in technological sovereignty and there are limitations in the development of software.

Pablo Julio Pla Feria, president of Correos de Cuba, reflected that the problems in parcel shipments to Cuba from abroad mainly harm the population because Cubans living in the United States have to pay a higher percentage for the shipments, since the operation is carried out by private agencies or third countries.

He informed that Correos de Cuba is hindered in its financial operations with other countries because the banks refuse transfers due to the policy of harassment.

The blockade imposed by the U.S. government on Cuba hinders the development of the Island in all aspects and provokes the discontent of the population, as one of the objectives of the imperialist elites of the North to destabilize the country.