Managua, June 3 (RHC)-- Cuba solidarity groups in Nicaragua are demanding an end to the U.S. blockade imposed on the island for over half a century and the return of the territory illegally occupied by the U.S. Naval Base in Guantánamo.

During the 14th National Solidarity with Cuba Encounter, held in Managua at the National Autonomous University of Nicaragua (UNAN-Managua), participants pointed out that the blockade remains intact, despite the reestablishment of diplomatic relations between Havana and Washington.

Prensa Latina reports that participating in the event were First Vice President of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP), Elio Gámez, and members of the Cuban diplomatic mission in Nicaragua.

Speaking during the encounter, Cuban Ambassador to the Central American country, Juan Carlos Hernández, noted that the event took place in the context of a special date on which the fraternal ties which unite the two nations, joined by history, were sealed: the 122nd anniversary of the birth of Augusto C. Sandino and the death of Cuba’s National Hero José Martí.

He went on to note that Nicaragua has been called upon to become the capital of solidarity on July 19, when leftist movements from across Latin America will descend on the country to attend the São Paulo Forum, taking place within the context of the anniversary of the Sandinista Revolution.

Speaking during the closing ceremony of the event, Gámez reiterated that Cuba will never betray the trust placed by its friends in the Revolution, nor will it return to capitalism or negotiate a single one of its revolutionary principles.

He emphasized: "Everything that we are doing in the country to update our development model, which has been subject to popular debate across all spheres, has a single objective – to strengthen the construction of our socialism."

Meanwhile, delegates to the encounter stressed that there Is no justification for the U.S. to continue to maintain its military base on the island, which has not only represented an affront to the Cuban people since it was established following the signing of the Platt Amendment, but also features a prison where torture and human rights violations are committed.

As such, the friendship groups called on those present to intensify work around the cause, above all through social media and in international forums.  Tribute was also paid to the legacy of Comandante en Jefe Fidel Castro, who represents a guiding figure for independence and anti-imperialist struggles across the continent.

The event brought together Cuba solidarity movements from Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Honduras, all of which highlighted the anti-imperialist legacy of the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution.

Meanwhile, they also reaffirmed their unconditional support and solidarity for the Cuban people and government, who after resisting for over five decades, continue to defend their Socialist Revolution and humanist values.

The event rounded off with the announcement of details regarding the Ninth Continental Cuba Solidarity Encounter, set to be held in Nicaragua in July 2018.