Sir, - An intensified and illegal US economic blockade, preventing oil and other essential products from reaching Cuba, has created an unprecedented humanitarian crisis for 10 million people on the Caribbean island. While a US blockade of Cuba has been in place for 64 years, the most recent restrictions on oil imports have resulted in daily electricity blackouts, food shortages and the closure of hospitals, schools and workplaces. The blockade, which is in breach of international law, follows the illegal abduction of Venezuelan president, Nicolás Maduro and his wife, in Caracas earlier this year and their detention in the US. This followed the interception by the US of vessels carrying oil from Venezuela, including to Cuba. It must call on the US administration to immediately lift the illegal blockade of Cuba and provide the supplies of fuel, food and medical aid required to alleviate the suffering of its people.
