Nova Scotia Cuba Association

CANADA MUST UPHOLD  THE RIGHT TO  SELF-DETERMINATION! -Statement of the CNC  Canadian Network On Cuba, January 27, 2019 - The Canadian Network On Cuba (CNC) denounces Washington’s campaign of destabilization against the sovereign and legitimate government of Venezuela.

The efforts to overthrow the government of President Nicolas Maduro is a flagrant, blatant and unconscionable violation of the right of self-determination of the people of Venezuela.

Ottawa has not been a disinterested party, an innocent bystander. Canada's shameful hand has also been revealed. Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland has thrown the weight of the Canadian state behind the Trump scheme to re-impose U.S. imperial dominion. The shameful and naked alignment of the Canadian state with the criminal policy of the U.S. is deeply disturbing and alarming. By playing a leading role in orchestrating subversion, Ottawa has become an unapologetic extension of the U.S.State Department, engaged in open collusion and collaboration in the violation of fundamental principles of international law.

A core guiding principle of the CNC and and the Canada-Cuba solidarity movement is the affirmation of the inalienable right of all peoples and countries to determine their future and their political, economic and social system without external interference. This right is enshrined in the United Nations Charter, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Declaration on Principles of International Law Concerning Friendly Relations and Co-Operation Among States in Accordance with the Charter of the United Nations.

Washington's frenzied efforts to organize a coup has nothing to do with genuine solidarity with the Venezuelan people or democracy, but all to do with negating Venezuela's right to self-determination. The Trump regime's objective is to turn back the wheel of history by reasserting U.S. control and tutelage over that proud South American nation.

Canada's relations with all countries, especially those of the Americas, should be based on mutual respect and equality, not on outmoded colonialist ideas and practices. It is the right and only the right of the people and country of Venezuela - as for any other people and country - to determine without foreign intervention or the threat of foreign intervention what political and economic system they wish to live under.

The Canadian Network on Cuba calls on Canadians to reject the policy of subversion and economic aggression that Ottawa is pursuing. Please write to your member of parliament to urge Canada to reject any interference in Venezuela and an end to economic and political interference. We call for respect for the Maduro government democratically elected in May 2018. The Canadian people must stand with those countries who resolutely defend their sovereignty and independence rather than submit to imperial diktat and return to imperial dominion.

On behalf of the Canadian Network on Cuba Isaac Saney, CNC Co-Chair & National Spokesperson