Sir, On my return from a visit to Cuba I read with amazement that President Clinton intended to light a candle in memory of those who died in the Famine. My amazement stems from the utter hypocrisy of Clinton, who has presided over so many embargoes and blockades of so many countries during his terms in power, causing death and misery to millions of people.
There are many Irish descendents in Cuba. In Santiago de Cuba I spoke to an Irish descendant (Alfredo O'Callaghan) who informed me that about 30 Irish families arrived in Cuba after the Famine. These Irish descendents are today on the receiving end of the longest blockade in history - a blockade which has been intensified twice by Clinton since 1993, most recently via the Helms/Burton Act.
The European Parliament as far back as 1993 declared that "... the economic, trade and financial embargo imposed by the United States [against Cuba] is affecting the civilian population above all, depriving them of food, medicines and basic necessities".
The purpose of the US blockade of Cuba - which includes prohibitions on the sale of food and medicines is to create a famine in Cuba. Is there no end to US hypocrisy? And is there no limit to the pretexts we use as an excuse to kiss Clinton's behind? - Yours, etc.,
Co-Ordinator,
Cuba Support Group,
Merrion Square,
Dublin 2.