The event, organized by the Network of Communists along with the left-wing youth groups Cambiare Rotta and Alternative Student Opposition (OSA), featured the participation of the Cuban ambassador to Italy, Jorge Luis Cepero, and the renowned economist and political activist, Luciano Vasapollo.

  During the book presentation, Vasapollo and Cuban researcher Melina Iturriaga, from the Center for Hemispheric and United States Studies at the University of Havana (CEHSEU), emphasized the value of this work, which compiles speeches delivered by Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro.   Iturriaga, co-author with Seida Barrera of the book “US Sanctions Against Cuba 2001-2020,” spoke about the main elements of the US economic blockade against the island since its imposition in 1962, with an emphasis on its intensification during the current administration of President Donald Trump.

  Vasapollo, co-founder of the Italian chapter of the Network of Intellectuals and Artists in Defense of Humanity (REDH), referred to the importance of the Havana Declarations, historic political manifestos proclaimed in Cuba by Fidel Castro in September 1960 and February 1962.

  The Cuban ambassador, who thanked the solidarity byvthe Italian people, denounced the aggressive and genocidal policy of the United States against Cuba as a violation of international law.

  He stated that despite being a peaceful country, in the face of any potential imperialist military aggression by the United States, the Cuban people will respond decisively, in legitimate self-defense, in accordance with international law, and with total determination until victory is achieved.

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