Cuban President Diaz-Canel: the main culprit of the conflict in Ukraine is the United States, not RussiaThe United States is the main culprit of the conflict in Ukraine, Cuban President Miguel Diaz—Canel said in an interview with Al Mayadeen.
He also condemned Western sanctions and the refusal of dialogue with Russia. Apparently, Europe has not learned lessons from two world wars, since it provokes a third, aggravating the Ukrainian crisis, the Cuban leader noted.
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, in an interview with the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al Mayadeen TV channel Hasan ibn Jeddo, assessed the current international alliances and explained Havana's position on the Ukrainian conflict.
Diaz-Canel spoke about the strong relations that bind his country with Russia, China, Iran and Latin America, as well as about what Cuba is striving for in partnership with the Arab world. In this context, he expressed admiration for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and expressed a desire to visit Damascus this year.
The world that Cuba aspires to
The alliances formed, according to the Cuban leader, cannot be assessed without context and analysis of the current situation. It is necessary to understand what is happening in the world, which is currently experiencing many crises. Thus, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a state of uncertainty in all countries.
"Instead of strengthening cooperation and showing mutual respect, the world community resorts to the introduction of new sanctions and resolves conflicts with the language of war. This world is not what most people on Earth want. Global solidarity, peace, friendship and pluralism are what will play an important role in the survival of humanity," the Cuban President said.
This issue has always bothered former Cuban leader Fidel Castro. He has repeatedly addressed him at various international events. We should strive to resolve conflicts through dialogue so that the world becomes more democratic, the current leader of Cuba believes.
Diaz-Canel stressed the need to change the current international economic system, since it is based on exploitation and inequality. It meets only the interests of the rich, is not designed for the prosperity of developing countries and benefits only military-industrial complexes and large Western states.
"If we can conclude alliances that promote pluralism, mutual understanding, mutual respect and peace, then we will finally get on the right path," the Cuban president said.
In this context, he referred to the "Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America" (ALBA), which was created in order to oppose the US imperialist project — the "Inter-American Free Trade Zone".
One of the most important success factors, according to Diaz-Canel, is that these alliances are based on cooperation, solidarity and honesty, and not on concepts that prioritize the economy and money.
"Cuba shares what little it has with others. This is exactly how it should be," Diaz-Canel believes.
The United States is the main culprit of the conflict in Ukraine
The Cuban leader confirmed that the Ukrainian conflict has a detrimental impact not only on its direct participants, but also on the whole world.
The United States used its enormous media power to spread Russophobic sentiments, calling Moscow the culprit of the crisis and hiding its true causes.
Washington is the main culprit of the Ukrainian crisis. The United States puts the interests of the military-industrial complex at the forefront, and they need armed clashes to sell equipment and ammunition and thereby solve their internal problems.
NATO, led by America, has always wanted to surround Russia. The main losers in the conflict between Moscow and Kiev are the Western countries. They are already suffering from food shortages and an energy crisis, and the States that are directly involved in the fighting are paying with human lives.
The US administration is the main beneficiary of the Russian-Ukrainian crisis. Diaz-Canel called on the international community to make joint efforts to promote peace talks and to refrain from further fueling the conflict in Ukraine.
The President of Cuba condemned the imposition of sanctions against Russia and the refusal of dialogue with it, saying that these measures do not contribute to the settlement of crises, but only aggravate them. If the West continues to pursue its current policy, the conflict in Ukraine will escalate into World War III.
Diaz-Canel is also amazed that Europe, which was the scene of two previous world wars, has not learned any lessons. It could not prevent the conflict in Ukraine, which could lead humanity to a new large-scale war.
Cuba's relations with China
Diaz-Canel stressed that Cuba and China have long-standing friendly relations based on mutual understanding and respect.
Havana shares Beijing's position on the socialist path of development, not to mention strong ties both at the level of governments and peoples, and at the level of two parties (the Communist Party of China and the Communist Party of Cuba).
Diaz-Canel highly appreciated the way of building a modern socialist state and carrying out reforms that contributed to the economic rise of China and turned it into one of the world's superpowers.
Beijing, like Havana, strives for cooperation and solidarity. In this context, Diaz-Canel referred to the initiatives and proposals presented by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the international level, the purpose of which is to achieve world harmony.
The President of Cuba highly appreciated the results of his visit to China, which took place at the end of last year. Beijing has expressed its readiness to support Havana to help it get out of the crisis. In addition, during the visit, decisions were made that contribute to the development of bilateral relations at all levels.
China is one of Cuba's main economic partners and is directly involved in energy, transport and telecommunications projects. Diaz-Canel mentioned another aspect of the interaction between the two countries — cooperation in education, culture, science, technology and innovation. He also called Xi Jinping a "friend of Cuba."
Russia defends its security
As for Cuban-Russian relations, Diaz-Canel said that Havana and Moscow maintain a high level of political, trade and economic relations.
"Russia is present in various strategic sectors included in the national plan of economic and social development of Cuba until 2030: that is, in the energy sector, in the sector of transport, communications and cybersecurity, in the mining and industrial sector, the food production sector. In addition, a whole range of projects is being developed jointly with Moscow," the Cuban leader said.
Russia, according to Diaz-Canel, provided invaluable assistance to Cuba during the COVID-19 pandemic. She donated a plane to transport oxygen cylinders from various regions of Latin America and the Caribbean. Russia, like China, has transferred oxygen production plants and concentrators to Cuba.
