Cuban president says ‘if we need to die, we’ll die’ to prevent U.S. invasion: Full interview

[0:00] President Diaz-Canel, welcome to Meet the Press. [0:03] Bienvenidos a Meet the Press. [0:05] Muchas gracias. Gracias a ustedes por la oportunidad y gracias por estar en Cuba. [0:08] Gracias por invitarnos a su bello país. Es un honor. [0:14] Y para nosotros es un placer que ustedes estén acá. [0:16] It is a pleasure for us to have you here. [0:18] Muchísimas gracias. [0:20] I want to start with President Trump. [0:23] He said he plans to take Cuba in some form. [0:27] He said, quote, I think I can do anything I want with it. [0:32] Do you take President Trump's threats seriously? [0:39] Over the last few days, many things have been said, not only by the president, [0:45] but also by other officials of the U.S. government, [0:48] which really show a very aggressive language and rhetoric against Cuba. [0:56] You really have to know the history of our country. [0:58] Our country, in our identity, has deeply rooted values of sovereignty and independence. [1:05] For 150 years, Cuba has fought first to free itself from the colony and then neo-colony. [1:12] And with the Cuban Revolution and its triumph in 1959, [1:16] we got rid of a number of dependents, the servitude, [1:21] and the subordination to a foreign power. [1:25] And that resulted in a number of benefits for the country, [1:30] for the Cuban people that the Cuban people is not willing to renounce. [1:35] One of the most brilliant generals of our wars of independence, Antonio Macea, [1:39] said, whoever tries to take over Cuba will collect her blood-soaked soil [1:44] if it doesn't perish in the struggle. [1:47] We are a country of peace. [1:49] We do not promote war. [1:51] We do not like war. [1:54] We encourage solidarity and cooperation among the peoples, [1:59] but we are willing to defend that peace that we want, [2:02] so we are not afraid. [2:06] And we don't want to be taken by surprise, [2:08] and we don't want to be defeated. [2:10] That is one of the interpretations that you could give to these threats and Cuba's position. [2:14] The other interpretation is that when they speak about Cuba, [2:18] that it will fall on its own, [2:20] and they try to pin a label of a failed state on us [2:24] or a country that is about to collapse, [2:26] which is, in fact, denied by reality itself. [2:30] How a country like this in 67 years has endured so many pressures and aggressions, [2:35] and for 67 years, the longest-standing blockade in history, [2:40] which is a genocidal criminal blockade. [2:43] There will be a lot of things to discuss about these topics and these things, [2:46] but I can tell you that the Cuban people and the Cuban revolution is ready to defend itself. [2:51] Well, you take me to my next question, [2:53] because President Trump's threats to take over Cuba come [2:56] as the United States has removed President Maduro from power, [3:01] has invaded Iran and killed its supreme leader. [3:06] Do you fear you could be killed or arrested by the United States? [3:11] That is a very interesting question. [3:13] I never like drawing parallels between Cuba and other nations, [3:18] because we have our own history. [3:21] We are in our own specific circumstances, [3:25] and it will be like disregarding our history [3:27] and the strength of our unity and the strength of our institutions. [3:33] Those of us who have leadership positions in the revolution [3:37] have a strong commitment to our revolution and to our heroic people, [3:41] and in this connection, our responsibility entails the conviction [3:45] and the commitment that we're willing to give our lives for the revolution [3:48] and for the cause that we defend. [3:51] So, for me, that is not a matter of concern. [3:54] If the time comes, I don't think there would be any justification [3:57] for the United States to launch a military aggression against Cuba [4:02] or for the U.S. to undertake a surgical operation [4:07] or the kidnapping of a president. [4:09] If that happens, there will be fighting and there will be a struggle, [4:12] and we will defend ourselves, and if we need to die, we'll die, [4:16] because as our national anthem says, dying for the homeland is to live. [4:20] But sometimes they try to personalize the leadership of the Cuban revolution [4:24] with a single person. [4:25] At one point, it was equalized to the commander-in-chief [4:29] at some other time with the army general, [4:31] and now they try to do that with myself. [4:33] But the thing is, we have a collegiate leadership, [4:36] and we have a unity, a cohesion, ideological unity, [4:40] and there is a discipline, a revolutionary discipline. [4:44] Therefore, removing one person within the structures of the institutions [4:48] of the revolution will not solve any problem. [4:51] Quite the contrary. [4:52] There will be hundreds of people who are in a position [4:56] to take that responsibility and collectively make decisions, [4:59] and we're ready to defend any situation. [5:02] What you're saying is very powerful. [5:05] But are you afraid for yourself, for your family, [5:09] or are you prepared to, as you say, [5:13] make the ultimate sacrifice if you are attacked? [5:18] I have no fear. [5:19] I am willing to give my life for the revolution. [5:22] Of course. [5:23] I wouldn't like that to be the attitude of the U.S. government. [5:28] I think the American people is a sensitive people, [5:30] and they wouldn't allow or they wouldn't see with good eyes [5:35] that their government, their country, [5:37] would invade a very small island [5:39] that does not pose any concern [5:42] in terms of national security for the United States, [5:44] an island state who wants to engage in dialogue, [5:47] an island state whose people want to have a direct relationship [5:50] with the American people. [5:52] They wouldn't see that very well. [5:54] In addition, what would be the justification for that? [5:56] And an invasion to Cuba would have costs, [6:00] and it would entail costs for both countries [6:02] in terms of losses of life unnecessarily that could be avoided. [6:06] It could also have some material destruction. [6:09] It would affect the security of Cuba, [6:13] the United States, and of the region. [6:14] So we need to see things very responsibly [6:17] when you take a decision regarding such a topic of that magnitude, [6:22] and particularly before making that decision, [6:27] which is so irrational. [6:28] There's a logic. [6:30] That is the logic of dialogue to engage in discussions, [6:32] to debate, and trying to reach agreements [6:36] that would move us away from confrontation. [6:38] Is Cuba actively bracing for the possibility [6:42] of a military attack by the United States? [6:45] Like I've always said in previous meetings [6:52] and previous interviews, [6:55] and when I also address the Cuban people, [6:59] it is evident that there are threats out there. [7:02] It is part of the rhetoric of the U.S. government. [7:04] Cuba has done nothing to offend the U.S. [7:07] Cuba has never said about attacking the United States [7:11] or interfering with the United States affairs. [7:14] However, you hear that Cuba is next, [7:19] that Cuba is going to be next, [7:21] that there is a way out, [7:23] that they're going to take over Cuba. [7:25] So from the position of responsibility [7:28] within the leadership of the country, [7:30] that is a warning, [7:34] and we need to responsibly protect our