The State Department renewed its praise for the contribution of Havana in the international coordination against Ebola, without clarifying whether it is willing or not to cooperate openly with the government of the island.
The US State Department spokeswoman, Marie Harf, declined to comment on whether or not there would be any kind of cooperation. She recalled that the chief diplomat of the United States, John Kerry, acknowledged how “Cuba has dispatched hundreds of health professionals to the region as part of the UN mission (…) and said it is a significant contribution to the response international in general. We have recognized and appreciated this contribution, like that of other countries. ”
“But the fact that such a small country is providing many resources-more than many other countries, frankly it is a significant contribution,” Harf said in a press conference at the State Department, but did not confirm if the United States will perform actions jointly with Cuba.
“I am not saying no. I am just saying that I have nothing more to you about those comments, “said the State Department spokesman to a journalist who asked whether Washington would accept Cuba´s invitation to cooperate in the fight against Ebola.
Cuban President Raul Castro expressed the readiness of his government to “work closely with all countries, including the United States” to stop the spread of the disease.
In an editorial on Monday, The New York Times lamented that “Washington, the main financial contributor to the fight against Ebola has no diplomatic ties with Cuba, since Cuba could end up doing the most vital work.”
“For the Obama administration, this dilemma has to emphasize the idea that the fruits of normalizing relations with Cuba involve many more benefits than risks,” said the New York newspaper.
David Nabarro, Special representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations for Ebola, believes that the government in Havana has the lead role in the UN strategy against the disease.
“Mr. President Castro, you said that the government of Cuba has taken the lead. I was just in the region and can tell you that Cuba´s response is extraordinary, “said the UN official, invited the Special Summit of ALBA-TCP on Ebola held in Havana.
“When deployment is complete (…) you will have sent 255 frontline workers to West Africa. This is more than those sent by Doctors Without Borders and the International Federation of the Red Cross, it is more than what the United States or the United Kingdom have sent, more than China sent, is the highest number, “he added.
The largest Caribbean island plays a more direct role in combating this deadly virus by sending this Tuesday a new group of 91 physicians to Guinea and Liberia, the epicenter of the epidemic which has seen increased number of infected and dead by the virus. With the arrival of these professionals will be 255 Cuban collaborators directly involved in the fighting to Ebola in the region of West Africa.
Well done Cuba! Luchen!