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S. Africa calls for lifting of U.S. embargo against Cuba

Xinhua, July 4, 2015 Adjust font size:

South Africa on Friday called on the United States to immediately lift its unilaterally imposed blockade against Cuba.

"Only once the blockade is lifted will relations between these two neighboring states achieve its desired objectives," Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane said at a press briefing here.

She said South Africa unequivocally supports the call by U.S. President Barack Obama to the U.S. Congress to "work towards the immediate lifting of the trade embargo."

Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro exchanged diplomatic notes on Wednesday on the immediate re-establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries after a gap of more than five decades.

The two presidents committed to July 20 this year as the date for the reopening of embassies in their respective capitals.

"This historic occasion presents an opportunity to reset relations between the two countries," Nkoana-Mashabane said.

Outstanding issues still to be resolved should not dissuade both sides to find a comprehensive negotiated solution that respects the inalienable sovereignty of both states, she added.

As a staunch supporter of Cuba, South Africa has long been calling for the lifting of the U.S.-imposed embargo against Cuba. Endi