Havana, October 19 (RHC)-- More than 220 representatives from Cuban civil society organizations demanded an immediate, unconditional end to the U.S. blockade of Cuba, during a forum held Wednesday, at the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the meeting, Deputy Foreign Minister Abelardo Moreno Fernández reiterated that there is no Cuban family or organization that has not suffered, one way or another, the impact of the blockade, which has caused damage valued at more than 130 billion dollars, at current prices, since its implementation almost six decades ago.

The Cuban senior diplomat underscored that since the process of normalization of relations between the two countries began in 2014, there has been limited progress, although the illegal policy has remained in effect, and has been fully enforced by the United States government.

“Since Donald Trump assumed the U.S. Presidency, the blockade has been further reinforced, tightened, even as it widely recognized as a gross violation of international law. Our people will not cease to demand its total elimination,” he said.

Artists, athletes, and representatives of social organizations, NGOs and other non-governmental institutions in attendance expressed their support for the Cuban-sponsored draft resolution that will be debated and voted on at the UN General Assembly this coming November 1st, on the need to put an end to Washington's hostile policy toward Cuba.