Radio Cadena Agramonte emisiora de Camagüey
Beijing, Mar 19th. - China's Foreign Ministry today criticized the recent U.S. measures against Cuba and its medical missions, calling them coercive and hegemonic.
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning rejected the extension of visa restrictions to Cuban and third-country officials related to medical services abroad.
Mao stressed that Washington's accusations of forced labor in Cuban medical programs are unfounded.
The diplomat recalled that, for more than 60 years, the Caribbean country has sent more than 600 thousand health professionals to 60 nations, including those in the Caribbean.
These workers provided medical care to more than 230 million people, performed more than 17 million surgeries and saved at least 12 million lives.
Mao noted that Cuban medical services have been well received by governments and populations in the region.
The spokeswoman stressed that the charge of forced labor is an excuse used by Washington to repress countries with different positions.
She added that these actions are part of more than six decades of blockade and sanctions against Cuba, policies that have recently intensified.
China urged the United States to immediately halt enforcement measures against Havana, remove Cuba from the list of states sponsoring terrorism and make decisions that would promote the improvement of bilateral relations.
She also called on Washington to contribute constructively to the development of Caribbean countries.
Leaders of the Caribbean Community have previously expressed their opposition to this U.S. measure to attack the Antillean nation's medical missions.
The work of Cuban professionals around the world has also been recognized by the Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization, especially for its high social impact on nations with limited medical services. (Text and photo: PL)
