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51,182 views May 28, 2022
Leaders of the Americas prepare to gather in Los Angeles on June 6 for their ninth regional summit. But Washington has announced Cuba will be excluded, arguing the Caribbean nation does not meet the required democratic standards.
United States-Cuban relations have been hostile ever since Fidel Castro's 1959 revolution. In 2016, President Obama visited the island, calling the occasion an "historic opportunity" to leave the Cold War behind.
But under President Trump, all opportunities were lost. And now, under President Biden, relations remain tense.
So, what is next for the two countries? Cuba's deputy foreign minister, Carlos Fernandez de Cossio, talks to Al Jazeera.
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Transcript
Intro
0:07
as the leaders of the americas prepare
0:09
to gather in los angeles on june 6th for
0:12
their ninth regional summit the white
0:14
house has announced it will exclude cuba
0:17
arguing the communist-led country
0:19
doesn't meet the required democratic
0:21
standards
0:22
u.s cuba relations have been hostile
0:24
ever since fidel castro's 1959
0:27
revolution
0:28
in 2016 president barack obama became
0:31
the first u.s president to visit the
0:33
island in almost nine decades calling
0:36
his trip a quote historic opportunity to
0:39
leave the cold war behind
0:42
but then under president donald trump
0:44
all opportunities were lost in january
0:47
2021 the white house designated cuba as
0:50
a quote state sponsor of terrorism and
0:53
accused it of malign interference in
0:55
venezuela and the rest of the western
0:57
hemisphere
0:58
[Applause]
1:00
and now under president joe biden
1:03
relations remain tense as this
1:05
administration accuses havana of human
1:08
rights violations against cubans who
1:10
protested against their government last
1:12
year
1:13
this amid the largest exodus of
1:15
undocumented cuban migrants to the
1:17
united states in more than 40 years
1:20
so what's next for the two neighboring
1:22
countries i'm lucian newman in havana
1:25
and i've come to the cuban capital to
1:27
meet with the man in charge of u.s
1:29
affairs the deputy foreign minister of
1:32
the republic of cuba carlos fernandez de
1:34
cocio talks to al jazeera
Americas Summit
1:41
mr fernandez de cocios thank you for
1:43
joining us it's a pleasure there's a lot
1:45
to talk about but i'd like to start with
1:47
the surprise announcement by the biden
1:49
administration that apparently
1:52
it does does not want to invite cuba to
1:55
the upcoming summit of the americas what
1:57
does that imply
1:59
well we have said
2:00
that a
2:02
summit that excludes some countries of
2:04
the region
2:06
it's an exclusive uh summit it's not a
2:09
not an inclusive summit it's a summit
2:10
that uh chooses on a whim which
2:14
countries could attend and which could
2:16
not
2:17
based on the attempt to perhaps have a
2:19
photo opportunity of showing a a that
2:22
you had a meeting that that could be
2:24
politically convenient but if you're
2:26
going to have the summit if you're going
2:27
to spend money on it if you're going to
2:28
go to the trouble of convening heads of
2:31
state and government it would be to
2:33
discuss the difficult problems that we
2:35
have in our region which are difficult
2:37
some of them are controversial and for
2:40
the summit to be successful
2:42
the
2:42
useful thing to do and the fair approach
2:45
to take would be to have everybody in
2:47
have everybody put forward their points
2:50
of view even if you don't like them if
2:52
you're going to host to someone but what
Immigration
2:54
was cuba planning to bring to the table
2:56
in that summit which is supposed to
2:58
emphasize the immigration problems that
3:00
are afflicting the region i mean there
3:02
is an unprecedented exodus of people
3:04
from all over the region including cuba
3:07
at this moment
3:08
there's an old saying that if
3:12
development does not truly begin to
3:14
trickle south
3:15
it will end up creeping north
3:18
under development will be creeping north
3:20
and therefore if you do not solve the
3:22
economic and social problems of the
3:24
region it is very difficult for the
3:26
northern countries in this case the
3:27
united states to stop the flow of
3:30
migration legal or illegal
3:33
this is already recognized by the
3:34
leaders of the united states the
3:36
president vice president several members
3:38
of the government have said that to
3:40
address
3:41
the issue of migration you need to
3:43
tackle the problems the economic and
3:45
social problems of the region with
3:46
cooperation
3:48
with investment
3:49
with technical and financial assistance
3:52
yet in the case of cuba the official
3:54
policy and the policy that is being
3:56
applied is one of an economic blockade
4:00
aimed at making life as difficult as
4:02
possible
4:03
as unbearable as possible for the people
4:05
of cuba
4:06
to purpose with the purpose of
4:08
diminishing the standard of living of
4:10
the cuban population that in itself
4:13
is an impulse for people to migrate to
4:15
the developed countries above all the
4:17
united states
4:18
which has a standing policy of
4:21
invitation the united states stimulates
4:24
migration both regular but above all
4:26
irregular migration
4:29
and a cuban that arrives to the cuban to
4:31
the u.s border
4:33
as a difference to the migrant from any
4:34
other country in the world we have a
4:36
privileged
4:37
uh attitude by the u.s authorities it
4:40
has a high percentage of possibilities
4:42
of being accepted that doesn't happen to
4:45
anyone else from the region or from
4:46
other other parts of the world
4:48
the figures are over 90 percent of them
4:51
if they do reach the border they end up
4:53
being accepted in the united states and
4:55
therefore the cuban migrant
4:58
thinks that if he does reach the border
4:59
he has a high possibility higher than
5:01
anyone else or being accepted now if you
5:03
add to that the fact that since 2017
5:07
the us shut down
5:09
the processing of migrant visas in
5:11
havana in their embassy in havana
5:13
and it doesn't grant
5:15
legal avenues for cubans to migrate to
5:17
the united states then the individual
5:20
that has
5:21
a depressed economic condition
5:23
an invitation to go to the united states
5:25
and no legal avenue to migrate there's a
5:28
great possibility of for that person to
5:31
take an illegal irregular disorderly
5:34
manner to enter into the united states
5:36
that's the problem we face in the case
5:37
of cuba i'm going to ask you more about
Migration
5:39
the causes of that migration in a minute
5:41
but you've just come back from
5:43
washington where you headed the first
5:45
official face-to-face talks
5:47
between the cuban and u.s government in
5:50
four years precisely about migration
5:52
what if anything was accomplished
5:55
uh what was accomplished was there's uh
5:57
there was a good level of discussion
6:00
on the causes of this migration
6:02
the issues that needed to be solved and
6:04
a mutual recognition
6:06
that the agreements that exist the
6:08
agreement the the bilateral agreements
6:10
on migration that exist between the two
6:12
countries i'm talking about basically
6:14
1994 95 and 2017 should be implemented
6:19
fully comprehensively not in a selective
6:22
manner there was a mutual understanding
6:24
in that and a commitment to implement
6:26
those agreements but what does that mean
6:28
specifically it means
6:31
granting basically
6:33
granting visas in cuba
6:35
to begin to process
6:37
migration visas again in havana in a
6:39
meaningful manner for the united states
6:41
to fulfill its commitment of a minimum
6:44
of 20 000 visas a year for cuban
6:46
migrants that has not built been
6:48
accomplished or fulfilled since 2017
6:52
and therefore you have an accumulation
6:53
of cubans that could have migrated
6:56
60 to 80 000 that could have migrated
6:59
that found no legal way to to get to the
7:01
united states and to and to fulfill
7:04
their goal which is to move to the
7:06
united states so that's an important
7:08
step and there was agreement that that
7:09
needed to happen
7:10
how
7:12
and when
7:14
and with which speed is something still
7:16
to be seen but there was a commitment to
7:19
re-establish
7:20
the
7:21
migratory process in havana and to again
7:25
reach the point of 20 000 visas a year
7:27
and i understand that in exchange for
Deportations
7:29
this cuba would agree to accept deported
7:32
cubans cubans that the united states
7:34
does not agree to allow to stay or
7:36
considers ineligible for residents
7:39
that's part of the commitments of 2017
7:41
of the agreement of january 2017 that we
7:44
will receive
7:45
people that upon arrival in the united
7:47
states are considered not to be
7:48
acceptable and the us government decides
7:51
to deport them back to cuba we agreed to
7:53
take them back we fulfilled that part of
7:55
our agreement until until the pandemic
7:58
began the covet pandemic but we we
8:01
understand that as part of our
8:02
commitment but we said the agreements
