S. African communist leader condemns U.S. blockade of Cuba

Visiting General Secretary of South African Communist Party Blade Nzimande on Monday in Havana condemned the U.S. economic blockade of Cuba, describing it as immoral and illegal.

Nzimande, who leaves Cuba on Monday, said that the blockade is an act of economic warfare and a violation of Cubans' human rights.

He said that South Africa would support a United Nations' resolution condemning "this inhumane policy and demanding its immediate elimination."

During a press conference, Nzimande also described the United States War on Terror as "selective," demanded the release of five Cuban political prisoners held in the United States, and wished Cuban leader Fidel Castro a quick recovery.

Castro temporarily handed power to his younger brother in late July so he could have an intestinal operation, which is the first time he has done so since taking power in 1959. He has not yet returned to work.

Nzimande said that his visit to the island has been a success, and deepened the 40-year-old friendship between the two nations' communist parties.

Source: Xinhua