Sir Louis calls on US to extradite Luis Posada Carriles

Sir Louis Straker has called on the United States to extradite Luis Posada Carriles to answer charges of terrorism against Cuba and Venezuela.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2nd meeting of CARICOM-CUBA Foreign Ministers here in St Vincent and the Grenadines last Tuesday May 29th, Sir Louis said that the Caribbean States strongly condemn the safe haven given to Luis Pasado Carriles by the United States.{{more}}

He called on the American President George Bush to give actions to the words he spoke in a speech three years ago when he suggested that to support, feed or habour a terrorist makes one just as guilty as the terrorist.

Sir Louis also noted CARICOM’s condemnation of the 47-year-old blockade of Cuba by the United States, which he says has created tremendous hardship for the economy of Cuba and its people.

“In the international forum, CARICOM has expressed solidarity with Cuba in its struggle against isolation based on respect for the principles of sovereignty, independence, and non-interference in the internal affairs of States, which principles are enshrined in the United Nation Charter,” he said.

Stating that Cuba was an integral part of the Caribbean family, Sir Louis said that the unique relationship that Cuba has with CARICOM is based on solidarity and fraternity.

Along with dialoging on areas of cooperation, regional and international issues of mutual interest, Sir Louis said that the meeting was also geared at identifying new forms of collaboration.

He said that St Vincent and the Grenadines and the other CARICOM member states were all hoping for the speedy and full recovery of Cuba’s president Fidel Castro.

“Many of us have been habouring the thought that he would have made a tour of CARICOM countries so that we could express our gratitude to him, and show our affection for all that he has done for us,” Sir Louis said. (KJ)