8:04
need to be implemented comprehensively
8:06
not selectively not selectively
Economic crisis
8:09
as we all know cuba is undergoing a huge
8:12
exodus of its citizens right now the
8:14
largest since the 1980s actually
8:17
why do you think that is
8:19
there's a combination of factors
8:21
one is the
8:23
difficult economic conditions of the
8:24
country that are the result of an
8:27
economic crisis
8:29
the pandemic
8:30
and also a polit a policy from the
8:33
united states its official policy
8:35
deliberately aimed at making life
8:38
difficult for the people of cuba the u.s
8:40
has an overwhelming influence around the
8:42
world so the effect on the cuban
8:44
population is not only that that
8:46
directly comes from not trading or not
8:49
receiving any financial
8:52
activity with the united states
8:54
it is the impact of the united states
8:56
around the world financial institutions
8:58
that do not want to engage with cuba
9:01
because of fear
9:02
of the consequences they could have if
9:05
they
9:06
engage in trade or commercial activity
9:08
with cuba of trade organizations of of
9:11
companies that used to export to cuba
9:13
and don't want to export anymore or
9:15
companies that refuse to import cuban
9:17
produ to import cuban products because
9:19
of the trade relationship that they have
9:21
with the united states the capacity of
9:23
cuba to conduct its logical
9:26
international trade or economic
9:29
relations are
9:31
difficult and and face obstacles because
9:34
of u.s pressures around the world and
9:36
this is not something new it is within
9:38
the u.s law the helmsburg law
9:41
forces the u.s government it's an
9:42
obligation of the us government
9:43
according to that law to pressure the
9:46
governments of other countries for them
9:48
to severe the economic relationship with
9:51
cuba well does that so that's part of
9:53
the problems that we have
9:55
we also have
9:56
as i said again what the u.s calls the
9:59
pull effect
10:01
the an invitation by not fulfilling
10:03
their agreements part of their
10:04
agreements in 2017 was not to accept any
10:07
more cubans that reached their borders
10:10
they stopped doing that and they started
10:12
accepting cubans in march of this year
10:15
the u.s accepted
10:18
32 000 cubans in a month
10:20
32 000 cubans in a month
10:22
illegal migrants that just reached the
10:24
border of the united states cubans that
10:27
want to migrate and hear that news
10:29
and learn about it they say there's an
10:31
avenue there there's a way to enter the
10:33
united states if we use the illegal
10:35
channel
Transit visa
10:36
and yet panama which is the main the
10:38
practically the only way out of here to
10:41
get to
10:42
another country through copa airlines so
10:45
you can get for example to nicaragua
10:47
which does not require a visa for cubans
10:50
to make it north
10:51
has just implemented or the demand for a
10:54
transit visa and your government says
10:57
that that is from pressure
10:59
that is the cause by pressure from the
11:01
united states to to stop the cubans from
11:03
coming so it seems to be a contradiction
11:05
which the united states does not deny
11:08
what we are saying is that this is very
11:10
unfair to cubans
11:12
cubans that want to migrate that want to
11:15
leave the country
11:16
some of them are just travelers they
11:18
don't want to migrate but now they are
11:20
demanded and this is a discriminatory
11:22
treatment to cubans that the rest of
11:24
latin americans don't have they're
11:26
demanding a transit visa to go through
11:28
panama including cubans that have a
11:30
residence in other countries of the
11:31
region chile
11:32
argentina brazil they require a transit
11:35
visa to go through panama that is this
11:38
discriminative treatment of cubans the
11:40
result of pressures by the united states
11:42
government that the us government has
11:44
not uh denied
US pressure
11:47
this exodus you just said yourself more
11:49
than 30 000
11:51
cubans have left in just one month
11:54
it accelerated after the unprecedented
11:57
the very short-lived uprising that took
11:59
place last year in this country
12:02
and i think the only way you can
12:03
describe it is that the reaction from
12:05
the government to those who went out
12:07
onto the streets to demand economic
12:09
changes political changes was very harsh
12:12
we're talking about prison sentences of
12:15
up to 30 years for people who threw a
12:17
stone or broke a window
12:19
i would
12:21
disagree with your characterization of
12:23
what happened first
12:24
one of the basic reasons that is pushing
12:26
migration is people saw that the policy
12:29
of the abiding government is exactly the
12:31
policy of the trump government which is
12:34
maximum pressure toward cuba so they see
12:36
that their economic opportunities in the
12:38
country under the great power and the
12:40
great influence of the united states it
12:42
will continue and that their conditions
12:44
in cuba will continue to be difficult
12:47
now your characterization of the
12:49
government reaction to what happened on
12:51
july 11th you're saying harsh
12:54
sentences
12:55
and praises
12:56
let's how many people went out in the
12:58
street on that day 10 000 15 000
13:01
a few hundred were called into question
13:04
detention or prosecuted
13:06
meaning that it is
13:08
wrong to say that people were punished
13:11
for peacefully prostate protesting
13:13
because the thousands that went out
13:15
never saw the inside of a police station
13:17
never had to talk with a policeman they
13:19
just protested and that was it
13:22
the sentences
13:23
you qualify them harsh for for breaking
13:26
a window you don't see
13:27
any
13:29
30-year sentence for anyone for throwing
13:31
a rock and breaking a window you don't
13:33
know that now on that day
13:35
there were vehicles that were burnt
13:37
there were attacks on police stations
13:39
there were attacks to a pediatric
13:41
clinics there was vandalism all of that
13:43
in cuba is illegal anyone who
13:46
conducts that activity in cuba
13:48
must expect that they will have to face
13:50
the impact of the law and and that they
13:52
cannot
13:53
live with impunity by doing acts of that
13:55
nature well i've heard different stories
Relatives of prisoners
13:57
from the relatives of the people who are
13:59
now imprisoned young people in the vast
14:02
majority 19 year olds who are in prison
14:04
for 20 years but
14:05
let me you you make me remember
14:07
something excuse me you must have spoken
14:09
with the relatives of most of the
14:11
imprisoned people around the world
14:13
including the united states and did you
14:15
take for granted what they say about
14:17
their knowledge but they were photos
14:19
families and films there were photos and
14:21
films but there were photos of cars
14:24
being burnt there were photos of police
14:26
station being attacked there were there
14:28
were photos of aggression against
14:30
civilians there was there were photos of
14:32
vandalism of people stealing objects 30
14:35
years ago that's not peaceful protesting
14:38
i didn't say they were all peaceful but
14:39
let me would you remind me of is
14:41
something that president fidel castro
14:43
once said when there were troubles here
14:45
before he said
14:48
we have to set an example
14:50
is that what these sentences meant
14:53
to do to
14:55
send a message to cubans that they could
14:58
not go out massively onto the streets to
15:00
protest that is a huge fabrication
15:02
fabrication coming out of the u.s
15:04
government that first began to say that
15:07
the protests were for weeks
15:09
when evidence showed that it wasn't so
15:11
no i cannot
15:13
say that this was to to set an example
15:15
this was the implementation of the law
15:18
in cuba that people cannot do illegal
15:20
activity and cause harm with impunity
15:24
any country would react in that way in
15:26
latin america in latin america where
15:29
there has not been any campaign
15:31
by the us government there are people
15:32
whose
15:33
eyes have been taken out in chile in
15:36
colombia in colom in some of these
15:39
countries there have been dozens of
15:40
massacres within one year
15:43
none of that
15:44
happened in cuba none of that and do you
15:47
say that when that occurs in the latin
15:49
american countries this is to set an
15:51
example or is this a qualification only
15:53
for cuba
15:54
cuba has of course been at odds with the
US embargo
15:57
united states for 61 years
16:00
and the embargo uh
16:03
blockade as cuba calls it from the
16:05
united states has been ongoing in fact
16:07
it's much harsher now than it was for
16:09
many many years
16:10
yet that is something that you probably
16:12
won't be able to change how can the
16:15
cuban government or what can the cuban
16:16
government do
16:18
to convince its citizens to not want to
16:20
leave on your own merits not something
16:23
that depends on the united states
16:26
because if that's the case
16:27
i think you're right there's nothing
16:30
in the horizon that tells us that the
16:32
