WASHINGTON (PL).—The National Council of Churches in the United States has called on the White House to reconsider the aggressive measures applied against Cuba, according to a communiqué released by this organization.

In a letter to Secretary of State Colin Powell at the beginning of this week, Reverend Robert W. Edgard, general secretary of the council, specified that this action against the island will only strengthen “the policies that have failed for over forty years.”

Instead Edgard urged George W. Bush’s government to lift the economic blockade of Cuba as well the restrictions surrounding travel to the island.

The policies adopted will only delay official talks between the two countries, restrict relations between both peoples and limit contact between Cubans at home and in the United States, affirms the religious leader.

The letter stresses that the measures adopted by the president will increase tension between both nations and the fear of military aggression against the island.

He went on to say that as opponents of the blockade against the Cuban people they are completely against the measures that are set to go into effect as of June 30.

The NCC received a request from the Cuban Pastoral Forum, composed of 200 priests and pastors in Cuba, asking for its support in overturning these aggressive U.S. measures, the text reads.