people, [7:36] protect our project, and protect our country. [7:39] So we are preparing ourselves for defense. [7:42] But what is the concept of our preparation for defense? [7:46] We have a doctrine which is entirely defensive. [7:48] It is not aggressive. [7:50] It doesn't pose a threat. [7:52] It is called a doctrine [7:53] that is called the war of all the people [7:55] and has been built collectively [7:57] on the basis of the experience of our history. [8:02] And it was also fine-tuned [8:07] in a very hard period of our history [8:10] when we were under very serious threats [8:12] by the U.S. government. [8:13] And it is based on people's participation. [8:16] Every Cuban man or woman [8:19] has a mission, a purpose, a place to defend, [8:24] and they will have their own place [8:26] to take in the defense. [8:28] So this is all based on people's participation, [8:31] voluntary participation, [8:32] and, of course, [8:34] it involves the preparation for defense [8:37] and the preparedness for defense [8:39] of all the levels of our territorial defense. [8:43] But this is entirely defensive and not aggressive. [8:47] In addition, we also believe that [8:50] as we prepare ourselves to defend, [8:53] it's the best way to avoid war [8:55] and the best way to preserve peace. [8:56] Furthermore, I believe that what both the American [9:02] and the Cuban peoples deserve [9:03] is a good relationship, [9:05] not attack, not the language of war. [9:08] What the American and the Cuban people deserve [9:10] is peace, [9:12] a peace that would enable us [9:13] to have an environment of confidence [9:16] and trust and cooperation [9:17] and also solidarity and also understanding. [9:20] Do you think that the Cuban military, [9:23] do you think that the Cuban military [9:25] could be successful against the United States [9:28] if it were to attack? [9:31] When we speak about defense, [9:33] we refer to our glorious armed forces, [9:37] but we also speak about our people, [9:39] which has been structured in several echelons [9:42] for that territorial defense. [9:45] We would be successful. [9:46] We can be successful. [9:48] There's no enemy that can be defeated. [9:50] Is military in the world? [9:52] The United States [9:54] have a different concept of doing war. [9:59] Our concept of territorial defense [10:01] is based on irregular warfare, [10:04] asymmetrical warfare, [10:06] in which they could be successful at some point, [10:10] but it would be untenable. [10:13] It would be unsustainable to invade and keep Cuba. [10:17] And that, because there's a decision on our part, [10:19] and that decision, again, [10:22] goes back to the phrase by Maceo, [10:26] they will only collect the blocked soaked soil [10:29] if they don't perish in the struggle. [10:31] And this is not just a slogan. [10:33] If you go out there in the street [10:35] and you ask the beginning of that phrase [10:39] to a school child, [10:42] an old person, a young person, [10:45] they will entirely finish the sentence [10:47] because that's how we've been trained, [10:50] and that's part of our sentiments and feelings. [10:52] Let me ask you about this extraordinary moment. [10:56] Again, let me repeat. [10:58] This is not what we want. [10:59] We don't want war. [11:00] We don't want an attack. [11:01] It'll have a very high cost for everyone involved. [11:04] Let me ask you about this extraordinary moment. [11:07] The U.S. has cut off oil to Cuba starting in January, [11:10] but a Russian tanker was allowed [11:12] to deliver a shipment at the end of last month. [11:16] Did President Trump give Russia permission to help Cuba? [11:20] How did that come about? [11:21] I think that such a very common event [11:27] like a trade between two countries [11:30] has never received so much press coverage [11:32] by media and television, [11:34] like the arrival of the oil tanker [11:36] who came here under a concept of humanitarian aid. [11:40] That was not part of a commercial transaction. [11:42] I think Cuba, like any other country, [11:44] has the right to import oil. [11:47] And every country around the world [11:48] has the right to export oil to Cuba. [11:51] So this energy blockade, [11:54] this oil blockade is very unfair [11:56] as it intensifies further the U.S. blockade on Cuba. [12:00] So having imposed this oil blockade [12:04] shows that there is a multidimensional aggression [12:08] on the part of the U.S. government against Cuba [12:10] as part of an economic warfare [12:12] that has lasted for 67 years [12:14] and a blockade that has lasted for 60 plus years [12:17] and a blockade that in 2019 [12:20] was further tightened [12:22] during Trump's first administration [12:24] and it was maintained [12:26] by the Biden administration [12:27] even during COVID. [12:28] And now it is being implemented [12:32] with a maximum pressure concept [12:34] causing devastating effects [12:35] on the Cuban population [12:36] as part of that oil blockade. [12:39] The Russian Federation [12:41] was able to send that tanker [12:43] as part of a humanitarian aid concept. [12:47] The United States has persisted [12:51] in maintaining this oil blockade [12:53] and therefore we are not certain [12:57] when the next boatload of oil [13:01] will come into Cuba [13:02] when we have the right to receive that. [13:04] And this tanker that just came in, [13:07] although it is a very important aid at this time, [13:11] but this will only cover [13:13] a third of the oil requirements [13:17] for Cuba in a month. [13:18] So we don't need to believe [13:20] that this is going to save the situation. [13:22] This is a crude oil [13:22] that needs to be refined [13:23] and then be distributed in the country [13:27] and a large part of it [13:29] will be used in order to generate power [13:31] of 1,200 megawatts [13:34] which has not been used in four months [13:36] and that will improve the situation [13:39] in terms of power generation [13:40] and also to support the economy. [13:42] How long can you survive [13:45] until the next Russian shipment of oil comes? [13:52] It is a very interesting question indeed [13:54] and it needs to be answered [13:57] at a very difficult time. [14:00] No country in the world [14:01] can develop its economy [14:03] and make sure that its economy moves forward [14:08] and becomes prosperous without oil, [14:11] without fuel. [14:11] That's why I say that there is an element [14:13] of viciousness and evil [14:15] when a power is playing the role [14:18] of an aggressor [14:18] and is subjecting a small island nation [14:21] to a situation like this. [14:24] A small island nation [14:25] that is under constant aggression. [14:27] But we are not sitting idly by. [14:31] What are we beating for? [14:33] We have an entire strategy [14:34] and a program [14:35] to rebump the energy system in Cuba. [14:39] We are going to depending largely [14:45] on national crude oil [14:46] more than on imported oil. [14:48] We don't have enough [14:50] to cover our entire requirements [14:51] but we are increasing our oil production. [14:54] We are exploring new reservoirs [14:58] and we are open for foreign investment in Cuba [15:00] in oil exploration and drilling. [15:04] And that will be an opportunity [15:05] for American businessmen and firms [15:08] who can come and participate in Cuba [15:10] in the energy sector. [15:11] What happens is that they are prevented [15:13] from doing this by the blockade [15:16] but Cuba will be happy to welcome