Pyongyang, October 22 (KCNA) -- Cuban Ambassador to Santo Domingo Alexis Bandrich Vega denounced on Tuesday the U.S. blockade as a genocide against Cuba and requested solidarity from the Dominicans in this struggle.

Saying that the U.S. blockade gives Cuba immeasurable sufferings, he branded these acts as national extinction.

He explained that the blockade has caused 975 billion USD in losses to Cuba and for 20 years the United States has failed to comply with the decision of the UN General Assembly demanding the end of that hostile policy that is in violation of all international regulations, besides failing in its attempt to destroy the Cuban Revolution.

Regarding the release of The Cuban Five, as they are internationally known, Bandrich said they continue in prison because Rene Gonzalez, who left prison on October 7, is now under supervised release for three years, banned from returning to Cuba and reuniting with his family.