Díaz-Canel refuses to make political concessions amid U.S. pressure Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel has reaffirmed his refusal to make significant political concessions to the United States, despite escalating tensions between the two nations. In an interview with NBC News’ Kristen Welker recorded in Havana, Díaz-Canel emphasized that his government would not resign or alter its socialist system to meet U.S. demands. The interview, aired on Sunday, comes amid heightened diplomatic friction, with U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting the U.S. could “take Cuba” and framing the island as the next target for potential military action. Secretary Marco Rubio, leading U.S. negotiations, has called for economic and political reforms, including leadership changes, to ease sanctions. Díaz-Canel’s statements, however, suggest that any progress remains stalled. Díaz-Canel asserted that Cuba seeks dialogue with the U.S. but insisted that its political system is non-negotiable. He rejected calls for his resignation, stating, “I have no fear. I am willing to give my life for the revolution.” The Cuban leader also dismissed U.S. conditions for lifting sanctions, such as releasing political prisoners, holding multi-party elections, or recognizing free unions and a free press. “We have established that respect for our political system or constitutional order are issues that are not under negotiations with the United States,” he said. Díaz-Canel criticized U.S. interference, arguing that the Trump administration’s approach to Cuba is driven by prejudice and manipulation of narratives about democracy and human rights. The Cuban government has announced the release of 2,000 prisoners, but human rights groups report that no political prisoners have been freed.#donald_trump #marco_rubio #cuba #miguel_diaz_canel #justicia_11j