American firms [15:19] who would like to come in [15:20] and participate in the energy sector in Cuba [15:22] without any kind of prejudice here in Cuba. [15:24] That would be one line of work. [15:26] We have also resorted to science and innovation. [15:29] Our scientists have found technology [15:32] so that they can use this crude oil [15:34] which is very heavy [15:35] with a very high sulfur content [15:37] can be refined here. [15:39] So if we increase production [15:41] we could have some kind of availability of oil [15:44] that would not entirely cover [15:47] all of our requirements. [15:49] We would have that availability of products [15:52] as a result of Cuban refinement. [15:54] And on top of that [15:55] we have designed an entire strategy [15:58] for energy transition [15:59] with a more intensive use of renewables [16:01] and of course [16:03] with a strategy of energy efficiency. [16:07] All of that put together [16:09] is going to take us to a different situation. [16:12] Still, this is a complex situation. [16:14] It will take some time [16:14] but we can resist. [16:15] But what does it say [16:16] about the strength of the Cuban government [16:18] right now [16:19] that you need Russia's help for survival? [16:25] We require first and foremost [16:29] our own people support [16:30] and our own capability [16:33] and what we need to underline [16:36] is the creativity [16:37] that our people have used [16:38] in order to face this blockade [16:40] this intensified blockade [16:41] and more recently [16:42] the oil blockade. [16:44] I always describe [16:45] the attitude of my people [16:46] that I'm extremely proud of [16:47] because it's always teaching [16:49] a lesson of resistance [16:50] and I say that it's attitude [16:53] it's an attitude [16:54] of a creative resistance. [16:56] The Cuban people would not endure [16:57] and would not take any humiliation. [17:01] Quite the contrary. [17:02] We resist [17:03] and it rises up to the occasion. [17:05] We are able to innovate [17:06] and with that [17:07] we can overcome any adversity. [17:09] So it is our own people [17:11] and the strength lies in our people [17:13] and in the unity that we have [17:15] with the people. [17:17] But we will welcome any help [17:20] any aid from Russia, China, Mexico [17:23] and any other country. [17:24] The United States [17:25] could also have a different view [17:27] towards Cuba [17:28] other than aggression and attack [17:31] and they could also help Cuba. [17:33] President Trump says [17:34] this is a country [17:35] on the verge of collapse. [17:37] Is it? [17:38] It is quite curious [17:42] because in the Cuba-U.S. relationship [17:46] when there are times of tension [17:48] people resort to media-driven constructs [17:54] and stereotypical constructs [17:57] of this type [17:57] and they typically impose [17:59] certain visions to the world media [18:04] and one of those visions [18:05] is the vision of the collapse. [18:07] I would ask [18:08] which country in the world [18:10] would be capable of [18:13] like the Cuban people have done [18:14] to endure 67 years [18:17] of maintained, sustained aggression [18:21] and attack [18:22] by the world's most powerful nation [18:25] with over 60 years of a blockade [18:28] and in the last six or seven years [18:30] with an intensified blockade [18:32] and more recently [18:32] with an oil embargo [18:34] and they wouldn't be able to collapse. [18:36] We haven't collapsed. [18:37] We maintain an organized country. [18:39] We have a country with harmony [18:42] in 67 years of revolution. [18:45] We have attained [18:46] many achievements [18:48] in the social area [18:50] and sometimes we're criticized [18:51] in terms of the economy [18:52] but we have had [18:54] to face a war economy [18:57] and amid that situation [18:58] of a war economy [18:59] our economy has been able [19:00] to move forward [19:02] and we have now [19:04] more than 32 social programs [19:07] to address inequalities [19:08] and vulnerabilities. [19:09] 67 years of revolution [19:11] have kept the country [19:13] from collapsing [19:14] and we will not collapse. [19:15] We have a free universal [19:16] health care system [19:17] that reaches out everyone [19:19] and this is free health care [19:21] for the entire population. [19:23] We have an education system [19:25] all the way from general education [19:27] to university education [19:28] including everyone [19:29] and it's also free. [19:32] We have achieved [19:32] breakthroughs in culture and sports. [19:37] We are one of the countries [19:38] with the highest rates [19:39] of Olympic medals per inhabitant [19:41] and we have developed [19:42] our human resources. [19:44] We have qualified [19:45] human resources capital. [19:47] We have developed science [19:48] and innovation. [19:50] Biotech breakthroughs [19:51] and pharmaceutical industry [19:53] breakthroughs [19:54] are very well renowned. [19:55] We have created justice, equality. [19:58] We have a society [19:59] where you breathe tranquility, [20:04] a safe society [20:05] that wouldn't accept corruption, [20:07] drug trafficking, [20:08] organized crime. [20:09] a society [20:10] that can provide solidarity [20:11] to other nations [20:13] based on its own potential [20:15] and this is something [20:17] that cannot be seen [20:18] as a collapse. [20:19] They're trying to impose [20:20] that construct of a collapse [20:23] when as a result [20:24] of an aggressive [20:25] genocidal policy [20:26] of the blockade [20:27] we're forced to live [20:30] through a very complex situation. [20:31] We're living through [20:32] a very complex situation. [20:33] Our people is living [20:34] in very hard conditions [20:35] on a daily basis [20:36] and this is at the national level [20:38] but can also be taken [20:39] to the firmly level [20:40] but our country [20:41] has not collapsed. [20:42] You're citing the blockade [20:43] and no one would dispute [20:45] that the blockade, [20:47] that the embargo [20:47] has had an impact [20:48] but let's discuss [20:50] the situation here [20:51] in Cuba. [20:53] The people of Cuba [20:54] are suffering right now. [20:56] Your power grid has failed. [20:58] Food and energy [20:59] are running dangerously low [21:00] and these problems [21:01] existed in some form [21:03] before the blockade [21:04] was put into effect. [21:06] Do you take any responsibility [21:09] for the pain Cubans [21:11] are experiencing? [21:17] The Cuban people [21:19] are suffering [21:20] and this can be seen [21:23] in two areas [21:24] in the national aspect [21:26] and also at the family level [21:28] because everything takes place [21:29] on a daily basis [21:30] but what is the main cause [21:32] for that suffering? [21:34] Has it been the mistakes [21:37] that I myself have made [21:38] or like I said [21:40] a collective leadership [21:41] or is that suffering [21:42] or the government [21:43] or is that suffering [21:45] is the result of the policy [21:49] of intensified blockade [21:51] that the United States [21:52] have maintained? [21:53] I think that the people [21:54] can provide that answer. [21:57] The answer lies [21:59] in that policy [22:00] of permanent hostility [22:02] by the U.S. government [22:03] at the national level. [22:04] We are a country [22:05] that after 2019 [22:07] when the blockade [22:07] was further tightened [22:09] when the U.S. administration [22:10] implemented 240 measures [22:12] further tightening [22:14] that