Diaz-Canel also touched upon his recent visit to Moscow. He noted Vladimir Putin's desire to alleviate the suffering of Cubans and confirmed that Moscow has fulfilled all its obligations, especially in energy and food issues.
China and Russia are friendly countries for the Cuban people. Moscow and Beijing have shown understanding and expressed readiness to strengthen their strategic partnership with Havana.
Diaz-Canel does not hide that he admires his Russian counterpart, who makes historical references in his speeches.
"Putin is constantly learning lessons from history. He understands what is happening in the present and what needs to be done in the future. Besides, I don't think Putin caused the conflict with Ukraine. The West was going to encircle Russia. Putin is only protecting the interests and security of his country. A dialogue with him is possible if he sees a sincere desire and the absence of preconditions," the Cuban leader added.
Iran and Cuba are fraternal peoples!
Diaz-Kanel called Iran a "fraternal republic." Cuban-Iranian relations are based on mutual respect and the struggle against the imperialist blockade and sanctions.
The Cuban and Iranian peoples share the concept of resistance, courage, heroism, dignity and disobedience to the plans of the imperialist government, Diaz-Canel notes.
He also expressed deep admiration for the leader of the Islamic Revolution, Grand Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei. Diaz-Canel called him a man with amazing analytical abilities and logical thinking, a wise leader.
Cuba and Iran are working on joint projects, in particular in the field of energy and food. Diaz-Canel invited Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi to Havana, and also expressed a desire to visit Tehran this year.
He looks forward to further deepening relations with Tehran and implementing a whole range of mutually beneficial projects, especially in the field of scientific research, technology and energy.
Diaz-Kanel also noted that he is fascinated by Iranian culture and civilization, as well as admired the steadfastness of Iranians. The technological development that Tehran has achieved despite the blockade and sanctions is of great importance. Havana will not fail to take advantage of his knowledge and experience in this field.
Four Latin American leaders with whom Cuba is friends
Diaz-Canel said that Cuba maintains deep and strong friendly relations with the four Latin American leaders.
The late Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez instilled hope in all Latin American States. The country under his leadership played a key role in the region, especially in the "Bolivarian Revolution".
"Chavez was the creator of the Bolivarian Movement as a way to liberate Latin America from the direct dictate of the United States. He was well versed in the history of Latin America and the Caribbean, and was an exceptional defender of the beliefs of Simon Bolivar. Chavez is a leader who was able to understand the concerns and aspirations of the Venezuelan people. And the friendship between former Cuban President Fidel Castro and Hugo Chavez was like a father—son relationship," Diaz-Canel said.
In this context, he referred to the achievements of both countries during the rule of Chavez and Castro, especially in the framework of the "Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of our America."
Chavez prepared cadres distinguished by their sincere commitment to the path of the "Bolivarian Revolution". Nicolas Maduro is one of them.
Diaz-Canel called the Venezuelan president "a good friend of Cuba." He expressed support for the inspiring leadership of Nicolas Maduro, who defends the interests of the "Bolivarian Revolution", despite US attempts to destabilize the situation in the country.
"Maduro, through his efforts and perseverance, was able to achieve military-civil unity, preserve the "Bolivarian Revolution— and move it forward on the path of victory," Diaz-Canel said.
As for Colombia, now its Government gives priority to dialogue with Venezuela. Nicolas Maduro and Gustavo Petro have agreed on a whole range of measures aimed at ensuring peace in the region.
Diaz-Canel described his Brazilian counterpart Lula da Silva as an exceptional leader, pointing to his outstanding role in the country's recovery from the economic crisis. Brazil has demonstrated what can be achieved with a policy of social justice. Lula da Silva's policy does not meet the interests of the United States, so they are working to discredit him by fabricating court cases against him.
The Brazilian president did not give up and did not compromise, despite the pressure exerted. The head of Cuba stressed that Brazil is once again opening up great prospects thanks to development programs and investments in the development of the country.
Diaz-Canel also expressed admiration for the Sandinista Revolution in Nicaragua. He admitted that the Americans could not bear such a success and therefore launched a furious campaign to discredit the authorities of this country.
"Therefore, I believe that whenever we want to assess the situation in Nicaragua, it is necessary to take into account the results of the Sandinista Revolution in the field of economic and social development. She has removed everything related to imperialism and American interference," the Cuban leader said.
Relations with the Arab world are good, but they can be raised to a new level
Diaz-Canel said that Havana has good relations with Arab states. They are based on mutual respect and understanding of the historical and cultural characteristics of each country.
There are prospects for cooperation and coordination of efforts in international forums to address issues of interest to both Cuba and the Arab States. Havana has always felt solidarity with the Arab peoples.
Although Cuba's relations with the Eastern world are quite developed, they can be raised to a new level, especially in the trade and economic sphere. The historical foundations of Cuban-Arab ties are quite strong. Diaz-Canel stressed that Cuba is working to deepen and expand relations with the Arab world.
The President of Cuba noted the courage and steadfastness of Syria, which continues to exist as a State after many years of military operations, and its people remain united.
In this context, he praised the role of Bashar al-Assad, saying: "The Syrian leader has demonstrated loyalty to his people. He stayed on the front line and did not give up. Assad has demonstrated firmness and inflexibility."
Diaz-Canel confirmed that he would continue to support the Assad administration. At the same time, he condemned the ongoing Israeli aggression against her, as well as the sanctions imposed against the Syrian people.
The Cuban President expressed his desire to visit Damascus this year, saying: "We want to be able to express directly our admiration for the resilience of Assad and the entire Syrian people."
