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Cuba: Hundreds of thousands protest US embargo in Havana

Cuba: Hundreds of thousands protest US embargo in Havana

From Die Zeit · (11m ago) German Critical tone

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Over half a million people demonstrated in Havana against the US oil embargo on May Day.
  • President Miguel Díaz-Canel and former leader Raúl Castro participated in the rally, calling for dialogue.
  • The US announced new sanctions against individuals and institutions supporting Cuba's security apparatus.

Havana vibrated with a powerful display of unity and defiance on May Day, as over half a million Cubans took to the streets to protest the suffocating US embargo. Standing shoulder to shoulder with the people were President Miguel Díaz-Canel and the historic leader Raúl Castro, underscoring the national commitment to resisting American pressure. The message was clear: Cuba demands peace and is ready for dialogue, but not on Washington's terms, and certainly not under the shadow of threats.

The rally, held before the US Embassy, was more than just a demonstration; it was a reaffirmation of Cuban sovereignty and resilience. The presentation of six million signatures – representing the will of two-thirds of our population – to Raúl Castro served as a potent symbol of our people's determination to defend themselves against any potential aggression. President Díaz-Canel's call for dialogue without preconditions resonated strongly, highlighting Cuba's consistent diplomatic stance.

Gemeinsam und geschlossen fordern wir Frieden und bekräftigen unsere Bereitschaft zum Dialog ohne Vorbedingungen.

— Miguel Díaz-CanelCuban President's statement on X during the May Day demonstration.

Meanwhile, the US, in a predictable display of its unwavering hostility, responded to our peaceful demonstration with further sanctions. President Trump's executive order targets individuals and institutions, aiming to cripple our economy further. This move, announced mere hours after our citizens voiced their demands for peace, demonstrates a clear disregard for Cuba's sovereignty and its people's aspirations. It is a stark reminder that while we seek peaceful coexistence, the US continues to employ coercive measures.

This latest round of sanctions, which includes measures against entities in the energy, defense, and financial sectors, exacerbates the severe economic crisis already gripping the island. The oil blockade, in particular, has led to widespread power outages and shortages of essential goods, impacting the daily lives of every Cuban. Yet, despite these hardships, our people remain steadfast. The international community should recognize that these US actions are not only detrimental to Cuba but also a violation of international norms and a hindrance to genuine dialogue and cooperation.

Hier hat Angst keinen Platz.

— Miguel Díaz-CanelCuban President's statement on X during the May Day demonstration.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.