Cuba Denounces US Grip on Puerto Rico
Cuba denounced to the UN on Monday the US attempts to strengthen its economic, political and social control on Puerto Rico by hindering its right to self-determination.

Cuban Ambassador Rodrigo Malmierca submitted the draft resolution to the UN Decolonization Committee on Puerto Rico"s case and highlighted its importance; confirmed by the massive attendance and the number of speakers on the agenda.

The diplomat said the UN has made its opposition clear along 30 years with 24 resolutions, which so far have been fruitless due to the US determination to ignore them.

Cuba"s draft resolution calls for the US to return to Puerto Rico all of its occupied land in Vieques and Ceiba, and assume the costs and effect of the cleanup in impact areas, in line with the serious consequences of US military activity for the local environment and the residents of Vieques.

The document also voiced concern at the violence against Puerto Rican freedom fighters and calls for an investigation of the September 2005 murder of Filiberto Ojeda Rios by FBI agents.

Another demand is the release of political prisoners that for 25 years have been jailed in US prisons because of their struggle for national independence.

The text also hopes the UN General Assembly will study the matter since Cuba contributes new elements and relies on proposals deferred at previous consultations.

Malmierca said this draft was made to achieve consensus, the most effective contribution to Puerto Rico"s fair struggle for its lawful rights.