Washington, September 30 (RHC)-- The National Network on Cuba in the United States (NNOC) condemned the reinforcement by the Donald Trump administration of the sanctions against the Caribbean island.

In a statement, the coalition said that the measures announced last week by the Republican leader constitute new aggression against the neighboring country and give continuity to the travel restrictions previously imposed.

The head of the White House announced on September 23 that Americans will not stay in government properties on the island or import alcohol and tobacco of Cuban origin and that they will have to request specific licenses for certain categories of travel.

The NNOC considered that the more significant and more troublesome impact is the prohibition on "persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction" from attending professional meetings and conferences in Cuba and general licenses allowing participation in cultural performances, clinics, and athletics other competitions.

The text noted that while these measures are purportedly aimed at financially harming the Cuban people, they, more importantly, deny U.S. citizens' rights to travel, study, and interact with Cubans on both academic and personal levels.

By prohibiting U.S. citizens from participating in conferences and meetings with their Cuban counterparts, scientific and academic research and collaboration are jeopardized, the network warned.

The solidarity coalition said that Cuba's medical advances in confronting Covid-19 are well known internationally. U.S. citizens could benefit if they had access to Cuban medicines, health care protocols, and treatments.

The NNOC highlighted the work of the Henry Reeve International Medical Brigade, whose members have served more than 35 countries and territories amid the current pandemic.

"Cuba has, for 60 years, rejected the hostile United States policy and never compromised its principals.  The NNOC has a 30-year history of solidarity with Cuba and supporting Cuban sovereignty.  We will continue this solidarity, we will continue to visit Cuba, we will continue to learn from the Cuban example, we will continue to demand an end to the economic, commercial, and financial blockade of Cuba." said the coalition.

After recalling that the U. S. policy toward Cuba has failed for 60 years, and the NNOC  30 years of solidarity with the island, the coalition vowed to continue to visit Cuba, to learn from the Cuban example, and to demand an end to the economic, commercial, and financial blockade of Cuba.