标签： Cuba

In an unprecedented political move, Spain’s Congress of Deputies has formally condemned former U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order intensifying economic restrictions against Cuba. The resolution marks the first official rejection by Spanish governmental institutions of U.S. policy toward the Caribbean nation.

The initiative, championed by United Left (IU) congressman Enrique Santiago and backed by the Sumar movement, received cross-party support from EH Bildu, ERC, Podemos, and Coalición Canaria. The proposal was ultimately adopted with amendments from the ruling Socialist Party (PSOE), though it faced strong opposition from conservative factions including the People’s Party (PP), Junts for Catalonia, and the far-right Vox party.

Santiago, who also serves as general secretary of the Communist Party of Spain (PCE), issued stark warnings during parliamentary debates, asserting that the strengthened U.S. sanctions could precipitate the ‘collapse’ of essential Cuban infrastructure within weeks. He specifically highlighted vulnerabilities in healthcare systems, power grids, and transportation networks.

The resolution urges the Spanish government to formally demand the cessation of what it characterizes as ‘coercive measures’ against Cuba in all international forums. Santiago expressed hope that this parliamentary action would inspire Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to issue a strong statement defending Cuba against what he termed ‘brutal aggression’ from the United States.

Beyond diplomatic channels, the measure calls for broader societal solidarity, encouraging both official institutions and civil society to facilitate the delivery of essential materials, goods, and energy products to address Cuba’s pressing needs. Santiago framed the initiative as a defense of fundamental principles of international law, including national sovereignty, non-interference, and the prohibition of force in international relations.

The legislator drew historical parallels, warning that the U.S. policies aim to reduce Cuba to colonial status similar to Puerto Rico’s relationship with the United States. The resolution represents a significant alignment of left-wing and democratic forces in Spain around a common foreign policy position challenging U.S. hemispheric influence.

The Cuban government has issued a powerful reaffirmation of its diplomatic allegiance to the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) through an official statement broadcast on social media platform X. This declaration reinforces Cuba’s commitment to strengthening what it describes as “historic ties of brotherhood, solidarity and cooperation” between the two nations.

The historical context of this relationship traces back to the Western Sahara conflict’s origin. On February 26, 1976, Spain formally withdrew from its former colony, followed by the Polisario Front’s proclamation of the SADR on February 27, 1976. The fledgling republic gained significant international recognition in November 1984 when most member states of the Organization for African Unity (now the African Union) established formal ties, with SADR maintaining full membership status in the continental organization ever since.

Cuba’s diplomatic engagement with the Sahrawi republic began in the 1980s, marked by the reciprocal establishment of embassies in each other’s territories. Beyond formal diplomatic channels, the relationship featured high-level political exchanges between leadership of Cuba’s Communist Party and representatives of the Polisario Front, illustrating the depth of their ideological and political alignment during that era.

Amid escalating military confrontations along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has called for peaceful dialogue between the neighboring nations. Utilizing the social media platform X, the top diplomat emphasized that both countries should seek to resolve their differences “within the framework of good neighborliness and dialogue during the holy month of Ramadan.”

The Iranian official reaffirmed Tehran’s commitment to resolving international disputes through diplomatic channels, positioning Iran as a potential mediator in the conflict. The Foreign Ministry expressed Tehran’s readiness to provide comprehensive support to facilitate dispute resolution between Kabul and Islamabad while encouraging strengthened bilateral cooperation.

This diplomatic intervention follows a significant deterioration in cross-border relations. The Afghan government confirmed the initiation of large-scale military operations against Pakistani military positions along their shared border just one day prior to Iran’s statement. This offensive was characterized as a direct response to earlier attacks conducted by Pakistani forces.

The current cycle of violence began when Islamabad reported conducting airstrikes on seven locations it identified as “terrorist camps” within Afghan border territory last Sunday. Pakistani authorities stated these bombings were retaliation for recent attacks occurring on its sovereign territory.

In response to these developments, Afghanistan’s government delivered a formal note of protest to the Pakistani ambassador stationed in Kabul. Afghan officials indicated they would formulate a measured response, promising to react “appropriately and thoughtfully” at a time of their choosing, suggesting further military or diplomatic actions may be forthcoming.

In a significant diplomatic exchange, Mauritian President Prithvirajsing Roopun, through a formal statement by an official representative, has reaffirmed his nation’s steadfast solidarity with Cuba amidst ongoing international pressures. The communication, delivered during an official ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations between the two countries, centered on the recent escalation of the United States’ long-standing embargo.

The discussion highlighted concerns over an executive order issued by former U.S. President Donald Trump, which aimed to intensify the six-decade-old economic, commercial, and financial blockade. A key alarming facet of this order involved strategies to disrupt and block Cuba’s critical fuel supply chains, exacerbating the nation’s economic challenges.

