10.04.2026 15:18
Cuban President Miguel Diaz Canel said in an interview with Newsweek magazine, "The U.S. government has no right to demand anything from Cuba."
Cuban President Miguel Diaz Canel stated that he will not resign from his presidential position despite threats from the United States, saying, "We have a free and sovereign state." During an appearance on American NBC News' "Meet the Press" program, the host asked Canel if he would be willing to resign if it meant "saving Cuba."
In response to the question, Canel replied, "Is this question coming from you or from the U.S. government's Department of State?" emphasizing that "the individuals in leadership positions in Cuba" are not chosen by the U.S. government.
"WE HAVE A FREE AND SOVEREIGN STATE"
Stating that he will not resign from his position, Canel said, "We have a free and sovereign state," and noted that he won the presidency not for personal ambitions but through the authority given by the people. Canel expressed, "If the Cuban people think that I am not suitable for this position, that I should not carry out the presidential duties, I will respond to them."
Pointing out that the Washington government applies a "hostile policy" against the Havana administration, Canel said, "The U.S. government has no right to demand anything from Cuba." The full interview is planned to be published over the weekend.
Speaking to Newsweek magazine during the week, Canel stated that the U.S. has no excuse to attack his country and that Cuba does not pose a threat to the Washington administration.
U.S. OIL BLOCKADE ON CUBA
U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on January 30 that imposes customs duties on all goods coming from countries that sell or supply oil to Cuba. The White House argued that this decision aims to protect U.S. national security and foreign policy interests against Cuba's "harmful actions and policies."
On February 1, Trump announced that talks had begun regarding the regulation of oil supply with the Cuban administration, which Cuba denied. The government had activated an emergency package to survive without external oil supplies.