Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula de Silva called for an end to the U.S. economic blockade of Cuba. The call came after Silva met with Fidel Castro, whom he described as being in good health.
The blockade has been in place for nearly 50 years. Initially, it was imposed in response to the nationalization of key industries and agriculture and has since been enforced as an act of aggression against the nation.
It is estimated that the blockade has damaged the Cuban economy to the tune of $86 billion. As a result of the socialist organization of production, however, the Cuban revolution has been able to remain steadfast.
Last year, the United Nations Children’s Fund announced that Cuba has a zero percent rate of severe child malnutrition.
The UN general assembly has voted nearly unanimously against the blockade for 18 consecutive years.