blockade [22:15] and they also put us [22:16] into a spurious list [22:18] accusing Cuba [22:20] of allegedly supporting terrorism. [22:23] We saw all of our [22:24] external financing sources [22:26] cut off. [22:28] We don't get any funding [22:30] from any bank. [22:31] There is energy [22:33] and financial persecution. [22:34] Anyone trying to engage [22:35] in a financial transaction [22:36] in Cuba, [22:37] they receive coercive measures, [22:40] they receive a lot of pressures [22:41] and they're doing that [22:42] against the shipping companies, [22:45] ship owners, [22:46] oil companies. [22:47] Do you want to ask something? [22:48] Do you want to say something? [22:49] They're doing that [22:50] against the oil companies, [22:52] banks. [22:54] They're putting a lot [22:54] of pressure [22:55] and they implemented measures [22:57] to cut off tourism to Cuba. [22:59] For example, [23:00] a European citizen [23:01] can have the ESTA waiver [23:05] to go to the United States. [23:07] If that European person [23:08] comes as a tourist to Cuba, [23:10] then they become automatically [23:12] ineligible for the ESTA visa. [23:14] So these are a number [23:15] of restrictions [23:15] which are not applied [23:16] to any other country [23:17] in the world. [23:18] Therefore, [23:19] we lack financing [23:21] in order to buy food, [23:22] to buy supplies [23:23] for our main productions [23:25] and services [23:26] in order to have [23:26] the medicines [23:28] that we need [23:29] and to carry out [23:31] the repairs [23:31] that we need [23:32] for our national energy system [23:34] and our industrial factories. [23:40] How does that reflect [23:41] on our people now? [23:42] And yet the people of Cuba [23:43] say you cannot solely blame [23:45] the United States [23:47] because you can trade [23:49] with other countries. [23:50] The economy has been in decline [23:52] for the past 10 years. [23:53] Hundreds of thousands [23:54] of people have left Cuba [23:56] over the past decade, [23:58] many of them [23:59] who are young entrepreneurs. [24:01] Is that a sign [24:03] that the Cuban economy [24:05] and government [24:06] has failed the people of Cuba? [24:08] La gente de Cuba. [24:10] Like I said, [24:12] when you see that [24:13] at the family level, [24:15] how does that happen? [24:16] There is a scarcity [24:17] of food, [24:19] scarcity of medicine. [24:21] The nights become [24:22] a very long working night [24:27] when you've been 20 hours [24:28] with a power outage [24:29] and the light comes on. [24:30] Before the blockade. [24:31] That's when you need [24:32] to do the house chores. [24:35] No, no, let me explain. [24:36] Let me explain. [24:37] There's a confusion [24:38] in terms of the approach. [24:39] For example, [24:40] we were living [24:42] under the blockade conditions [24:44] but the blockade [24:44] was intensified [24:45] and further tightened [24:46] and became [24:47] qualitatively different [24:48] in the second half of 2019 [24:50] with implementation [24:51] of 240 measures [24:52] and with Cuba's inclusion [24:54] in the list of countries [24:55] who supposedly [24:56] sponsored terrorism. [24:58] so everything [24:59] became worsened. [25:01] So we have [25:02] the accumulated effect [25:03] of the blockade [25:04] plus the effect [25:05] of the tightening [25:06] of the blockade [25:07] and now [25:08] the effects [25:09] are caused [25:12] by this energy blockade [25:15] and I can say [25:15] this responsibly to you. [25:17] This is not the fault [25:18] of the Cuban government [25:19] and there are people [25:20] and this of course [25:22] has created [25:22] some irritation [25:24] because living [25:25] the last 10 years [25:26] people who've been living [25:27] under these conditions [25:28] which are extreme conditions [25:29] if you compare that [25:30] with other periods of time. [25:33] Cuban people feel frustrated. [25:35] They feel vexed [25:38] and they are going [25:39] through very difficult situations [25:40] but most of the Cuban people [25:42] do not put the blame [25:43] on the Cuban government. [25:45] There's also been [25:45] a lot of manipulation [25:47] in social media. [25:49] Efforts are made [25:50] to disregard [25:51] the impact [25:52] of the blockade [25:53] over all these years [25:54] and I'll tell you [25:55] I'll give you [25:56] some concrete examples [25:57] so that you can see [25:59] the viciousness [25:59] of this blockade [26:00] and what it's meant [26:01] for the Cuban people [26:02] and the response [26:04] of the government [26:05] that supposedly [26:06] they want to [26:08] put the blame on [26:09] and I'll refer [26:10] to the times of COVID. [26:11] When COVID [26:12] came here [26:15] in our country [26:16] initially we realized [26:18] that we wouldn't be able [26:19] to have access [26:20] to the vaccine markets [26:21] in the world [26:22] which is dominated [26:23] by big pharma [26:24] and large transnationals [26:26] and taking into account [26:27] the economic restrictions [26:28] that we've had [26:29] and with the impact [26:30] of the Titan blockade [26:32] wouldn't have enough money [26:33] to buy those vaccines [26:34] so for us [26:35] we were denied [26:40] from that possibility [26:40] so we had to resort [26:41] to the Cuban science [26:42] and this government [26:43] which is condemned [26:44] by some [26:45] made every effort [26:47] to protect the lives [26:48] of Cuban men [26:49] and women [26:49] we talked to our scientists [26:53] and our scientists [26:54] were able to develop [26:55] Cuban vaccines [26:55] in a very short time [26:56] that enabled us [26:58] to have one [26:59] of the greatest rates [27:01] of efficiency [27:04] in terms of facing COVID [27:06] our numbers [27:07] in facing the COVID [27:08] are better than those [27:10] in the US [27:10] which is a power [27:11] that has no blockade [27:12] afterwards [27:13] we had a crisis [27:14] because our oxygen [27:17] medicinal oxygen plant [27:19] broke down [27:19] and the US administration [27:21] at the time [27:21] refused American firms [27:25] to sell oxygen to us [27:26] which is entirely criminal [27:28] and only based [27:29] on international solidarity [27:30] and through a very [27:31] organization event [27:34] we were able [27:35] to overcome that moment [27:37] and when we needed [27:38] ventilators [27:40] for the intensive care units [27:41] the US government [27:42] prohibited [27:43] the sale of those [27:45] ventilators [27:46] and our young [27:47] scientists [27:48] designed those [27:49] ventilators [27:50] but to build [27:51] these ventilators [27:52] you'd require [27:53] components [27:53] made in the United States [27:55] and under the blockade [27:57] any equipment [27:59] that has more than [28:00] 10% of American components [28:01] cannot be sold to Cuba [28:02] so we had to go [28:03] around the world [28:04] buying a little piece [28:06] here [28:06] buying a conductor [28:08] over there [28:08] a motor over here [28:10] in order to achieve that [28:12] this is something [28:13] that has not been [28:14] imposed on any other [28:15] country around the world [28:16] the blockade [28:17] is very aggressive [28:18] it is a genocidal blockade [28:19] it is unfair [28:20] it is unfair [28:21] to put the blame [28:22] on a government [28:23] that all that it has [28:25] is a vocation [28:26] for its people [28:26] to work for its people [28:27] and finding social justice [28:29] and finding solutions [28:30] and