28 October 1999 Edition

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Sinn Féin TD meets Cuban Foreign Minister

Sinn Féin TD Caoimhghín O Caoláin has called for a more proactive approach from the Irish government in opposing the U.S. blockade of Cuba. The Cavan/Monaghan deputy was speaking after a meeting in Leinster House with Cuba's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Filipe Perez Roque. Deputy O Caoláin said:

``Sinn Féin welcomes the formal establishment by the Irish government of diplomatic relations with Cuba. I conveyed to the Cuban Minister the view of many Irish people that this move by the Irish government is long overdue. I also assured him of our full support for the Cuban people's right to sovereignty and self-determination and our total opposition to the US blockade of their country which is causing so much real hardship.

``There needs to be a more pro-active approach by the Irish government at national, EU and United Nations level against the blockade. A great injustice is being done to the Cuban people and Irish representatives at international level should be to the fore in demanding that the blockade be lifted.''

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