Ambassador Pérez Mesa, representing Cuba, expressed profound confidence that the government of Port Louis would align with the broader international community in formally condemning these measures. The condemnation is rooted in the perspective that such unilateral sanctions constitute a clear violation of established International Law and the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter. The ambassador emphasized that these actions set a concerning precedent, posing a direct threat to the sovereignty of nations worldwide.

Beyond addressing these critical geopolitical issues, the meeting served as a platform to explore future collaboration. Both parties engaged in constructive dialogues to identify new potential areas of cooperation and to develop joint initiatives. This forward-looking conversation underscored a mutual and strong desire to further strengthen and deepen the diplomatic and economic ties between Mauritius and Cuba, using the milestone of their five-decade-long relationship as a springboard for enhanced future engagement.

Cuba has formally reiterated its unequivocal opposition to all forms of terrorism through an official statement delivered by Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío. The declaration comes in response to a recent attempted infiltration of Cuban territorial waters by ten individuals aboard a Florida-registered vessel suspected of terrorist intentions.

Minister Fernández de Cossío emphasized Cuba’s exemplary record in combating terrorism, noting the nation’s adherence to all 19 international counterterrorism conventions. “Our country maintains an exemplary record in the fight against terrorism and has fulfilled and will continue to honor its commitments in this area,” he stated during a press briefing.

The incident, which occurred Wednesday, involved the interception of a vessel carrying substantial military equipment including assault rifles, sniper weapons, Molotov cocktails, night vision devices, bulletproof vests, and paraphernalia from counter-revolutionary organizations. Four individuals died during the confrontation with Cuban naval forces.

Cuban authorities have identified the involved parties as Cristian Ernesto Acosta Guevara, Conrado Galindo Serrior, José Manuel Rodríguez Castelló, Leordán Cruz Gómez, Amijail Sánchez González, Roberto Álvarez Ávila, Pavel Alling Peña, Michael Ortega Casanova, Ledián Padrón Guevara, and Héctor Duani Cruz Correa. Notably, Sánchez González and Cruz Gómez appear on Cuba’s official list of wanted individuals previously shared with United States authorities.

The Deputy Foreign Minister confirmed ongoing communication with U.S. counterparts through established diplomatic channels, including the State Department and Coast Guard. Both governments have expressed willingness to collaborate in the investigation, with Cuba formally requesting information about the vessel and individuals involved.

Fernández de Cossío contextualized this event within Cuba’s six-decade history of experiencing terrorist attacks largely organized from U.S. territory. He highlighted concerns about increased violent plots against Cuba and the perceived impunity of their perpetrators. The Cuban government maintains that protecting territorial waters constitutes both a sovereign right and national defense obligation under international law.

In a profound historical reflection drawn from archival speeches and writings, the enduring legacy of Fidel Castro continues to illuminate Cuba’s revolutionary journey. The commemorative piece, originally published in Granma, showcases Castro’s deep reverence for pivotal dates in Cuba’s independence struggle—particularly February 24th, which marks the 1895 uprising orchestrated by national hero José Martí.

Castro’s words, spanning decades of leadership, consistently emphasized the philosophical and practical continuities between Cuba’s independence wars and his own revolutionary movement. He articulated how October 10th (1868), February 24th (1895), and July 26th (1953) formed an unbroken chain of revolutionary consciousness against colonial and neocolonial oppression.

The historical analysis reveals Castro’s particular admiration for José Martí, whom he described as “one of the most extraordinary thinkers of our hemisphere” during a 1988 speech in Ecuador. Castro highlighted Martí’s conceptualization of “a necessary and useful war” as the only path to genuine independence—a philosophy that directly informed Castro’s own revolutionary strategies.

Photographic evidence accompanying the original article showed Castro wielding a replica of Antonio Maceo’s machete during the 35th anniversary of the Revolution, visually connecting the revolutionary generations. The imagery reinforces Castro’s frequent references to independence leaders like Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, Ignacio Agramonte, Antonio Maceo, and Máximo Gómez.

Castro’s speeches, particularly his 1953 “History Will Absolve Me” defense, emphasized how Cuban education systematically instilled revolutionary values: “We were taught that October 10th and February 24th are glorious days of national celebration because they mark the days when Cubans rebelled against the yoke of the infamous tyranny.”

The compilation demonstrates Castro’s consistent historical worldview: that his revolution completed the work begun by nineteenth-century independence fighters, replacing “false symbols” and “false dates” with authentic revolutionary continuity. This perspective framed contemporary political struggles as extensions of Martí’s ideological battles against opportunism and compromise.

Castro’s 1991 speech during Special Period economic hardships particularly emphasized this historical resilience: “When some said that the necessary war would never start again, Martí said, ‘Yes! The necessary war will return.’” This rhetorical strategy consistently mobilized historical precedent to address contemporary challenges throughout Castro’s leadership.

