Cuba to remain independent despite U.S. pressure, urges dialogue - President Diaz-Canel
BAKU. Oct 25 (Interfax) - The United States' aggressive policy on Cuba is hindering the island's development, but Havana will not renounce its independence, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said at the Non-Alignment Movement summit in Baku on Friday.
"The U.S. aggression hinders out development and disrespects human rights in Cuba. The blockade continues, with new economic measures being undertaken every week. The U.S. is like pirates from a past century. We are not afraid of these threats and we will not yield to aggression," Diaz-Canel said.
"I want to note that we favor dialogue and stability. We will not renounce independence. We do not want to give away what we have. Because there is nothing left anymore to give away. These destabilizing [U.S.] efforts are undermining global peace," he said.
"[The U.S. is trying] to become a great power at the expense of free nations on our continent," Diaz-Canel said.
"During the Cold War era, they called us third world countries. Small countries turned into laboratories and arms trade points. They make decisions and want us to obey them. They invade countries under the pretext of fighting terrorism and installing democracy. New methods of psychological warfare are being used and conflicts stoked. They are trying to block our economic ties, initiating information wars," he said.
Havana supports Venezuela, North Korea, Iran, and Bolivia in countering the aggressive U.S. behavior, Diaz-Canel said.
"We also hope for a swift end to the war against the Syrian people and a sensible settlement of the Palestinian conflict," he said.