In a statement published on its website, the PCI voiced concern over pressure exerted by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump on various countries, urging them to shift from their traditional stance of opposing Washington’s policy toward the island.

  The party noted that the “clear and explicit objective of this tightening of the blockade—including the ‘oil siege’ that prevents the island from securing energy supplies—is to topple Cuban socialism and the Cuban Revolution, which, since 1959, have posed a constant challenge to U.S. imperialism from just 90 miles off its shores.”

  The political organization warned that these efforts could influence the Italian government’s position, and it urged democratic and anti-fascist forces, as well as solidarity associations, to take a firm stand against the blockade.

  The statement also announced that the PCI will join solidarity mobilizations for Cuba scheduled to take place in several Italian cities on October 27—the eve of the vote set to be held at the United Nations General Assembly.

  According to the party, the intensification of unilateral coercive measures and restrictions on oil supplies are intended to increase economic pressure on the island and force a change in its political system.

  The statement further denounces obstacles placed on remittances, travel by U.S. citizens to Cuba, and commercial and financial transactions involving third countries.

  The PCI, which has defended Cuban medical cooperation, also criticized the inclusion of Cuba on the spurious U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism—a measure that hinders international transactions and exacerbates the impact of the economic siege.

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