Ankara - The banking system in Turkey, using US laws as pretext, has prohibited the Cuban Embassy from carrying out a transfer to Cuba, according to a complaint filed today by the Cuban diplomatic mission.

The embassy revealed in the communique that its attempt to send money to Cuba, in order to alleviate the damage suffered by the population after hurricane Matthew, was banned by the Turkish banking system based on 'the application of the rules of the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and the United States Department of the Treasury.'

The refusal, delivered on October 12th, came after several unsuccessful attempts in public and private financial institutions, all of which denied the service based on the above reason.

The embassy stated that the blocking of the transfer has affected 'the free functioning of the accounts of our mission,' and that 'this case shows once again that the economic, commercial and financial blockade is not simply a bilateral issue between the United States and Cuba.'

'Its extraterritorial nature is maintained and applied rigorously, with impunity and in frank violation of international law,' added the statement.

The statement also expressed concern that such measures were implemented by the institutions of 'a friendly country' committed to fighting the blockade imposed by US on Cuba.

Finally, it highlights the fact that the prohibition occurred days before the United Nations General Assembly votes on October 26th on a historic motion against the US policy.