He remembered that Peru was one of the first nations to recognize Cuba’s independence in the 19th century.

Furthermore, in 1960, Foreign Minister Raul Porras Barrenechea—despite his conservative leanings and instructions from the government of the time to push for Cuba’s expulsion from the Organization of American States (OAS)—refused to do so, upholding the principles of self-determination and the sovereignty of nations.

“Since 1992, Peruvian governments of all political stripes have voted every year in favor of the United Nations resolution against the economic, commercial, and financial blockade of Cuba—setting aside ideological considerations and adhering to the principles championed by Porras Barrenechea,” he explained.

Lerner also noted that, regardless of ideology, it is unthinkable that Peru would abandon this long-standing position in its foreign policy during the UN debate and vote on the matter.

“Especially at a time when the United States blockade has intensified significantly, causing great harm to a sister nation like Cuba—a country that has so often shown solidarity with Peru,” the former Prime Minister added.

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