u.s economic policy to try to punish
16:34
cuba
16:35
and to make life as difficult as
16:37
possible for the cuban people is going
16:39
to change in the near future the current
16:41
government doesn't seem inclined in that
16:42
direction in any way so it is clear for
16:45
us and our government and our president
16:47
has been very clear on that that we need
16:49
to build our own development we need to
16:51
solve our economic problems
16:52
stabilize our economy achieve prosperity
16:56
and make life here so that cubans find
16:58
that their future and their
17:00
possibilities of improving
17:02
their living standards is within the
17:05
country it's a difficult task no
17:06
developing country has achieved it we
17:08
think that we can
Open economy
17:10
i've spoken to cubans who support the
17:12
revolution i'm not talking about
17:13
opponents who who
17:15
who say that they want to go return to a
17:18
capitalist society but even people who
17:21
support
17:22
a socialist system tell me that they
17:24
believe that this country needs to open
17:26
up more be more pluralistic
17:28
uh both ideologically and economically
17:33
i i wouldn't disagree with that our
17:35
government is clear the government
17:38
is convinced that we need to open the
17:41
economy
17:42
and our constitution the one we adopted
17:44
in 2019 offers that opportunity of
17:47
different actors of the economy we're
17:49
doing it on a step-by-step basis
17:51
incorporating new actors you must have
17:53
read or one must have seen that there's
17:55
the new small medium-sized enterprises
17:59
that have been established in cuba in
18:00
the past six months over 2000 of them
18:03
those were actors that didn't exist in
18:04
cuba in the past and the relationship
18:06
between those which are private small
18:09
and medium-sized enterprise but also
18:10
state-owned the relationship between
18:12
them has to grow has to be
18:14
regulated uh a framework and a blueprint
18:17
needs to be established for them to grow
18:19
but that doesn't stop us and we also
18:21
believe that we need more discussion a
18:23
more open discussion in cube of
18:25
different sectors of society and of
18:26
different generations
18:28
and we've said that and it's being done
18:30
what we're not ready to do
18:32
is to sacrifice a socialist system in
18:34
cuba what we're not ready to do is to
18:36
give an opening for those who want to
18:38
sabotage a system that for cubans
18:41
ensures independence
18:43
social justice
18:45
and the possibility of our country to
18:46
give opportunities to all not just for
18:48
the few and a system that protects cuba
18:52
from
18:53
the
18:55
control of transnational corporations of
18:57
what happens in the government which is
18:59
a problem that you face all over the
19:01
world including our region
US sanctions
19:03
going back to the pressures
19:05
from the united states government the
19:06
embargo the sanctions and possibly the
19:09
exclusion from the summit of the
19:11
americas
19:12
one could argue that cuba hasn't made it
19:14
very easy for the biden administration
19:16
either
19:18
to ease some of those sanctions would
19:21
your government consider for example
19:23
giving an amnesty to some of those
19:25
people who were incarcerated after the
19:28
uprising in july last year
19:31
as a symbol
19:32
it would be strange for the biden
19:34
administration to claim that cuba has
19:36
not been helpful or easy the u.s
19:39
government unilaterally
19:41
stopped implementing the migratory
19:43
agreements
19:44
the u.s government unilaterally has
19:46
imposed over 240 coercive measures
19:49
against cuba some of them very drastic
19:51
like
19:52
trying to deprive cuba from the supply
19:54
of oil
19:56
uh interrupting remittances that are
19:58
needed by the people
20:01
establi title three of helm's burden
20:05
uh
20:06
persecuting governments and pressuring
20:08
governments that accept cuban medical
20:10
cooperation
20:12
all of this has been done unilaterally
20:14
on the basis of false
20:16
presences
20:18
proclaimed by the trump administration
20:20
the current government does not repeat
20:22
or does not give credit to any of those
20:25
pretexts used by the trump
20:27
administration yet it continues to apply
20:30
the same policy if all these actions
20:32
were absolutely unilateral why would it
20:35
be on cuba's
20:37
side to try to make concessions for the
20:40
u.s to do the correct thing the policy
20:42
of the us against cuba
20:44
in economic terms today is nothing short
20:46
of criminal
20:48
it's a criminal policy to punish the
20:50
livelihoods of people during covid as a
20:53
result of that
20:54
policy many people died that should not
20:57
have died because we had the medical
20:58
capability on normal conditions to face
21:01
that reality
21:02
many people die they should not have
21:04
died not only of cobit but of all other
21:06
chronic diseases i would say so why
21:08
would cuba have to make concessions for
21:11
the u.s to stop applying a policy that
21:13
is criminal and that is clearly unfair
21:18
what if for example
21:20
donald trump were to be re-elected it's
21:22
not as far-fetched as it may sound right
21:24
now what is cuba going to do then
21:26
it's a reality that we face and we'll
21:28
continue to do what we're doing
21:31
what's the difference between donald
21:32
trump and joe biden for cuba today
21:36
ask the people of cuba in the street if
21:38
there is a difference between donald
21:40
trump and joe biden for them it's the
21:42
same
US policy against Cuba
21:43
perhaps but
21:44
record numbers of your citizens are
21:46
leaving the country they are tired
21:48
they've been hearing for 61 years that
21:50
they have to resist fatherland or death
21:53
some people say it's just too long to
21:55
wait
21:56
it's a very unfair situation
21:58
but
21:59
is it correct
22:00
if you look at the nature and the origin
22:03
of the policy united states against cuba
22:05
it says to make life as unbearable if
22:07
possible to create a situation of want
22:10
so that people rebel against the
22:11
government is that correct
22:13
is that right
22:15
we won't change the policy of the united
22:17
states against cuba nothing that we do
22:20
nothing that we do will change the
22:22
policy it's written in law it's in the
22:24
helm's burden law it is the law of the
22:26
land of the united states no amnesty
22:29
no action taken by cuba is going to
22:31
change that it is a unilateral position
22:33
of the us government based on the power
22:36
is and might is right and cuba cannot
22:39
change that regardless of what we do
22:41
you're sure about that i'm sure about
22:43
that there won't be any change
22:45
in the us regardless of what cuba does
22:48
history has shown that short of a more
22:51
pluralistic
22:52
political system elect multi-party
22:55
system
22:56
and it who says that is in the interest
22:58
of the united states some of the best
23:00
allies are the united states are
23:02
flagrant violators of human rights
23:04
totally undemocratic some of the best
23:06
allies there's no record there's no
23:09
record today and there's no record in
23:11
history that human rights pluralistic
23:13
societies or democracy are truly a
23:16
priority of the us government there's no
23:18
record to support that notion
What would you say to Biden
23:21
finally i'd like to ask you what would
23:23
you say to president biden if you had
23:26
him on the phone right now
23:28
about the fact that it doesn't want to
23:30
invite cuba to the summit of the
23:32
americas when that was
23:34
one of the things that the vast majority
23:36
of the countries of the region fought
23:37
for for so many years
23:39
the i would say i doubt that he would
23:42
speak with me but i would say that
23:45
if you're going to call it a summit you
23:47
can call it a summit
23:49
of a part of the americas but you cannot
23:51
call it some of the americas if you
23:53
exclude some you should not fear having
23:56
frank
23:57
dialogue
23:58
even when there are differences and
24:00
there are differences in the region and
24:01
there are problems immense problems in
24:03
our regions that the countries need to
24:05
talk about the countries in the region
24:07
are claiming that it be an inclusive
24:10
summit and that cuba be included
24:12
the u.s should pay attention to it mr
24:14
fernandez de cosios thank you for
24:16
talking to al jazeera it's been a
24:17
pleasure thank you
24:26
[Music]
==
==
Up next
13:37
How an Alleged Sonic Attack Shaped U.S. Policy on Cuba | Times Documentaries
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What would you say to Biden
Fernandez: Cuba is not ready to 'sacrifice' socialism | Talk to Al Jazeera
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Al Jazeera is funded in whole or in part by the Qatari government. Wikipedia
51,182 views May 28, 2022
Leaders of the Americas prepare to gather in Los Angeles on June 6 for their ninth regional summit. But Washington has announced Cuba will be excluded, arguing the Caribbean nation does not meet the required democratic standards.
