In a congratulatory message to Fernando Gonzalez, President of the Cuban Friendship Institute (ICAP), on the occasion of National Rebellion Day (July 26), Chaleun stated that they continue to demand an end to the US blockade, standing alongside other peace- and justice-loving peoples of the world.

  He extended fraternal greetings marking the 73rd anniversary of the attacks on the Moncada Barracks in Santiago de Cuba and the Carlos Manuel de Cespedes Barracks in Bayamo to both ICAP and the Cuba-Laos Friendship Association.

  “The brilliant spirit of Moncada has become a tradition of constant and selfless struggle by the Cuban people to defend their socialist system, sovereignty, and independence, as well as their Marti-inspired and internationalist principles,” added this friend of the Caribbean nation.

  He noted that for more than six and a half decades, successive US governments have imposed and maintained a blockade policy against the dignified people of Cuba, including an energy blockade, new unilateral coercive measures, and intensified pressure against Cuba’s legitimate interests.

  While wishing success to Gonzalez and the entire Cuban people, Chaleun expressed his conviction that “the Revolution and the brave, patriotic people of Cuba, under the firm and resolute leadership of their Communist Party, continue and will continue to advance step by step toward new victories, just as they have done for over 66 years.”

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