Cuba condemned the U.S. "peace through strength" doctrine as a violation of the UN Charter and international law, warning that a military attack would provoke a "bloodbath" as Cuba would fight to the bitter end. Deputy Foreign Minister Rodríguez Perdomo also denounced U.S. criminal charges against Raúl Castro as illegitimate and fraudulent. He called on the international community, especially the Group of Friends in Defense of the UN Charter (GADC), to prevent aggression and confront the tightened blockade and energy embargo, which risk a humanitarian catastrophe.

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called on Monday for the immediate lifting of the sanctions imposed by the United States against Cuba, warning that their expansion is causing serious humanitarian consequences and endangering the lives of the Cuban people. The fuel restrictions together with the tightening of extraterritorial sanctions, are severely affecting access to essential goods and services, particularly for the most vulnerable sectors of the population.

The Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, H.E. Mr. Paul Mashatile, received a courtesy visit from the Ambassador of Cuba, H.E. Mr. Fakri Rodríguez Pinelo. The meeting served to reaffirm the historically strong ties of friendship between the governments and peoples of Cuba and South Africa. On behalf of the Cuban government and people, Ambassador Rodríguez Pinelo expressed Cuba’s unwavering willingness to continue deepening bilateral relations for the mutual benefit of both nations. The discussions highlighted the shared history between the two nations, forged in Cuba’s support for South Africa’s liberation struggle and cemented by common values of sovereignty, multilateralism, respect for international law, and South-South cooperation.

Signatures, cultural expressions, and statements of support marked the “Yes for Cuba” day of solidarity with the Caribbean nation in Zimbabwe, amidst the unanimous demand for the lifting of the blockade and against a potential US military aggression. Nearly 200 Zimbabweans, graduates in the island nation, members of the Friendship Association (ZICUFA), representatives of government, university, youth, and academic institutions, and Cuban residents attended the meeting at the diplomatic headquarters with the firm purpose of reiterating that the island is not alone.

Cuba’s Deputy Foreign Minister: Havana Seeks Friendly, Constructive Ties with Washington, Not Enmity

Havana, May 28th. – In an interview with Full Measure, Cuba’s Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío reaffirmed the island nation’s longstanding willingness to resolve differences with the United States through dialogue, while rejecting “excuses” used to justify hostile policies.