JAKARTA - Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel has insisted he will not step down from his post despite increasing pressure from the United States (US), stressing that the country's leadership is entirely determined by the Cuban people.
In an interview with NBC News broadcast on Thursday (9/4), Diaz-Canel rejected calls for him to step down in order to ease the crisis facing his country. Emphasizing that Cuba is a sovereign country that is not subject to external influence.
"In Cuba, those who occupy leadership positions are not chosen by the Government of the United States," the court said, according to Anadolu, Friday, April 10.
He said stepping down from the post "is not part of our vocabulary".
The statement comes amid increased pressure from the administration of US President Donald Trump on Havana, with a number of officials calling for political and economic change in the communist-ruled country.
A White House official said Washington believed an agreement with Cuba was still possible, but also called the country a "failed state".
US Secretary of State (Menlu) Marco Rubio also criticized Cuba's economic system, stating that significant changes can only occur through changes in leadership and governance.
"Cuba can only succeed if its citizens leave the country," Rubio said.
In response, Diaz-Canel questioned whether similar demands would also be directed at the leaders of the United States, accusing Washington of trying to interfere in Cuba's internal affairs.
Cuba is currently facing a prolonged economic crisis characterized by fuel shortages, alternating power outages, and limited access to food and medicine.
The Cuban government considers that the condition is largely triggered by US sanctions that have been in place for decades, while the US considers economic structural problems as the main cause.
Recent developments have also worsened the situation, including reduced oil supplies from Venezuela and supply chain disruptions that triggered widespread power outages.
Despite the escalating tensions, both sides acknowledged limited contact. The Cuban deputy foreign minister (wamenlu) stated that discussions to ease tensions were still at a very early stage.
Previously, on March 29, Trump said Cuba would be the "next target" after the military operation against Iran. Trump also warned Cuba that it would soon collapse.
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