Declarations from the Political Bureau member and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, regarding the presence of the United States in the Caribbean and its threat to the region

The exaggerated and aggressive military presence of the U.S. in the region constitutes a threat against Latin America and the Caribbean as a whole.

Driven by the Secretary of State, the principal and immediate target is the violent overthrow of the Government of Venezuela using U.S. military force, a highly dangerous and irresponsible action with unpredictable and incalculable consequences.

Given the manifest degree of threat, this constitutes a violation of International Law and the United Nations Charter.

With a military escalation, an international crime of the first order could be committed.

This aggression responds to a warmongering objective that is not shared by the majority of the people of the United States.

If war breaks out, where will the Secretary of State be? Does anyone really think he will accompany young soldiers to risk their lives in a battle that is not theirs? One would have to ask him if he ever completed Military Service.

The pretext of combating illegal drug trafficking is an unsustainable lie.

Such a concentration of naval assets, so large and sophisticated, with such a volume and power of destructive firepower, is not deployed to combat criminal organisations.

The U.S. Government could cause an incalculable number of deaths and create a scenario of violence and instability in the hemisphere that would be unimaginable.

The threat of war does not solve any of the internal political and economic problems of the United States; it distances the possibilities of a constructive relationship and understanding in the region, while demonstrating to new generations the old distrust of Latin American and Caribbean peoples regarding the ambitions of the powerful neighbour from the North.

Cuba denounces this military escalation in the strongest possible terms and reaffirms its full support for Venezuela.

We also appeal to common sense, to solidarity, to the spirit of peace and to the ethics of the international community.

We appeal to the people of the United States to stop this madness.