Havana, October 29 (RHC) -– The Executive Secretary of ECLAC, Alicia Barcena, condemned on Tuesday the economic sanctions imposed by the government of the United States against Cuba, stressing that with such policy of blockade the United States had lost more than Cuba.

“Cuba has resisted the U.S. economic blockade for over 50 years with a strategy of its own for the future, showing the United States has lost more with the blockade than the island,” Barcena assured attendants to a press conference, almost synchronized with voting at the UN General Assembly against the US economic blockade.

She highlighted the occasion couldn't be more ideal for this solidarity vote, given Cuba's towards economic reform and the development of new forms of production; something not recognized by various U.S. sectors, who are missing on an opportunity for beneficial trade and economic cooperation, she added.

Barcena added that a positive reaction from the United States would be very much welcomed, which would open economic, political and social spaces between both countries.

She also praised Cuba's position in the struggle against Ebola, as it has made a great contribution with the deployment of over 250 medical personnel to the affected areas in West Africa.

As for the ongoing reform of Cuba's economic and social model, Barcena described it as very positive, irreversible and on the right path.

Barcena, who arrived Monday in Havana, has already met with Cuban President Raul Castro and First Vice President Miguel Diaz Canel, with whom she discussed issues related to education and economic cooperation, as well as the recent summit of the Bolivarian Alliance of Countries of our America (ALBA) on Ebola, held last week in Havana.