Cuba firmly rejects any US proposal to negotiate its political system or the term of President Miguel Diaz-Canel, dismissing reports Washington seeks his removal.
HAVANA: Cuba has firmly rejected any suggestion that its political system or the term of its president are negotiable in talks with the United States. This follows media reports that Washington is seeking to remove Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel from power.
Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio stated the country’s position unequivocally at a press conference. “I can categorically confirm that … the political system of Cuba is not up for negotiation, and of course neither the president nor the position of any official in Cuba is subject to negotiation with the United States,” he said.
The talks between the two nations are occurring amid heightened tensions and a severe economic crisis in Cuba. The crisis has been exacerbated by a comprehensive US oil blockade imposed during the Trump administration.
President Diaz-Canel later addressed a group of foreign activists, warning that Cuba is preparing for potential US aggression. “We’re not just crossing our arms. In the first place, we recognize that there could be aggression against Cuba,” he stated, striking a defiant tone.
He reinforced this stance on social media earlier in the week. “Any external aggressor will face an impenetrable resistance,” Diaz-Canel wrote.
Media reports from USA Today and The New York Times outlined alleged US proposals. These reports, citing unnamed sources, suggested a potential economic deal that would relax trade restrictions but include a pathway for Diaz-Canel to leave office.
The reported US plan would not target the family of former leaders Fidel and Raul Castro. Raul Castro, 94, remains a highly influential figure in Cuban politics years after stepping down from the presidency.
Analysts note the proposed strategy resembles recent US actions in Venezuela. There, the US cooperated with the acting president after deposing Nicolas Maduro, rather than installing a completely new opposition government.
Political authority in Cuba is now more widely distributed than during the Castro era. Power is spread among senior Communist Party leaders, government officials, and the armed forces.
Deputy Minister de Cossio declined to provide specific details about the ongoing bilateral discussions. He did not reveal where or when the talks are taking place.
However, he acknowledged several complex issues are on the table for dialogue. These include mutual claims for economic compensation and the potential restoration of severed trade ties.
Cuba seeks damages for the long-standing US economic embargo. The United States has 5,913 outstanding claims from Americans whose properties were nationalised after the 1959 revolution.
“These are very complex issues that can be discussed, but they require dialogue,” de Cossio concluded. “They require sitting down and are legitimate matters.”
