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Defiant Stance
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel told NBC's Meet the Press that he is not stepping down despite mounting pressure from the Trump administration.
“Stepping down is not part of our vocabulary”
When asked if he would be willing to step down to save Cuba, Díaz-Canel responded by asking if the question was coming from the State Department.
He insisted that Cuba is a free sovereign state and that its leaders are elected by the people, although Cuba is a one-party system.
The interview came as the Trump administration has been ratcheting up pressure on Cuba, with President Trump calling Cuba a failing nation.
Willing to Die for Revolution
Díaz-Canel said he has no fear of Trump and is willing to give my life for the revolution.
He stressed that Cuba does not want a war but warned of very high costs if the U.S. launched aggression.
The Cuban president called the U.S. blockade unfair and accused the U.S. government of viciousness and evil.
He said the Cuban people are suffering as they face restrictions not applied to any other country in the world.
Díaz-Canel said Cuba is interested in engaging in dialogue, though talks are difficult and marked by distrust.
No Concessions on Political Prisoners
Díaz-Canel declined to commit to releasing political prisoners or scheduling multi-party elections.
“Pressed on whether he would release the 1,200 political prisoners, he denied Cuba holds any political prisoners”
He denied Cuba holds any political prisoners, saying those jailed are in jail for vandalism and crimes.
The Cuban government had announced the pardon of 2,000 prisoners, but no political prisoners had been released.
The interview reinforced perceptions that Díaz-Canel is an obstacle to securing a deal with Cuba.