FERNANDO Gonzalez Lort, member of the National Assembly of Cuba and President of the Cuban Institute for Friendship with the People of the World, (ICAP) was in Delhi on a three-day visit from November 5-7, 2024. He was returning after attending the 10th Asia-Pacific Solidarity Conference with Cuba held in Beijing.

In his three-day whirlwind visit, he interacted with students of various universities in Delhi and the all India leadership of student and youth organisations. He explained the current situation in Cuba and the effects of economic embargo on the small country. Though the country is small, he said it has got a big heart to fight and resist imperialist attempts to subjugate the country. He patiently answered various questions put by the students who wanted to know how the country is coping with the recent electricity crisis, the way youth are reacting to these attacks and how the government and the Communist Party of Cuba are able to retain confidence on socialism among them.

Fernando Gonzalez also met the leaders of the National Committee for Solidarity with Cuba and thanked them for the expression of solidarity. He particularly thanked the trade union mobilisations when the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) was discussing the resolution against the US imposed economic embargo. This was the 32nd time that the UN has adopted the resolution with an overwhelming number of countries supporting Cuba. Only two countries sided with the US – Israel and Moldova.

Fernando Gonzalez also attended a meeting commemorating the 107th anniversary of the Great October Socialist Revolution held in JNU. He spoke at length about the influence the October Revolution had on Cuba and on the revolutionary leaders. Lauding the achievements of the Revolution in the fields of education, health, science and technology, he said these ideals continue to inspire Cuba, which is committed to provide free health and education to all its citizens. In spite of all the difficulties, Cuba will not waver from its commitment, he promised.

Fernando pointed out that the US is trying to destabilise the country since the 1960s (when Cuba has declared the character of its revolution as socialist). For destabilising Cuba, they want to incite rebellion among the Cubans by pushing them towards hunger, poverty and destitution. This is the real reason behind the economic blockade, he explained. He vowed that Cuba will not be cowed down by imperialist attacks, but will continue its fight and resist.

MA Baby, Convenor of the National Committee for Solidarity with Cuba also spoke on the occasion and reminded the audience of the sacrifices that went in ensuring the victory of socialist revolution both in Russia and Cuba. The tremendous achievements registered by both the countries in the all round development of human capabilities – in art, sport, culture, women’s empowerment, health, education, science, technology, etc – are all a result of application of socialist principles. It is the duty of all the people in the world to stand in solidarity with such a humane society.

Fernando Gonzalez also met members of parliament representing various political parties and also leaders of the Left parties during this visit.

MA Baby, BV Raghavulu, both members of the Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) received Fernando Gonzalez in the Party headquarters.