United States-Cuban relations have been hostile ever since Fidel Castro's 1959 revolution. In 2016, President Obama visited the island, calling the occasion an "historic opportunity" to leave the Cold War behind.
But under President Trump, all opportunities were lost. And now, under President Biden, relations remain tense.
So, what is next for the two countries? Cuba's deputy foreign minister, Carlos Fernandez de Cossio, talks to Al Jazeera.
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by Al Jazeera English
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Talk To Al Jazeera | Exclusive interviews with global voices
by Al Jazeera English
610 Comments
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@eleanorvogt6537
7 months ago
So much appreciated, forward to friends in Cuba, to know the true story
1
Reply
@henrykstopikowski5379
1 year ago
Cuba Deputy FM Carlos Fernandez de Cossio says what he must say to maintain his position. Over 60 years have passed and Cuba is in a worse economic situation than it was before the revolution. There is NOTHING on the shelves in the shops. Cubans are hungry, inflation is astronomical, unemployment is huge and the government promises more "summer sunshine"! Nothing more!
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1 reply
@kimobrien.
1 year ago
End your criminal blockade of the Island!!!
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@atscub
1 year ago
Thank you Al Jazeera, for making this neutral journalism. It's difficult to find that in modern media. As a Cuban, I deeply appreciate it.
I have to say the tone of Carlos Fernandez, is very moderate and he seems like a person which whom you can talk, but the general Cuban politician has a far more radical, intolerant, speech. If you don't believe me, all videos of public appearances are online. There are millions of Cubans who would have been open for discussion with the government, but the government offers no real way to openly discuss any issue if it's controversial towards their policy. And by ignoring their needs and denying the possibility of political participation, the Cuban government has pushed them to increased frustration, further radicalizing them and feeding the mutual hate.
It's of course obvious the US state plays also a role in this story, but I would like to focus on Cubans only, since this is our problem, not anybody else's.
It would be very useful if Mr Fernandez, would give a precise definition on what socialist system means. It's a vague term that have changed a lot over the year. And there lies many of the issues in Cuba, the ambiguity in all aspects of life.
Once again thank you Al Jazeera for giving voice to us that can not have this kinds of talks. I hope to see more like this in the future.
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18 replies
@sammywellington4513
1 year ago
The US has no right to interfere in Cuban affairs. Please leave the country alone.
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3 replies
@DUBSTEP_KUSH305
1 year ago
FREE THE cuban people
from ๐ฏ๐ฒ
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1 reply
@henrykstopikowski5379
1 year ago
24/04/2023 Mr. Carlos Fernandez de Cossio, Cuba Deputy Foreign Minister, please tell the truth. If you can't tell the truth, please resign. You are not a patriot. The Cubans don't need you.
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@oralcummings4850
1 year ago
This man appears to be highly intelligent.His English is very fluent
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1 reply
@_yk9chj1xf5zs5q
1 year ago
Carlos Fernadez de Cossio has the joint son he had with Gertrudis Martorell Ballester, living in the United States, in Miami, as a rich young man. His father was a lifelong diplomat and ambassador to several countries, including Mexico. He has his sister living in Miami and the youngest of the male brothers who died a few years ago, also there. He lived in Canada when his father was appointed diplomat there in the 1960s, which is why he speaks English so well. They were always one of the bourgeois families of Cuba since 1959 of the privileged Castroites. Interesting data about his father Josรฉ Agustin Fernandez de Cossio from before 1959 can be found on the RepressorID page. The brother who remains in Cuba, with the same name and profession as his father, has also carried out diplomatic activities.
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@bovasi
7 months ago
This was a very interesting interview. Thank you. I'd like to see more documentaries and content concerning Cuba.
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@sanusiusman9282
1 year ago
๐จ๐บ ๐จ๐บ ๐จ๐บ ๐จ๐บ ๐จ๐บ ๐จ๐บ
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@michaelgj23
1 year ago
The US accusing another country of meddling in South America is so tone deaf.
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7 replies
@victorcontreras9138
6 months ago
He says the U.S. embargo is criminal? Who says the U.S. is obligated to trade with Cuba? I've seen signs on businesses here that they reserve the right to refuse service to anyone! If I have bad character they don't have to deal with me. I understand that and am not going to cry about it. I'll simply IMPROVE myself.๐บ๐ฒ
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1 reply
@metrodorian2921
1 year ago
Sen. Fernandez is not just a politician, he's an intelectual! He presents his opinions very steady, well put and quite on point!
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5 replies
@victorcontreras9138
6 months ago
The elite leaders and officials in Cuba are eating and living a good, comfortable life! It's the majority of the poor citizens that suffer. On a video where secret police were hauling a protestor away, what told me that one of the plainclothes policeman worked for the party was the fact that he was "pretty overweight and well fed".
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@AnnA-ve7im
1 year ago
This is sad I hope things improve for Cuba
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@dewittreeve4345
1 year ago
Very informative.
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@twelvestitches984
7 months ago
There is no economic blockade on Cuba. US companies cannot do business in Cuba but Cuba can do business with any other country. Cuba gets about 2 million Canadian/EU tourists every year.
The problem with Socialism is that it rewards laziness. 75% of the food that Cubans eat has to be imported.
The real reason that world financial institutions do not want to do business with Cuba is because they owe money on loans to China, Mexico, Russia and others that Cuba has not been able to pay back.
He is very pro-Cubans leaving Cuba to go to the US. I guess that means more food for those that stay in Cuba.
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@gillesdubreuil3255
1 year ago
Feel bad for all the Cubans people, still don't understand how can so many people from Canada, France, Belgium, Spain, UK, and many others can enjoy their vacations there and their country cannot support in a way Cuba, products, medecine, cars etc,,,,
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1 reply
@Felipe-om8zq
1 year ago
This is journalism at its best. Good job, Miss Newman. And thank you!
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@yesiamathinker1580
1 year ago
๐จ๐บ
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@henrykstopikowski5379
1 year ago
Mr. Fernandez, it's time to stop propaganda. How many more years will you say the same thing? Cubans want to eat. Why is everything expensive and there is nothing in the shops???
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1 reply
@nkosazanaandtheevolutionarys
1 year ago
sending from the fields!
1
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@titob.yotokojr.9337
1 year ago
There you are. Cuba has a clear path to progress they set out for themselves... Except that it has taken them more than half a century now and they are still nowhere in sight of their goal.
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4 replies
@cryptonumerals3318
1 year ago
Become a democracy and your lives will change for the better.
1
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@majihabana825
1 year ago
Gracias Gracias Viva Cuba Patria o Muerte Venceremos Siempre Hoy manana como ayer Palante Si patras Jamas
Reply
@angelochecklight6916
1 year ago (edited)
Fernandez is a high professional and interesting personality. He represents the country that knows and follows own ways
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12 replies
@dogo2164
1 year ago
Why the embargo and what benefit.
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@billlombard9911
1 year ago
Democracy now for Cuba ! Free elections for Cuba !
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1 reply
@constantius4654
1 year ago (edited)
There is simply no excuse whatever for Cuba not holding free and fair elections and letting the people decide how they are governed. There is no point in a Cuban minister sounding reasonable unless he agrees to a normal democratic system - which he does not. He blames the USA for Cuba's economic crisis but he does not accept that a lot of blame lies with the clique who rule Cuba without the consent of its people.
