Cuba's Diaz-Canel calls U.S. sanctions 'political genocide'

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel issued a strong condemnation of Washington's oil embargo and hardened sanctions on Sunday, labeling the U.S. policy as "political genocide."

Diaz-Canel criticized a recent U.S. State Department report that accused Cuba of infiltrating the U.S. government and supporting "an unprecedented wave of leftwing terrorism on American soil." He argued that the accusations are a scapegoat tactic by the Trump administration to deflect from domestic economic issues and to justify its policies against Cuba.

"By accusing Cuba, they are not only looking for a scapegoat, an external agent. They are looking for someone to blame for the protests of the sectors hardest hit by an economy that makes the rich richer and the poor poorer," Diaz-Canel stated. "They are looking for a new excuse to sustain their political genocide against Cuba."

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By accusing Cuba, they are not only looking for a scapegoat, an external agent. They are looking for someone to blame for the protests of the sectors hardest hit by an economy that makes the rich richer and the poor poorer. They are looking for a new excuse to sustain their political genocide against Cuba.

The speech highlighted escalating tensions between Havana and Washington. The U.S. oil embargo and expanded sanctions have exacerbated Cuba's worst economic crisis in decades, leading to widespread rolling blackouts and fuel shortages. Diaz-Canel's remarks were part of government celebrations for the 73rd anniversary of the 1953 uprising against the U.S.-backed dictator Fulgencio Batista.

The island's economic crisis has caused numerous international companies, particularly in tourism and finance, to cease operations in Cuba. The depleted fuel supply has resulted in national grid collapses, crippled public transportation, and led to the early end of the school year. Washington, however, blames the Cuban government for economic mismanagement and a lack of infrastructure investment.

Diaz-Canel appealed for an end to the sanctions and oil blockade, expressing gratitude to international groups that have provided humanitarian aid. "Let Cuba live in peace, and also let the noblest of the American people, who have historically fought for the human rights of other peoples, without expecting recognition and often facing persecution, imprisonment, and risks to their lives, live in peace," he said.

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Let Cuba live in peace, and also let the noblest of the American people, who have historically fought for the human rights of other peoples, without expecting recognition and often facing persecution, imprisonment, and risks to their lives, live in peace.