In a historic address commemorating the 50th anniversary of Cuba’s Local Bodies of People’s Power, President Miguel Díaz-Canel delivered a powerful call for democratic renewal amid significant national challenges. Speaking at the National Capitol Building on February 24, 2026—a date deeply embedded in Cuban revolutionary history—the leader framed the occasion as both a tribute to past achievements and an urgent mandate for systemic improvement.

The President’s comprehensive speech traced the historical significance of February 24th through Cuba’s independence struggles, from José Martí’s 1895 uprising to the establishment of socialist democracy. He emphasized that the People’s Power system, initiated in 1976, represented the materialization of revolutionary principles where governance truly emanates from citizen participation.

Díaz-Canel presented a candid assessment of contemporary challenges, citing economic difficulties exacerbated by the longstanding U.S. embargo, Cuba’s controversial inclusion on terrorism sponsorship lists, and internal administrative shortcomings. He acknowledged public frustrations with supply shortages, infrastructure problems, and youth disengagement while condemning external pressures as economically suffocating measures.

The address outlined four fundamental imperatives for revitalizing People’s Power: enhancing community-level responsiveness, fostering genuine participatory mechanisms rather than ceremonial attendance, embracing critical self-evaluation to combat formalism and excessive centralization, and safeguarding national hope through concrete local achievements.

President Díaz-Canel issued specific directives to delegates, urging them to prioritize street-level engagement over bureaucratic processes and transform criticisms into actionable solutions. He challenged local administrations to align governmental actions with community-identified priorities and eliminate procedural obstacles that dilute popular will.

Calling for citizen involvement beyond electoral periods, the President emphasized that participatory democracy manifests through accountability assemblies, community organizing, and collective support for vulnerable populations. He characterized Cuba’s democracy as ‘trenches democracy’—built through sacrifice and daily perseverance rather than ceremonial performance.

While celebrating the People’s Power system as a unique Cuban creation rooted in revolutionary thought and José Martí’s legacy, Díaz-Canel acknowledged it as an unfinished project requiring adaptation to demographic changes, technological evolution, and contemporary social expectations. He declared the anniversary a turning point for institutional transformation that strengthens social justice while preserving foundational principles.

The address concluded with emotional tributes to grassroots delegates and reaffirmations of revolutionary slogans, positioning People’s Power as both governance structure and living expression of popular sovereignty in the face of ongoing challenges.

HAVANA – In a ceremony rich with historical symbolism, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez presided over the formal presentation of “Selected Works of Army General Raúl Castro Ruz” at the Palace of the Revolution’s Portocarrero Hall on Tuesday. The event, attended by one hundred carefully selected young Cubans, marked the unveiling of a comprehensive nine-volume collection documenting Castro’s six-decade revolutionary career.

President Díaz-Canel framed the publication as essential reading for contemporary youth, emphasizing its value in “a world where truth is one of the most wounded virtues.” In his prologue to the collection, the Cuban leader characterized Castro as representing “that generation that valued life above all else and fought to defend it, even if it meant his own life.”

The February 24th timing carried profound historical significance, as noted by Dr. Elier Ramírez Cañedo, PhD in Historical Sciences, who co-presented the works alongside Abel Prieto Jiménez, president of Casa de las Américas. The date coincides with multiple pivotal moments in Cuban history: the 1895 resumption of liberation struggles, General Máximo Gómez’s 1899 entry into Havana, the 1956 founding of the Revolutionary Directorate, and the 1976 proclamation of Cuba’s first Socialist Constitution.

Compiled by Ediciones Celia over four years, the collection represents a monumental archival achievement containing more than 500 documents spanning over 5,000 pages, supplemented by extensive scholarly annotations. Each volume incorporates QR technology linking to photographic documentation of Castro at corresponding life stages.

Prieto Jiménez highlighted the collection’s distinctive illumination of Castro’s leadership style, describing it as fundamentally different yet complementary to Fidel Castro’s approach. He emphasized Raúl’s deeply Martí-inspired philosophy, his distinctive colloquial communication style, and his consistent humanism manifested through policies rejecting the humiliation of subordinates.

The presentation attracted Cuba’s highest leadership, including Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz, Organization Secretary Roberto Morales Ojeda, Vice President Salvador Valdés Mesa, and Secretary of the Council of Ministers José Amado Ricardo Guerra—all Political Bureau members.

Simultaneously, at the University of Havana, historians emphasized the collection’s academic significance. Daily Sánchez Lemus, deputy director of the Office of Historical Affairs, noted the deliberate university venue selection, stating the institution traditionally teaches “how to be revolutionaries and to defend the Homeland.” The compilation begins appropriately with Castro’s 1951 article published in Saeta, the university’s publication.

The digital edition has been available for several months through Communist Party platforms and national press outlets, with physical copies distributed to youth representatives from the Vladimir Ilich Lenin Pre-University Vocational Institute and various social sectors.