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@lilyoquendo3485
1 year ago
As a daughter of Cuban exile, I must protest and speak my mind on a few talking points here because I can see that in the comments there is a lack of actual Cubans that know and have lived the misery that is living in Cuba. 1 It is not just this Administration that accuses Havana (communist government) against Human rights violations, It is the Cuban. Americans exile community that suffered the evil of the communist party that put pressure on their US elected officials to do what their constituents are asking them to do. 2 The blockade is not to diminish the standard of living of the Cuban people, it is to suffocate the evil communist party totalitarian regime. The communist party is responsible for the hunger and misery of the people. 3 The US is not stimulating migrations North, it is the communist party’s abuses, ineptitude that squashes peoples lives and makes it impossible to live and have any future in the island. 4 They are accepted in the US because they know they are running away from human rights abuses, from being killed by ineptitude, or the unqualified or apathy of the communist party. 5 Why is he blaming the causes of migration on the US? There is hunger and misery on the island. The cause is the communist party. 6 Fernandez and the communist party need the migrants to go to the US and send money back to them. They’ve ruined the country and produce nothing. 7 The difficult economic conditions of the country is due to the destruction of all businesses and properties and the looting of all businesses and properties stolen at the onset of Fidel in 1959. There is so much wrong here. To conclude… Many have been incarcerated or killed, 1000 plus since protests of summer of 2021, people are being threatened to not say anything or not publish videos and pictures of the abuses that have always been there, but now there’s internet and phones. Currently they take children to do military service against their will. THE PEOPLE DONT WANT THAT SYSTEM ANYMORE! The Castro, Canel and families suck the life out of the islands people just so that they can stay in power. This is a brutal totalitarian regime and are conducting a genocide in slow motion. Anyone that doesn’t see that is just blind. Thank you for reading. From a Cuban American
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@henrykstopikowski5379
1 year ago
@Lily Oquendo I am Polish, see my entry above. I know a lot of Cuban protest in Florida, but as you write yourself, Cuban who live in Cuba cannot do anything else, not even write the truth.
Buenas noches!
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@michelbisson6645
1 year ago
We need to help Cubans to get out of the island it is an other communist catsdyroph most Cubans want to gky to usa,once in usa cuban succeed quite well,so the problem is not cuban people.there is no blocade between Cuba and china,do in uds you see about ,90 purcent products made in china,so why don t let Cubans people go buy on wish or Ali express like all other citizens of the world dhl deliver everywhere mainly in each large city in Cuba,do why Cuba boycott china and Vietnam,I don t understand
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@vancouver4sure
1 year ago
The Cuban people are so beautiful! But it's up to them to choose freedom.
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@kimobrien.
1 year ago
@vancouver4sure They have chosen freedom and its doesn't include US big business.
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@TheLight72
1 year ago
Viva Cuba ๐จ๐บ
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1 reply
@kendallcurle
1 year ago
People in Cuba, can't speak out against the one system, political party, who has made life difficult for it's own citizens
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@Squirrel200
1 year ago (edited)
Very good Discussion! It shows that two Educated people from different countries can sit down and talk respectfully with each other. After all its good to listen to both sides ( all sides ) of a story with a open mind.
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1 reply
@elgenizaro
1 year ago
This is not a discussion, is a declaration...worst journalism ever
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@cherry-vz5kx
1 year ago
The U.S will never forgive a former colony from excercising its right to self determination.
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4 replies
@daniellemurphy9755
1 year ago
It was never a US colony but I get the sentiment.
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@100domathon
1 year ago
That is true. Just like how France and the US have treated Haiti for 200 years.
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@jonye7511
1 year ago
@100domathon while you continue to look else where to put the blame, you leaders are spending and investing their wealth in those countries you blame.
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@josephineamawiafe9428
1 year ago
@100domathon true
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@henrykstopikowski5379
1 year ago
05/04/23 Cuba es uno de los paรญses mรกs pobres del mundo. Actualmente, se acerca al nivel de Corea del Norte, que tambiรฉn estรก construyendo el socialismo, pero los habitantes no tienen nada para comer. En ese momento, el Kremlin hitler prometiรณ comida a los coreanos a cambio de soldados coreanos que lucharรญan contra Ucrania.
Cuba is one of the poorest countries in the world. Currently, it is approaching its level to North Korea, which is also building socialism, but the inhabitants have nothing to eat. At this moment, the Kremlin hitler promised Koreans food in exchange for Korean soldiers who would fight against Ukraine.
comer. En ese momento, el Kremlin hitler prometiรณ comida a los coreanos a cambio de soldados coreanos que lucharรญan contra Ucrania.
Cuba is one of the poorest countries in the world. Currently, it is approaching its level to North Korea, which is also building socialism, but the inhabitants have nothing to eat. At this moment, the Kremlin hitler promised Koreans food in exchange for Korean soldiers who would fight against Ukraine.
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@flower4598
1 year ago
Carlos Fernรกndez very informative and great at defending CUBA....
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@Guizambaldi
1 year ago
Cuban officials will put all the blame on the embargo. Just lift this stupid policy and let socialism fail the same way. They won't have excuses anymore.
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@Guizambaldi
1 year ago
@kated3165 That's North Korea. Cuba is way closer to tge soviet style socialism.
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@henrykstopikowski5379
1 year ago
Better to talk to the wall than to this minister. No one will convince him. It's good for him. He has "everything" but he is not representative of the Cuban people. He knows that the economic situation in Cuba is bad and Cubans have nothing to eat. He will say as long as this system exists that it is good. That's his role. Talking to him is a waste of time!
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@hopeofglory1600
1 year ago
Viva CUBA
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1 reply
@mr.mrs.d.7015
1 year ago
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@southpole4776
1 year ago
translation - "we gonna throw a tantrum because cuba doesnt like us"
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@virginialopez9736
1 year ago
Because they aren’t allowed to talk the truth. Those that live well like this guy, doesn’t speak for the people.
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@kimobrien.
1 year ago
The problem is the disenter's lack a justice cause to defend and no monopoly on practical ideas that will move the poorest people forward.
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@jonc6157
1 year ago
Agreed !
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@cthoadmin7458
1 year ago
Say what you like about Cuba, but they chose their deputy foreign minister well.
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@aylbdrmadison1051
1 year ago
This lady seems very antagonistic and bigoted. She's mad at the Cubans for whatever reason, and keeps side-stepping the fact that the U.S. government is committing a crime against humanity.
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@halluciongen3000
1 year ago
She's a reporter she's supposed to ask the tough questions she's not there to be nice. He understands this because he's intelligent so he's not offended instead he replies accordingly and doesn't jump to simple minded conclusions like you.
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@freemanol
1 year ago
@halluciongen3000 journalists do treat their interviewee like idiots sometimes. and not all questions are constructive. sure, it's nice to keep asking "when will cuba be a democracy?". but instead of insisting on a narrative, which we all know won't happen anytime soon, they could be asking about what the interviewee thinks he/she wants to do or see happen, and their future plans. it's not the interviewers' job to push an ideology or to change the interviewee's mind, their job is to extract information from the interview for us
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@fieldofsky3632
1 year ago
yes it has become a normal interview style where an endeavour to understand has been replaced by antagonism, prejudice. It eminates from media so wealthy it does not need to understand the world but needs only to frame the world in the narrative that aligns with its donors
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@WestIndianAK
1 year ago
What "crime against humanity" are you talking about? The embargo? The embargo is ineffectual and foolish, but the idea that it constitutes a crime against humanity is just silly. And YOU keep side-stepping all the massive failures of the Cuban communist system to provide a decent standard of living for its people, especially in recent years—not to mention the political repression the regime carries out against any Cuban who dares to disagree with it.
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@abstract33
1 year ago
Well......at least they should admit their model is unworkable. Instead of punitive and degrading policies they should be looking to provide real optimism for their citizens. Instead of cream only for their elite there should be butter on every slice of bread
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@jonc6157
1 year ago
Agreed !