under these complex [28:33] situations [28:33] we will find those solutions [28:35] so it's very unfair [28:36] to put the blame on them [28:37] and I think the US government [28:39] should review [28:41] how cruel [28:42] and how mean [28:43] they've been to Cuba [28:44] and to the Cuban people [28:44] and they should not [28:46] portray themselves [28:46] as the savior [28:47] of the Cuban situation [28:48] they don't have that right [28:50] they don't have the moral [28:51] to do so [28:52] of what the Cuban people [28:53] are experiencing [28:55] we saw it [28:56] with our own eyes [28:58] los vimos [28:58] con nuestros ojos [29:00] people living in [29:02] severe poverty [29:03] sufriendo [29:04] in the streets of Havana [29:05] the capital city [29:07] is it time [29:09] for Cuba [29:10] to take [29:11] some responsibility [29:12] to look in the mirror [29:14] and to change [29:16] its economic system [29:17] for the people [29:18] of Cuba [29:18] who are suffering here [29:19] que están sufriendo [29:20] in the middle of the United States [29:23] and the United States [29:23] we conduct [29:26] very self-critical analysis [29:27] and assessment [29:28] of our reality [29:29] and we're trying [29:29] to constantly transform [29:32] and change [29:32] what we do [29:33] in order to improve [29:34] what we do [29:36] but that's got nothing [29:37] to do with the political system [29:39] it is not our political system [29:40] that is embracing [29:42] that inability [29:44] to move forward [29:45] again [29:46] I repeat [29:47] the responsible party [29:48] here is the blockade [29:49] implemented by the U.S. government [29:51] the people that are suffering [29:53] those situations [29:54] and they largely understand [29:56] who is the main culprit here [29:58] is the people [29:59] that have approved [30:01] in several exercises [30:02] of consultation [30:03] and referendum [30:04] they have approved [30:05] our political system [30:06] our political system [30:08] is serving people [30:09] is serving social justice [30:11] and making everyone advanced [30:13] and it seems that [30:14] it bothers other people [30:15] around the world [30:16] because of what it represents [30:17] because it is our system [30:19] for ourselves [30:20] not that we want to impose [30:21] our system on anyone else [30:22] and they try to block it like this [30:24] because we're not only [30:26] speaking about a blockade [30:27] we are talking about [30:29] the longest running blockade [30:31] in the history of mankind [30:33] the most severe blockade [30:34] a blockade that is not only [30:36] aimed at the Cuban people [30:38] but also the American people [30:40] and also elsewhere [30:41] American businessmen [30:42] cannot invest in Cuba [30:43] why? [30:44] American citizens [30:45] cannot come to Cuba freely [30:47] why? [30:47] But you can trade [30:48] with other countries [30:49] foreign business people [30:50] are also subjected to sanctions [30:52] we can trade with many [30:55] we can engage in trade [30:56] with many limitations [30:57] because the US legislation [30:59] have become internationalized [31:00] when they apply [31:02] title 3 of the Hemsworth Act [31:03] you need to find a lot [31:07] of information [31:07] you need to document yourself [31:08] properly [31:08] because the narrative [31:09] in the mainstream media [31:11] and the narrative [31:12] in social media [31:13] promoting hatred [31:14] and making people confused [31:15] are not realistic [31:16] and we need to look at that critically [31:19] and we continue to be [31:20] willing and ready [31:21] in our government [31:22] with our people [31:23] to transform ourselves [31:24] and to make progress [31:25] and to overcome [31:26] this situation [31:27] We'll talk about the path forward [31:28] in just a moment [31:28] but China and Vietnam [31:30] have embraced [31:30] one party rule [31:32] while also embracing [31:33] market economies [31:34] why can't Cuba [31:35] do the same? [31:39] China and Vietnam [31:40] are countries [31:41] who are building socialism [31:43] like Cuba is [31:44] we have to say [31:47] that China and Vietnam [31:48] for some years [31:51] and I've studied [31:52] China's reform [31:54] quite a lot [31:55] and we've used that [31:56] as a benchmark [31:56] for Cuba [31:57] at some point [31:58] China and Vietnam [31:59] were also under [32:00] coercive measures [32:01] and sanctions [32:02] on the part [32:03] of the United States [32:04] and they were under [32:05] a blockade [32:05] blockades [32:07] that lasted [32:08] for less time [32:08] they lasted [32:09] for about a decade [32:10] when they came out [32:11] of that blockade [32:12] they had every possibility [32:14] then to develop [32:16] their capabilities [32:17] for the construction [32:19] of socialism [32:19] they implemented [32:21] a number of reforms [32:21] and with those reforms [32:23] they have demonstrated [32:24] that socialism [32:26] under one party rule [32:27] is viable [32:28] and they are showing [32:31] important [32:32] social, economic [32:34] and technological development [32:35] and China is now [32:36] a major power [32:38] in the world [32:39] we have a permanent [32:43] exchange [32:44] we are sisterly nations [32:46] our party [32:47] have an inter-party [32:50] deep relationship [32:51] and we hold [32:54] exchanges all the time [32:55] what happens [32:56] is that Cuba [32:56] has its unique [32:57] characteristics [32:58] Cuba is an island state [32:59] Cuba is sitting [33:03] 90 miles [33:04] off the United States [33:05] Cuba is a country [33:07] that has been [33:08] under attack [33:09] and with more than [33:10] 60 years of blockade [33:13] so we have not [33:14] been able to build [33:15] what we have envisioned [33:16] and what we have [33:17] dreamt about [33:18] we have many things [33:19] still outstanding [33:20] because we have [33:21] prevented from doing it [33:23] by the blockade [33:23] even though if people [33:24] don't understand that [33:25] I'll tell you more [33:26] and I saw this [33:27] when we went to [33:29] China and Vietnam [33:30] in my last trip [33:31] when you study [33:32] the times [33:34] when China and Vietnam [33:35] were able to [33:35] take off [33:36] they were [33:38] starting out [33:40] from a situation [33:42] that was less favorable [33:43] in terms of development [33:44] than what Cuba has [33:45] right now [33:46] so you need to wonder [33:47] and you would have [33:48] to ask yourself [33:48] remove the blockade [33:49] lift the blockade [33:51] and see [33:51] what we can do [33:54] lift the blockade [33:55] and see [33:56] if Cuba [33:57] with those [33:58] capabilities [33:59] have been able [34:00] to achieve [34:00] those [34:01] have been able [34:02] to attain [34:03] those achievements [34:03] what else [34:04] could we be able [34:05] to achieve [34:06] if we've done [34:07] all this [34:07] under the blockade [34:08] why [34:09] if we are so [34:11] incapable [34:12] if we are so [34:15] fool [34:17] as they want [34:17] to portray us [34:18] if we are so [34:19] closed up [34:20] if we are so [34:21] less innovative [34:23] why have they [34:25] set out to spend [34:27] for millions [34:27] for many years [34:29] tax dollars [34:30] paid by the American people [34:32] in order to engage [34:33] in subvertive plans [34:34] to blockade [34:35] in order to crush [34:36] the Cuban revolution [34:37] why wouldn't let us [34:38] fail on our own [34:39] if this is what