In an extensive press conference with national and international media, Diaz-Canel denounced the fact that Cuba has not received fuel since December due to the tightening of the blockade against Venezuela, which has created a complex situation affecting electricity generation and basic economic and social activities.

In response, he outlined a plan that includes updating the Special Period directives for energy conservation, increasing the extraction and refining of domestic crude oil, expanding the manufactured gas service, and accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources through the installation of photovoltaic systems.

Diaz-Canel also expressed his gratitude for the immediate support of China, Russia, the Non-Aligned Movement, and other global actors, asserting that “Cuba is not alone,” and called on the Global South to mobilize against hegemony and fascism.

He reiterated the island’s willingness to engage in dialogue with the United States “without preconditions and on equal footing,” while defending the country’s sovereign right to prepare for defense under the doctrine of people’s war.

According to President Diaz-Canel, the United States has attempted to characterize the Cuban situation using the theory of a failed state, which is linked to one of the strategies the U.S. government is employing to overthrow the Cuban Revolution: economic strangulation.

He also revealed that terrorist actions against Cuba are being organized and financed from Washington and stressed that details of these plans will be revealed soon.

Regarding ties with the Bolivarian Republic, Diaz-Canel affirmed that Cuba is willing to continue collaborating with Venezuela in light of the new scenario imposed after the United States’ aggression and the illegal kidnapping of that country’s head of state.

jdt/ro/mks