Paris protest urges France to oppose US sanctions on Cuba

Hundreds of people, including legislators, mayors, union leaders and activists, gathered outside the French National Assembly in Paris on 11 June. The demonstrators demanded an end to the United States' embargo and other hostilities against Cuba, chanting “¡Dejen a Cuba vivir en paz!” (Leave Cuba in peace).

The rally coincided with the submission of a resolution by French communist deputies urging the French government to adopt a stance against the U.S. sanctions. Deputy Stéphane Peu highlighted the need for the French parliament to speak out, while members of the French Communist Party called for stable commercial ties to mitigate the economic suffocation affecting Cuba’s energy, water and medical supplies.

The European convoy “Let Cuba Breathe”, which launched from Italy and began activities in Brussels on 10 June, took part in the protest, seeking broader European support for the Cuban people. Cuban ambassador Otto Vaillant Frías thanked the international solidarity and the medical and energy aid arriving on the island, rejected U.S. claims that Cuba threatens American security, and reaffirmed the Cuban populace’s resolve to defend its sovereignty.