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@seontonppa
1 year ago
I definitely agree, the minimum wage is ridiculously low compared to inflation, people who work full time in regular jobs still need to be on food stamps.
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@DjWellDressedMan
1 year ago
Millones de canadienses disfrutan de las hermosas playas de Cuba, como yo tengo en Cayo Coco, y tambiรฉn disfrutan que se les permita el derecho a protestar pacรญficamente en pรบblico por cualquier tema en Canadรก.
Cuba en 2022 necesita permitir a sus ciudadanos el derecho a protestar pacรญficamente cualquier tema en pรบblico, sea a favor o en contra del Gobierno cubano o no tenga nada que ver con ningรบn gobierno! (Google Translate)
Millions of Canadians enjoy the beautiful beaches of Cuba, as I have in Cayo Coco, and they also enjoy being allowed the right to peacefully protest in public any issue in Canada.
Cuba in 2022 needs to allow it's citizens the right to peacefully protest any issue in public,
whether it is pro or against the Cuban Government or has nothing to do with any government!
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@juliandanieljimenezkrause7802
1 year ago
There is no "blockade", that is a fallacy of these tyrants. There is an embargo: laws that reduce to almost zero the possibility of the Cuban government to export to the US, US companies to invest directly in Cuba, and the exceptions cannot open lines of credit with the Cuban state. Prohibited to use U.S. banks for transactions from/with Cuba. Added to this are sanctions against companies from 3rd countries that make investments or do business with properties stolen by the Cuban dictatorship (however, in spite of it, multinationals such as RIU and TUI manage dozens of hotels in Cuba).
But... is the embargo the cause, or the main cause of the total Cuban disaster?
No. Not at all.
Let's start with a topical issue. In recent years, Cuba received credits from Russia and Qatar of hundreds of millions of dollars specifically for the renovation of the country's energy industry. The corrupt totalitarian regime invested those funds in building hotels instead of renovating power plants. Today the national energy system has collapsed.
Precisely, the Cuban economic disaster is due in the first place to the fact that the tyrants (for 50 years Fidel Castro personally, and since his death a handful of select members of the Raul Castro clan) do and undo with the economy and the country's wealth as they please. Zero control, zero division of powers, zero critical media, zero opposition.
Virtually each and every day that this disgusting tyranny lasts (we are going on 23,000 days) the tyrannt has committed one economic barbarity after another, with devastating effects. The nationalization (expropriation) in 1960 of everything, even micro businesses like barber shops and dry cleaners, was a hydrogen bomb on the national economy. Not even a hundred thousand years of U.S. embargo could destroy so much. Hundreds of Castro crazy plans like "el cordรณn de La Habana" (deforesting a belt of fruit plantations to grow coffee which never grew) and the "zafra de los 10 millones" (paralizing the entire economy and putting all resources to achieve a messianic and unreached sugar production goal) were disastrous tyrannical mistakes. Eliminating all incentives for farmers and reducing agricultural production to a minimum (peasantry is nearly extincted today) has resulted in cronical and acute food shortage since time immemorial. And as mentioned already: the most recent totalitarian economic crime is the obsessed and uncontrolled and erroneous bet on tourism: 90% of state budget going into tourism investment (to make it worse: corrupt and badly managed), neglecting everything else, from schools to hospitals to power stations. And so, day after day, for 23,000 days, since January 1, 1959, one economic disaster after another due to totalitarian powers of tyrants who make impactful economic decisions out of any control. This is the root cause of Cuba's destruction, accounting for 99% of the disaster.
Then there is the model of centralized state economy that is applied to the entire economy, from large factories to hotel management to micro businesses. This weird economic model has never worked in any country or time. The idleness caused by the lack of incentives, the generalized theft, mismanagement by inept and corrupt state employees, are infinitely more harmful than the worst embargo. Adding that this sick economic model suppresses any private initiative.
Cuba cannot import many things directly from the US. However, it can import from any other country. Cuba can buy any manufactured product in China (and cheaper than in the US). The issue here is that the Cuban state chronically lacks liquidity and reserves (and nobody lends Cuba anymore, because Cuban state never pays back) to buy and import, for the reasons explained above. And everything gets worse because of the absolute monopoly of the state over imports and exports. However, when the state has dollars, it goes and buys whatever it wants on the world market. Materials to build luxury hotels, for example. Or thousands of brand new cars for tourism and for the repressive apparatus (police, black berets). And then they have the nerve to say that there are no ambulances "because of the embargo".
The Soviet subsidies 1960-1990 were of a unique magnitude in history: never before has one country sucked so much from another. Those massive resources 'arrived by pipeline' and were largely wasted in (1) gigantic and unsustainable projects, e.g.: sowing the country with boarding schools ("becas"), a mega-investment only possible because the USSR paid for it; when the sucker with the wallet disappeared the boarding schools ruined; (2) in financing armament, army and wars in Angola, Ethiopia, Grenada; (3) in training, coordinating, equipping, logistically and financially supporting left-wing parties and organizations and guerrillas in Latin America; (4) in maintaining a costly, powerful and effective communist propaganda industry that spanned the entire world. In other words, no investment was made in foundational developing, those resources were thrown out of the window... as it was a gift, and it was foreseen that the pipeline would last forever.
Conclusion. Yes, there is an embargo. But it is the tyrants and their system who have destroyed Cuba.
Enough of empty slogans!
Enough of destruction and misery!
Enough of the exodus of our children!
Enough of repression!
Enough of filling the jails with young Cubans!
Enough of justifying the unjustifiable!
Enough of lying!
Enough stealing!
Go away you scoundrels!
Abajo la dictadura!
Viva Cuba libre!
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@fieldofsky3632
1 year ago
...fernandez is solid and intelligent, loving his country; the interviewer is predetermined like an actor, confident when she's said her lines that she can leave this petulant socialism
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@FREEMAYKELOSORBO
1 year ago
under the current socialist system in cuba no investor will invest on that island i dam sure wouldn’t. The government doesn’t want what’s best for its people they want full control.
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@henrywyman2458
1 year ago
Very good interview.
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@brianbradfield1370
1 year ago
Why dont you ( the socialist party) ask the citizens of the country what they want?
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@kimobrien.
1 year ago
Unlike the US Government their government listens to what their people want. They don't want US Intervention!!!
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@nadm.191
1 year ago
because the party cannot afford to give what people want and there are material conditions that has shaped that party.
In fact, Cuba has not established socialism.
And it is a fact that socialism cannot be established in a poor country. That’s what Marx envisaged.
It is not about human nature, bout real material conditions: plenty vs. scarcity, democracy, vs. bureaucracy, external threats vs. cooperation and peace, acquisition of technology vs. embargo, socialism in one country (Stalin) vs. internationalism …
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@kimobrien.
1 year ago
@lornelz Their is no restrictions on debate. What you mean is why won't the Cuban government allow a few people to become the private owners of property. The Cuban people have voted and overwhelming support their government and constitution. Discussions concerning how to create opportunity for all not how to give away state property to a few corrupt officials. You problem is it isn't possible for you to believe its possible to function as a democracy without private property. Democracy with private property is also dictatorship over the majority who don't own private property. That makes the US and Western Europe dictatorships.
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@lornelz
1 year ago
@kimobrien.
There are no restrictions on debate. Wonderful, I'd like to see Canel have an open debate with his political opponents live on Cuban TV, where all Cuban people can see and debate among themselves and decide collectively what direction the country should take or what changes if any should be made. Oh wait, there are no political opponents in Cuba. Silly me.
As far as private property, it would be nice for Canel and those in power to share in what they already have. The only people in Cuba that can enjoy private property, wealth and material possessions are those in power.
Yeah, Cuba and Sweden are so similar in all respects it's scary.
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@henrykstopikowski5379
1 year ago
12/12/22 I returned from Cuba on November 11, 2022 after a month stay at the hotel. I will never go back to Cuba. Unless the government changes to democratic.
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@joseamaya4842
1 year ago
it's not Cuba but the aged revolutionaries and their younger relatives do not know what to do and don't want to give up their privileges
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@masskilla469
1 year ago
There should be open dialog with Cuba because this bad blood has gone on long enough!!
