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India slams US sanctions on Cuba
By Arul Louis
United Nations, Nov 2 (IANS) India has come out strongly against the decades-old US sanctions against Cuba calling it a “contravention of world opinion,” even as President Donald Trump wants to roll back the minor relaxations introduced by his predecessor, Barack Obama.
Trinamool MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay, told the General Assembly on Wednesday: “The continued existence of this embargo, in contravention of world opinion, as expressed by this Assembly, undermines multilateralism and the credibility of the United Nations itself.”
“As the world’s largest democracy with abiding faith in multilateralism, India stands in solidarity with the international community in its unambiguous rejection of domestic laws having extraterritorial impact,” he said.
He praised Cuba’s advances in the social and health fields calling them a “notable achievements of the Cuban people” that helped the nation achieve a high ranking on the Human Development Index.
Bandyopadhyay, who represents the Kolkata Uttar Lok Sabha constituency, is a member of the multi-party contingent of MPs in the Indian delegation to the current General Assembly session.
India’s objections centred around domestic laws such as the slew of US legislation going back to 1960 that unilaterally imposed sanctions on Cuba after the revolution led by Fidel Castro.
Domestic laws should not have an impact on other countries, it contends, while supporting sanctions by the UN.
“The international community needs to step up its efforts to promote an environment free from sanctions and embargoes,” Bandyopadhyay said.
Since 1992, the UN General Assembly has passed resolutions against the embargo with near-unanimous majorities. The resolution received 191 votes this year with only the US and Israel voting against it.
Last year the Obama administration abstained from voting on it for the first time signalling the thaw in relations.
But US Permanent Representative Nikki Haley said the US would revert to voting against the resolution.
“To those who are confused as to where the United States stands, let me be clear: As is their right under our constitution, the American people have spoken,” she said. “They have chosen a new president, and he has chosen a new ambassador to the United Nations.”
Haley, who advocates hardline policies, added: “As long as the Cuban people continue to be deprived of their human rights and fundamental freedoms – as long as the proceeds from trade with Cuba go to prop up the dictatorial regime responsible for denying those rights – the United States does not fear isolation in this chamber or anywhere else. Our principles are not up for a vote.”
India has close economic ties with Cuba. India’s Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu was in the Cuba’s capital, Havana, earlier this week to discuss developing trade and business relations and participate in Havana International Trade Fair.
Trade between India and Cuba was $43.1 million in 2016-17.
(Arul Louis can be reached at [email protected])
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.
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