Namibia welcomes Cuba, US diplomatic relations

The Namibian government has joined world leaders in welcoming a historic move by the US to end more than 50 years of hostility towards Cuba and restore diplomatic relations. On Wednesday, US President Barack Obama announced moves to “normalise” his country’s diplomatic ties with Cuba. In a brief statement yesterday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Obama’s decision was a demonstration of political courage, statesmanship and foresight. Government also welcomed the exchange of prisoners between the two countries. The US earlier on Wednesday freed three convicted Cuban spies in return for the release of US foreign aid worker Alan Gross, imprisoned in Cuba in 2009, and of an intelligence agent who spied for the US and had been held for nearly 20 years. “The re-establishment of full diplomatic relations between the two countries closes a chapter characterised by Cold War anachronism. It also opens a new era of cooperation based on mutual respect for the independence and sovereignty of each country,” the statement read. “The Government of the Republic of Namibia, like the overwhelming majority of UN member states, has consistently been calling for the removal of economic, financial and commercial blockade on Cuba and the normalisation of trade between the two countries. “In the spirit of this historic decision, the Government of Namibia calls on the US Congress to follow the bold leadership of President Obama and repeal all legislation on the economic and financial blockade on Cuba and any other forms of sanctions or restrictions against Cuba.” WINDHOEK STAFF REPORTER