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@henrykstopikowski5379
1 year ago
Mr. Fernandez tells children's stories. He can't tell the truth because he'll lose his position or because he's so red he can't see the colors?
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@jamesdoliente5213
1 year ago
Vietnam too is a Socialist state but Vietnam institute reforms in order to adopt to the new realities of the world for Cuba to duplicate the same policy is up to the head of the socialist government.
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@HappyHermitt
1 year ago
Can you imagine the tourism potential?
What a shame
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@azzarat79
1 year ago
Repeating mistakes? Or keeping one solution to an old problem that didn’t worked several times
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@MartinGonzalez-wd1rq
1 year ago
The United States does not have to solve the economic problems of Cuba. Cuba can solve its own economic problems by getting rid of communism once and for all. Case in point, Russia. Enough said!
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@raulpendas
1 year ago
Sadly, the Cuban Government is unwilling to take corrective action to better the lives of the Cuban people.
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@kimobrien.
1 year ago
The Cuban government listens to what those on the Island want. Which more than what the US Congress and the rest of the government does.
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@sebastienholmes548
1 year ago
@kimobrien. nice opinion. Did a youtuber give it to you?
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@FREEMAYKELOSORBO
11 months ago
@kimobrien. dam your blind
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@charlesedwards9024
1 year ago
Kool
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@jimtakahashi4638
1 year ago
it’s infinitely more difficult to make large-scale/long-term experiments on social/political issues than natural phenomena, which makes Cuba all the more important in order to discern how socialism works without falling into the trap of despotism. In my view, Cuba seems to make a good contrast to North Korea.
Even with the blatant bullying by AmeriCancer, Cuba has somehow been able to survive with its socialism. So, it’s easy to imagine what Cuba would be like without those unnecessary and malicious sanctions.
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@urbanentertainmentgodz
1 year ago
They go to a mixed economy and stick to large companies
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@adamsm.fernandez7512
1 year ago
The bulls hit the comes out of this man’s mouth
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@FreddyFaz18YT
1 year ago
First
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@hildablanco1591
3 weeks ago
When Cuba except s 2506 help so Cuba can be free economically everything will change
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@nkosazanaandtheevolutionarys
1 year ago
somebody say hi to Pombo for us and the EZLN Zapatista Solidaridy Coalition ,in Sacramento And all the revolutionarys of the special interest section. revolution...
or MUERTE!!!
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@HectorMartinez-gy8kp
1 year ago
Its time for the US to let go of the past and move forward towards the future. How much more do Cubans need to suffer? When is enough, enough?
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@rogergongora2272
1 year ago
Si yo hubiese tenido en la vida un cargo en el gobierno , enseguida renuncio ; yo no trabajarรญa jamรกs en favor de dirigentes asesinos como Raรบl Castro , y Canel .
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@manlyadventures
1 year ago
Cuba is not a friend or ally, so why should we treat them as such. The American dollars is our currency we control how it's used.
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@LuisPerez-fz7wj
1 year ago
Please try to make a video with people against the Cuban government
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@godfreyfortuin1504
1 year ago
Senator Fernandez is quite correct in his assessment of the situation between USA and Cuba..The USA does not want Cuba to succeed in its socialist policy .The USA want continue with its capitalist policy of exploitation and greed
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@belisarius2776
1 year ago
And Cuba wants the US to fail too. Cuba can trade with China Russia EU. All they need is a system that csn succed.
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@henrykstopikowski5379
1 year ago
Mr. Fernandez says what he must say to maintain his position. Over 60 years have passed and Cuba is in a worse economic situation than it was before the revolution. There is NOTHING on the shelves in the shops. Cubans are hungry, inflation is astronomical, unemployment is huge and the government promises more "summer sunshine"! Nothing more!
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@vancouver4sure
1 year ago
Oh boy. Grow up.
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@rickmorty7284
1 year ago
Then give Cubans the right to decide that. This is not a question of economic policy, but one about a group of people exercising power over the rest of the country. Communists tend to become dictators. If socialism works, allow people to vote for it then.
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@elterrorii
1 year ago
@rickmorty7284 so true
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@daniellemurphy9755
1 year ago (edited)
*** As a reminder, that Henderson law CAN be changed by executive order or Congress or by someone [OR SOMEONES] within the US suing the govt/challenging the "constitutionality" of that law. Yes the supreme court or Congress could fuk up the first two options if someone ever repealed that law. SCOTUS could also fu¢k up number three by considering the Henderson law to be "constitutional", ie legal but that would take someone actually changing or trying to change that law FIRST - WHICH IS PERFECTLY POSSIBLE... It's ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS really a matter of WILL anyone ever change/repeal it ***
ALSO, I DON'T REMEMBER THE NAME OF THE BULLSHIT LAW TO WHICH HE REFERRED, THE SAME LAW SHE MORE OR LESS REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE.
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@emiliobello2538
1 year ago
Interesting
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@usergvhhyu1223
4 days ago
The cynicism of the Cuban government is appalling.
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@secretoftheworld
1 year ago
Why Cuban want to immigrate to America???
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@ianshaver8954
1 year ago
American here. Here’s my perspective on this. Ever since their revolution, Cuba has been an enemy of the United States. Not the kind of enemy you fight to the death, but the kind you pressure until they conveniently go away. They sided with the USSR during the Cold War, and they’ve continued on the same path even after the USSR’s collapse. The United States is a country, and just like any other country, it will treat its enemies differently from its allies and neutrals. The United States is waiting for Cuba’s government to be replaced with, if not an ally, then at least something they can do business with. The US can wait a few decades if it has to.
That said, two things can be true at the same time. While Cuba is under economic attack from the US, it’s socialist system of government is dysfunctional at its core.
Furthermore, despite what the crazies say, Cubans emigrating to the US is a benefit to the US. The Cuban government is a foe, but Cubans are a valuable addition to our country. Cuba’s loss is our gain.
If Cuba wishes to prosper, then it’s fundamental system of government and foreign policy needs to change.
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@juanluna4689
1 year ago
and who are the cubans whom can actually get an airplane ticket to chile panama or argentina?
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@dennisgrant2338
1 year ago
Time for the Americans to line with its neighbour Cuban,
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@user-in7jw9ik4c
1 year ago
Why don't they migrate to South America..! .
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@dennisfarris5960
1 year ago
How much cash has this fellow stashed in Switzerland?
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@user-in7jw9ik4c
1 year ago
Why don't Cuba Trade With South American Countries..Neighbors..?!.Brazil..Etc..!
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@pedrocamacho8768
1 year ago
You didn’t mention ya sanctuons
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@mexicolasegundarevolucion7903
1 year ago
In Cuba school kids don’t get killed as in the USA
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@anmona4803
1 year ago
Even 99.9% cuban people are educated very well
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@anmona4803
1 year ago
@jonye7511 Lmao CIA bot active everywhere
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@jonye7511
1 year ago
@anmona4803 Thought you were educated.
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@anmona4803
1 year ago
@jonye7511 Propagandist have no rule
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@jonc6157
1 year ago
They all just starve instead... duh !
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@daniellemurphy9755
1 year ago
Please, DON'T EVER be willing to give up socialism ️!!!!
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@henrykstopikowski5379
1 year ago
He only says what he can. I can't write either because all my entries are erased. How long will this system of evil and obsessions be in Cuba?
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@FREEMAYKELOSORBO
11 months ago
Where are all those missing protestors from the the July protests ? Dead or in prison
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@danafernandez6331
1 year ago
What an amazing lesson of diplomacy.
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@tilakale7886
1 year ago
Safe Cuba.
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@dnguyen787
1 year ago
In another word, Cuban communists are NOT ready to give up their dictatorship power...LOL
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@juliettun7574
1 year ago
I think the Aldebaranian A military spacecrafts should leave the sky above Havana in Cuba. Cuba does not want communism military government. Cuba like communism.