they believe [34:41] and why wouldn't they [34:43] be able to [34:44] accept that Cuba [34:45] without a blockade [34:46] would be able to achieve [34:47] levels of economic [34:48] and social [34:49] development [34:50] of a very high impact [34:51] and to show [34:52] that other models [34:53] and other solutions [34:54] are possible [34:55] in the world [34:55] let's talk about [34:56] the path forward [34:57] we understand [34:58] that there are [34:59] conversations [34:59] between Cuba [35:00] and the United States [35:02] do you think [35:03] it is possible [35:04] to get a deal [35:05] with President Trump [35:06] I think we can have [35:10] an approach [35:12] in terms of [35:12] what is possible [35:13] and what is difficult [35:14] I think dialogue [35:15] and deals [35:17] with the U.S. [35:18] government [35:18] are possible [35:19] but they are difficult [35:19] where does the possibility [35:22] lie [35:22] Cuba has always been willing [35:24] throughout all the years [35:26] of the revolution [35:26] Cuba has had [35:27] this historic [35:28] position of having [35:30] a civilized [35:30] neighborly relation [35:32] with the United States [35:33] that would enable us to engage [35:37] in cooperation [35:38] and exchanges [35:38] in a number of areas [35:40] and to have a normal relationship [35:41] and we always said that we need to build that relationship [35:46] from a position of respect [35:47] from a position of equal footing [35:50] without conditions [35:53] because conditions [35:56] conditions do not result in dialogue [35:58] in order to have a conversation [36:00] in order to have a discussion [36:01] and a dialogue [36:02] and to have a deal [36:03] you need to have the disposition [36:05] and readiness [36:07] you need to have [36:08] the ability to engage in dialogue [36:10] and to listen [36:11] to the other party [36:13] there has to be respect [36:14] decency [36:15] and there's got to be a recognition [36:17] therefore [36:19] all the conditions [36:21] and all the possibilities [36:22] are there [36:22] if both sides [36:24] believe [36:25] and want to engage [36:26] in that dialogue [36:27] what are the things [36:28] that make this dialogue difficult [36:29] first of all [36:33] the US policy [36:36] towards Cuba [36:36] over the last 67 years [36:38] which has been [36:38] entirely hostile [36:40] the US have always [36:42] as a superpower [36:43] have taken the role [36:44] of an aggressor [36:45] and Cuba [36:46] has been in the position [36:48] of a small island state [36:49] under an aggression [36:50] at several points [36:52] and this is part [36:53] of the background [36:55] that would enable [36:57] for a dialogue to happen [36:58] in several times [36:59] we've come to agreements [37:02] and we've engaged [37:03] in discussions [37:04] with several administrations [37:06] of the US [37:06] and we have [37:07] get some commitments [37:08] Cuba has always stood [37:10] by its commitments [37:10] and the United States [37:11] have not fulfilled [37:13] its part of the deal [37:15] in the present [37:17] the US [37:18] the US has been engaged [37:20] in talks with other countries [37:22] and while these negotiations [37:23] are not the way [37:24] they have attacked [37:24] those countries [37:25] and all of this creates [37:26] a lot of distrust [37:28] and we know that [37:29] inside the United States [37:30] there are forces [37:31] that whenever they see [37:32] that there's a possibility [37:34] to engage in discussions [37:35] to engage in a dialogue [37:36] they try to undercut [37:38] and boycott those talks [37:41] I insist [37:42] I trust [37:43] that we can engage [37:44] in dialogue [37:45] respectfully [37:46] with decency [37:47] that we can find [37:48] through dialogue [37:49] solutions [37:50] to our differences [37:52] our bilateral differences [37:53] that we can find [37:55] areas of cooperation [37:57] where we can [37:58] undertake projects together [38:01] there are many areas [38:02] that we can work on [38:03] we have drug trafficking [38:05] fighting terrorism [38:07] migration [38:08] the issues of addressing [38:12] transnational crime [38:13] we can make progress [38:16] in negotiations [38:16] and we can have [38:18] investments and businesses [38:19] from American business [38:20] people in Cuba [38:21] we have a Cuban community [38:24] living in the United States [38:25] and we should also [38:27] provide them with facilities [38:30] both in the United States [38:31] and here [38:32] there is an American people [38:34] that can come to Cuba [38:35] and we can engage [38:36] in cultural sports exchanges [38:38] exchanging health care [38:40] and all of that [38:42] would then [38:42] enable us [38:44] to create [38:45] spaces of understanding [38:46] that move us away [38:48] from confrontation [38:48] ensuring peace [38:51] not only [38:51] and security [38:52] not only for Cuba [38:53] and the United States [38:54] but also for the entire [38:55] Latin America [38:55] and the Caribbean [38:56] and that's a future [38:57] and the path forward [38:59] that we hope for [39:00] to have a good [39:01] neighborly relationship [39:02] a civilized relationship [39:03] in spite of our [39:04] ideological differences [39:05] and I think [39:06] it would be a great opportunity [39:07] I think that's what [39:08] our peoples deserve [39:09] let me tell you a story [39:10] there are signs [39:10] that we're running out of time [39:12] and I do have a number [39:13] of more questions to ask [39:14] so if you would permit [39:15] since we travel to Cuba [39:16] please let us finish our questions [39:18] we only have [39:19] we have several more [39:21] but [39:22] it's a pity that we're running [39:24] out of time [39:25] because we have a lot [39:25] to discuss [39:26] so I propose that [39:28] we can see ourselves [39:29] again some other time [39:30] let me tell you two stories [39:31] but let me [39:32] okay [39:32] we have a lot more questions [39:33] to get to though [39:34] Mr. President [39:35] I want to give you time [39:36] and I want to give you [39:37] the respect [39:37] to answer these questions [39:38] that so many people [39:39] have here in Cuba [39:40] and in the United States [39:41] so are you okay [39:42] to sit for a little bit longer [39:44] I agree [39:45] I agree [39:45] okay wonderful [39:46] okay [39:47] let me tell you two stories [39:50] that will give you an idea [39:54] of how much [39:55] both peoples can enjoy [39:56] if we are able to [39:57] get a deal [39:59] and get some [40:00] agreement [40:02] and find some spaces [40:03] that would allow [40:04] all of this to happen [40:05] a science and innovation [40:07] entity from Cuba [40:10] in biotech industry [40:12] for many years [40:13] have been conducting [40:14] a clinical trial [40:15] with a prestigious [40:16] cancer organization [40:17] in the United States [40:18] they're doing a clinical trial [40:19] on a Cuban vaccine [40:20] against a lung cancer [40:22] and they've been [40:24] working on this clinical trial [40:26] for almost a decade [40:27] the results of these [40:29] clinical trials [40:30] are very encouraging [40:31] both the American side [40:34] and the Cuban side [40:35] are very confident [40:37] about the success [40:38] of this clinical trial [40:39] and what it could mean [40:40] for the healthcare [40:41] of the United States [40:44] and Cuba [40:44] I meet on a weekly basis [40:49] with Cuban scientists [40:49] because we're trying [40:50] to find solutions [40:52] to the country's problems [40:54] from science [40:55] and innovation [40:55] and they showed me [40:57] the results [40:59] of a clinical trial [41:00] of a Cuban innovative [41:02] medicine [41:03] in order to treat [41:04] Alzheimer's disease [41:05] in that clinical trial [41:07] they have engaged [41:08] in collaboration [41:09] with a clinic [41:10] in Colorado [41:11] and American patients [41:14] come to receive [41:15] the treatment [41:16] here in Cuba [41:16] they go back to the US [41:18] and they continue [41:18] the treatment over there [41:19] you need to see [41:20] the terms in which [41:22] the director [41:22] of that clinic [41:23] in Colorado [41:23] speak about [41:24] the improvement [41:25] of his patients [41:27] and how they've [41:28] gotten better results [41:29] than with using [41:30] other medicines [41:31] so you cannot [41:33] deprive [41:35] these people [41:36] and the relationship [41:38] between our two people [41:40] with a policy of blockade [41:41] that only serves [41:42] a minority [41:42] and this is what [41:43] I encourage [41:44] for [41:45] to have understanding [41:46] and sensitivity [41:47] and we can see [41:48] opportunities [41:49] in our relationship [41:50] and that we refrain [41:54] from encouraging [41:55] confrontation [41:55] war [41:56] I want to drill down [41:56] on these negotiations [41:58] and the potential [41:59] path forward [42:00] do you trust [42:01] President Trump [42:02] to make a deal? [42:04] well if we are engaged [42:09] in talks [42:09] it's because we hope [42:10] that we can get a deal [42:11] and I was telling you [42:13] about this [42:13] in order to get a deal [42:15] you need to have [42:16] the willingness [42:17] of both sides [42:18] to find [42:19] those areas [42:20] of collaboration [42:21] and exchange [42:23] to build [42:24] those spaces [42:25] of understanding [42:26] and addressing [42:27] all this [42:27] with sensitivity [42:29] and responsibly [42:30] and very seriously [42:31] are you talking [42:32] directly to [42:33] Secretary of State [42:34] Marco Rubio [42:35] and do you trust him? [42:41] we have engaged [42:42] in talks [42:43] and we will be [42:44] in talks [42:44] as long as [42:45] the United States [42:46] agrees to [42:48] with the US [42:49] representative [42:50] that they decide [42:52] in order to have [42:56] this relationship [42:56] with us [42:57] but these talks [43:01] are very complex [43:02] processes [43:03] first you have to [43:04] establish a channel [43:05] for dialogue [43:06] then you need [43:07] to build an agenda [43:08] for the discussions [43:12] including both [43:13] common interests [43:15] yes [43:17] I haven't spoken [43:19] to Secretary Rubio [43:21] I don't know him [43:22] after building [43:24] that agenda [43:25] if there's a willingness [43:26] then you can reach [43:28] some agreements [43:28] and some deal [43:29] but these are [43:30] processes [43:31] that need to be [43:32] conducted [43:33] with a lot of [43:33] sensibility [43:34] and responsibility [43:35] decency [43:38] and also with a lot [43:39] of discretion [43:39] so that we do not [43:42] generate false [43:43] expectations [43:44] so that the information [43:45] is not manipulated [43:46] so I'd rather [43:47] not engage in further details [43:49] let's talk about [43:50] some of the key demands [43:51] the United States has [43:53] it includes releasing [43:54] political prisoners [43:55] scheduling multi-party [43:57] elections [43:57] and recognizing unions [43:59] and a free press [43:59] are you willing to commit [44:01] to any of those conditions [44:03] that the United States [44:05] has laid out [44:05] nobody has made those [44:16] demands to us [44:18] and we have established [44:19] that respect to our [44:21] political system [44:22] our constitutional order [44:23] are issues that are not [44:25] under negotiations [44:26] with the United States [44:27] and we need to [44:28] overcome [44:29] Kirsten [44:30] we need to leave behind [44:37] all of these [44:38] paraphernalia [44:39] of concepts [44:40] about [44:41] issues about Cuba [44:43] and democracy [44:44] and human rights [44:45] whether we are [44:46] a dictatorship [44:47] or attorney [44:48] about free press [44:50] and the existence [44:51] of free trade unions [44:53] and so on [44:53] many things [44:54] that are [44:54] extensively manipulated [44:56] and there is a lot [44:57] of prejudice [44:57] we need to [44:58] overcome that [44:59] and we don't have [45:00] the time right now [45:01] it'll take [45:01] so many [45:02] much time [45:03] to discuss [45:04] but we have [45:05] all the arguments [45:05] to show [45:07] how democratic [45:08] we are [45:09] and how [45:10] the elections [45:11] are here [45:14] all the way [45:14] from the [45:15] grassroots level [45:16] upwards [45:16] and how we [45:17] engage with the people [45:18] and how we [45:19] defend human rights [45:22] and how we're [45:22] not a dictatorship [45:23] I'll need to [45:25] take some [45:26] more time [45:27] so I ask you [45:28] that we can discuss [45:29] these things [45:29] at a other [45:30] moment [45:31] but these are [45:32] many prejudices [45:33] that we need to [45:34] get past [45:34] I only have two more questions [45:34] so let me [45:35] they're giving me [45:36] the hard rap [45:37] so let me [45:37] let me get [45:38] these questions out [45:38] there are still [45:39] more than 1200 [45:40] political prisoners [45:41] including one of the [45:42] most high profile [45:43] political prisoners [45:44] Cuban rapper [45:45] Michael Osorbo [45:47] who's been in prison [45:48] since 2021 [45:49] for writing [45:50] a protest song [45:51] that won [45:52] two [45:52] latin [45:53] grammys [45:54] will you commit [45:55] to releasing him [45:56] and the other [45:57] political prisoners [45:58] that's another issue [46:04] in which you can see [46:05] all of these bias [46:06] and all these prejudices [46:07] they speak about [46:07] political prisoners [46:08] in Cuba [46:09] like you said [46:10] where the people [46:11] is going through [46:12] a very difficult situation [46:13] there are people [46:14] in Cuba [46:14] who are not in favor [46:15] of the revolution [46:15] there are people [46:17] who do not [46:17] support the revolution [46:18] and they [46:20] manifest themselves [46:22] on a daily basis [46:23] against the revolution [46:24] and they're not [46:25] in prison [46:25] this narrative [46:29] that has been created [46:31] that image [46:32] that anyone [46:33] who speaks [46:33] against a revolution [46:34] is thrown into jail [46:36] that's a big lie [46:37] that's a slander [46:38] and that's part [46:39] of that construct [46:41] in order to [46:42] vilify [46:45] and to engage [46:47] a character [46:48] assassination [46:48] of the Cuban revolution [46:49] what happens is [46:51] in Cuba [46:52] there are [46:53] protests [46:54] when there is [46:55] when there are [46:56] very long blackouts [46:58] and lack of fuels [46:59] so what people do [47:00] when they protest [47:01] they go [47:01] they reach out [47:02] to the institutions [47:03] our governmental institutions [47:04] our state institutions [47:06] and they share [47:08] with the leaders there [47:09] and the leaders [47:10] listen to them [47:11] and they explain [47:12] and they find a solution [47:14] to those problems [47:15] or they provide [47:16] all the reasons [47:16] that is an entirely [47:18] democratic exercise [47:19] and nobody goes to jail [47:20] for doing that [47:21] but now [47:22] sometimes [47:23] there is a lot of [47:24] mistake [47:27] and they confuse [47:28] because people [47:29] who are [47:31] discontent [47:33] and they are [47:36] promoted [47:37] and [47:38] led to [47:40] engage [47:40] in vandalism [47:43] or disrupting [47:44] our safety [47:45] or [47:46] they are [47:47] under [47:49] under [47:50] verting [47:52] the safety [47:54] and security [47:54] often times [47:55] financed [47:56] by terrorist [47:57] organization [47:57] and financed [47:58] by agencies [47:59] of the US government [48:00] promoting subversion [48:01] against Cuba [48:02] and sometimes [48:02] also [48:03] with engagement [48:06] of the US embassy [48:07] in Cuba [48:07] so these people [48:08] are not in jail [48:09] because of [48:10] protesting [48:11] they will be in jail [48:13] like anyone else [48:14] in the world [48:15] any other country [48:16] in the world [48:16] who are respectful [48:17] of their constitution [48:18] and the legal process [48:19] for engaging [48:20] in vandalism [48:21] and crimes [48:22] I'm getting a hard wrap [48:23] so I have to ask you [48:24] this last question [48:25] would you be willing [48:27] to step down [48:28] if it meant [48:28] saving Cuba [48:30] está dispuesto [48:31] a dimitir [48:32] con tal [48:32] de salvar [48:33] a Cuba [48:35] para la gente [48:35] de Cuba [48:36] you are [48:39] a very [48:40] important [48:41] and recognized [48:42] journalist [48:43] have you ever [48:45] asked that question [48:45] to any other [48:46] president in the world [48:47] because it's one [48:49] of the conditions [48:49] the United States [48:50] is asking for [48:51] would you ever [48:52] consider that [48:52] let me explain [48:55] have you asked [48:56] that question [48:56] to any other [48:57] president in the world [48:58] have you asked [48:58] that question [48:59] to any other [48:59] president in the world [49:00] could you ask [49:02] that question [49:02] to Trump [49:03] is that a question [49:10] from you [49:10] or is that coming [49:11] from the state [49:11] department [49:12] of the U.S. [49:12] government [49:13] my question is [49:13] because it's [49:15] one of the things [49:15] that we've heard [49:16] the U.S. [49:17] government talk about [49:18] that they want [49:18] political change [49:19] here in Cuba [49:20] so my question [49:21] for you [49:21] if they asked you [49:23] if they said [49:24] this is one condition [49:25] would you step down [49:26] because of your [49:27] honesty [49:28] I'm going to assume [49:29] that you're asking [49:30] that question [49:30] because of those [49:31] reasons [49:31] in Cuba [49:35] the people [49:36] who are [49:36] in leadership [49:38] position [49:38] is not elected [49:40] by the U.S. [49:41] government [49:41] and they don't [49:42] have a mandate [49:42] from the U.S. [49:43] government [49:43] we have a free [49:44] sovereign state [49:45] a free state [49:46] we have [49:47] self-determination [49:48] and independence [49:49] and we are not [49:50] subjected to the [49:52] designs [49:52] of the United States [49:54] on the other hand [49:56] Cuban leaders [49:57] are not here [50:01] representing [50:01] an elite of power [50:03] you can see [50:04] my background [50:05] where I was born [50:06] my family [50:07] what I've done [50:08] throughout my life [50:08] we are elected [50:10] by the people [50:10] although there's [50:12] a narrative [50:12] trying to disregard [50:13] that [50:13] any one of us [50:14] before we become [50:16] part of a [50:17] leadership role [50:18] we need to be elected [50:19] at the grassroots level [50:20] in an electoral district [50:21] by thousands of Cubans [50:22] and then [50:23] those who represent [50:25] the Cubans [50:25] at the National Assembly [50:26] of the People's Power [50:27] elect those [50:29] leadership positions [50:30] and those offices [50:31] like it happens [50:33] in many other countries [50:34] around the world [50:34] so we have [50:35] an election system [50:36] on the basis [50:37] of people's participation [50:38] so whenever we take [50:39] this responsibility [50:41] position [50:42] and this leadership [50:42] position [50:43] it's not out of [50:44] our personal [50:46] ambition [50:47] or a corporate ambition [50:49] or even [50:49] a party [50:50] ambition [50:51] we do that [50:52] as a mandate [50:53] by the people [50:54] and the concept [50:55] of revolutionaries [50:56] giving up [50:57] and stepping down [50:59] is not part [51:00] of our vocabulary [51:01] if the Cuban people [51:02] understand [51:03] that I am [51:04] I'm not fit [51:05] for office [51:05] that I am not [51:06] at the [51:08] I'm not risen [51:09] to the occasion [51:10] then [51:10] I should not be [51:12] holding this [51:13] position of president [51:14] I will respond [51:17] to them [51:17] but you need [51:18] to realize [51:19] that you should not [51:20] focus only [51:21] on the [51:21] president [51:24] of the country [51:24] because we have [51:25] a collegiate [51:26] leadership [51:27] which is very [51:28] closely linked [51:29] to the people [51:29] but it's not [51:30] the United States [51:31] that can impose [51:32] anything on us [51:33] the U.S. government [51:34] that has [51:36] implemented [51:38] that hostile policy [51:39] against Cuba [51:39] has no moral [51:41] to demand [51:41] anything from Cuba [51:42] they have no moral [51:44] not even to say [51:45] that they are concerned [51:46] about the situation [51:47] of the Cuban people [51:48] and that the Cuban government [51:49] has taken Cuba [51:50] to this situation [51:51] when they [51:52] have all this [51:53] responsibility [51:54] on their shoulders [51:55] I think the most [51:55] important thing [51:56] would be for them [51:57] to understand [51:57] and take this [51:58] critical position [52:00] a sincere position [52:01] and that they [52:02] recognize [52:03] how much [52:04] it has cost [52:04] the Cuban people [52:06] the policy [52:07] that they have [52:07] implemented [52:08] in terms of [52:08] what they've done [52:10] and how much [52:11] they have deprived [52:11] the American people [52:12] from a normal [52:13] relationship [52:14] with the Cuban people [52:14] and that they set out [52:16] as we have requested [52:17] and as we have asked [52:19] and as we're interested in [52:20] to engage [52:21] in dialogue [52:22] and discuss [52:23] any topic [52:24] without any condition [52:25] not demanding changes [52:28] from our political system [52:30] as we are not demanding [52:31] changes from the [52:32] American system [52:34] about which we have [52:36] a number of doubts [52:36] and a number of [52:37] considerations [52:40] and that we can focus [52:41] on what brings us together [52:43] and what we can [52:44] what can create [52:45] spaces of understanding [52:46] in order to move away [52:48] from confrontation [52:48] and having a path forward [52:51] for both countries [52:52] of benefits [52:52] of friendship [52:53] and solidarity [52:54] President Diaz-Canel [52:55] thank you so much [52:57] for your time [52:58] thank you [53:01] thank you [53:02] thank you [53:02] thank you [53:03] thank you [53:05] thank you [53:09] thank you [53:10] for watching [53:10] and remember [53:10] stay updated [53:11] on breaking news [53:11] and top stories [53:12] on the NBC news app [53:14] or watch live [53:15] on our YouTube channel