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@michaelh.sanders2388
1 year ago
Collectivizing poverty goes nowhere..
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@galabaga
1 year ago
A smooth, suave and educated Cuban - a species anathema to the Americans.
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@wutony7672
1 year ago
Go Cuba !
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@2kool4myskool
1 year ago
Oh it’s worked so well for you hasn’t it, you lived better 100 years ago than you do today.
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@elektra1968
1 year ago
I LOVE CUBA!
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@karlhoweth9365
1 year ago
Good for Cuba!!! Solidarity!
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@kendallcurle
1 year ago
Cuba might start by allowing public discourse, before asking to participate any democratic summit. Stop imprisoning your citizens because they want and need to be able to express themselves. Socialism is not Communism. Two different systems.
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@baekwatolo
1 year ago
You mean public discourse like Eric Garner, George Floyd and Breanna Taylor's illegal executions? You want me to list more?
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@kendallcurle
1 year ago
@baekwatolo Tragedies, each one of these people were executed. You miss my point Quaisulia. I certainly do not condone there killings. I mean Cuba, must let there people be free.
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@sebastienholmes548
1 year ago
Ones vomit, the other is feces.
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@jorgealejandrogutierrez1589
11 months ago
He is lying about crimes, therefore he is covering crimes, therefore he is committing a crime. The day of your judgment will come...and you will pay.
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@georgewmitchell
1 month ago
Why should they, socialism isn't the actual problem there. Also, they aren't communist. Nobody is.
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@xrc5540
1 year ago
Fernandez gets my vote for showing up the criminality of his neighbouring state.
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@robertsias7107
1 year ago
Cuba is the Ukrainian metaphor for the USA
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@user-in7jw9ik4c
1 year ago
Cuba Not Helping His Own Country..!!....
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@robertsias7107
1 year ago
I feel sorry for Cubans they want to rule but are stuck between two powerful countries dogma
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@cbr600325i
1 year ago
Without the embargo, Cuba would be a thriving society. Long live Cuba!
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@SK-lt1so
1 year ago
Happy to "sacrifice" the Cuban people
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@michaelkaiser4674
1 year ago
I AM NO GOOING
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@thornil2231
1 year ago
Hasta la Victoria Siempre!
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@DarkstarDarth
1 year ago
Speaking of Cubans, Arturo Sandoval who defected from Cuba in 1992 has always said that Cuba is a island with 11 .33 million slaves, many who have not had a glass of milk for many years. Fix your country before criticizing any other.
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@randallwalkerdiaz1002
1 year ago
As a cuban american, I hope we blockade as long as they still have property stolen from americans and others. The point is we don't trade with thieves and murderers, once they apologize and return the property stolen, we can trade again.
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@andreduncan4771
1 year ago
Which Cubans make money off socialism?
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@banjohombre
1 year ago
"Teach them a lesson they will never forget". Fidel Castro
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@jamesmorton5017
1 year ago
This woman is no match for the minister.
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@markcampbell7577
1 year ago
The US military soldiers guarded training camps for ISIS Taliban and Al Queda. These Saud mercenary terrorists trained by the US military attacked the USA and were given Afghanistan. They also justified the war in Syria and led to chemical weapons use in Syria and nuclear weapons use in Syria and Afghanistan. The general and the Iran who protected the embassy personnel and helped the soldiers who bombed the golden Buddha also found the US funding and directing Hezbollah and PLO for Hamas. He was publically assassinated by the US military. The US is the only state that is known to sponsor terrorists trained by the US.
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@ariyankhan6462
1 year ago
First view and first comment.
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@ericboswell8863
1 year ago
Yeah ur fos!!! Only ppl suffered where Cuban Ppl.. The racism contienues....
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@rennismorian8176
1 year ago
The need is for a multi party state and free elections
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@markcampbell7577
1 year ago
All others are empty accusations.
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@IsabelGarcia-qi4bp
1 year ago
The US has no right to exclude any nation of the continent. They are just hosting an event.
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@andrewmutiemulandi1090
1 year ago
Viva la revolucion......
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@jmudikun
1 year ago
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@jackbarnhill9354
1 year ago
Because Socialism worked so well everywhere it’s been tried.
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@guylancaster2055
1 year ago
sacrificing cuban people, instead....
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@marioc8775
1 year ago
Hey maybe if they ran true free elections in Cuba then we'd know the will of the Cuban people on socialism. This guy is resorting to the classic excuse of always blaming the USA
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@greencoffee8224
1 year ago (edited)
The government of Cuba does not want to take responsibility or improve the lives of citizens and rather blame it at someone else
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@biltre271
1 year ago
Patria o Muerte! ¡Venceremos!
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@kellydon2294
1 year ago
Socialism has worked so well for Cuba over the past 63 years why would you want to change?
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@oscarnavarro8019
1 year ago
Cuba should reach the British government for Trade and security and defense. The country Cuba has so much to offer and to seek and thrive democracy . To thrive on progress for the Country on trade and made friends around the World, USA is not the only country in the world though they ate neighbors of the country. Itbis not too late to give the citizens the good and the development might give to the people for them to enhance the life in the country.
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@nicolassacoto8541
1 year ago
Interesting interview, shame it tries to make a criminal state look like a victim of others instead of their own stupidity.
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@privatedeletebuttongooglei5221
1 year ago
No Ted cruz cubans
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@anaabreu2207
1 year ago
Trump 2024
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@jeffbarbato1504
1 year ago (edited)
Good man Fernandez, Corporates are unelected masters !
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@jonc6157
1 year ago
We want Cuban's in the US who have democratic and free market values, not "visitors" from Cuba who want to push totalitarian socialism... duh !
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@chadgaston8615
1 year ago
You already did. We have many Cuban senoritas here in Northern Europe who married even to sub5 non-chads. You lost amigo. Take the L.
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@the.communist
1 year ago
I thought al jazeeira was left wing n anti capitalist but this journalist seem to be against cuba
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@FREEMAYKELOSORBO
11 months ago
Many countries trade with cuba including Pakistan china spain Canada Brazil Venezuela America but cuba blames the embargo the embargo is against most American businesses not every countries or businesses.
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@anmona4803
1 year ago
I personally like Cuba so much for their courage and world's LEADING HEALTH CARE system .Long live Fidel Castro's cuba
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@rogervacations
1 year ago
That's the problem with Cuban dictators, the say they have socialism , but in reality it's centralized communism , there is more socialism in Canada's little finger, than in Cuba man , get real
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@larrysherk
1 year ago
People who have troubled to look at socialism know that the poor always benefit from socialism. Socialism in Cuba bailed out their economy when the United States was trying to strangle them, because we disapproved the egalitarian tendencies of Fidel Castro. Why could Cuba ever imagine "sacrificing" socialism ?
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@fren111
1 year ago
summary: He blames America for everything is escape goat in USA embargo
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@kentkonorowski9957
11 months ago
Cuba's failure can be summed up in one word. Socialism.
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@fourthright
1 year ago
Why dont cuban govt keep their ego aside let cuba join the normal world.
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@socialanarchy081
1 year ago
If the world were permitted to see that socialism can be successful and good for the citizens of Cuba, it would cause the rest of us to wonder why is capitalism so destructive with such lopsided end results.
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@jimmym8741
1 year ago
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@lilyoquendo3485
1 year ago
Wow, try living in Cuba. Or any other communist country.
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@lilyoquendo3485
1 year ago
@socialanarchy081 your wrong
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@shauncameron8390
1 year ago
Socialism can never be successful. It wasn't in Tanzania which suffered no outside meddling or inside corruption throughout Nyerere's rule.
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@rickmorty7284
1 year ago (edited)
Then give those people the right to decide that. This is not a question of economic policy, but one about a group of people exercising power over the rest of the country. Socialists tend to become dictators. If socialism works, allow people to vote for it then.
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@kimobrien.
1 year ago
@rickmorty7284 Well why don't you tell the two party bosses in the United States that need free and fair elections? .
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@JackfromOntario
1 year ago
@lilyoquendo3485 I did and it was not good.
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