"We achieved two victories, and they were victories for life," stated Miguel Díaz-Canel, President of Cuba and head of the National Defense Council, on Friday. His remarks referenced both the handling of Hurricane Melissa and a United Nations vote concerning the U.S. embargo on Cuba.
During a tour of Santiago de Cuba, Díaz-Canel spoke to state television, emphasizing that these events highlight the "dignity of the Cuban people" and the resilience of the Revolution.
On Tuesday, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution with 165 votes in favor, seven opposing, and 12 abstentions, urging the end of the U.S. economic, commercial, and financial embargo against Cuba.
While Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla hailed the outcome as a "victory for the people," the statistics showed a significant drop in international support for the Cuban regime, marking the lowest backing in over a decade.
The president noted that various nations and United Nations organizations are sending donations to help with recovery efforts.
"We should take pride in our resilience, in being alive, and in our people's continued triumph," he added.
Earlier, Díaz-Canel commented on X that the survival of the eastern population following the hurricane was not a "miracle," but rather a testament to the "preparation, organization, discipline, and solidarity" of the Cuban people.
At a meeting of the National Defense Council, the president emphasized that the primary focus remains on "preserving life" in the affected areas, though he did not provide specifics on material damage or the full extent of the disaster.
Hurricane Melissa's intense rainfall and high winds caused severe damage in Guantánamo, Santiago de Cuba, Granma, and Holguín provinces. These areas reported significant flooding, as well as damage to electricity, telecommunications infrastructure, roads, and numerous homes.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Thursday that Washington is prepared to offer "immediate" humanitarian aid to Cubans affected by Melissa. However, the aid would bypass official government institutions, a stance often viewed by Havana as interference.
The Cuban government asserted on Friday that the U.S. has "not made any concrete aid offer" for those impacted by Hurricane Melissa, despite the U.S. Secretary of State's announcement.
According to Johana Tablada, Deputy Director General of the U.S. Division at Cuba's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Minrex), the Cuban embassy in Washington contacted the State Department "regarding what was published."
"So far, the United States has not made any concrete offer or responded to the questions raised," she emphasized.
FAQs on U.S. and Cuba Relations Post-Hurricane Melissa
What were the two victories mentioned by Díaz-Canel?
Díaz-Canel referred to the effective response to Hurricane Melissa and the UN vote against the U.S. embargo on Cuba as two significant victories.
How did the UN General Assembly vote on the U.S. embargo against Cuba?
The resolution to end the U.S. embargo on Cuba was passed with 165 votes in favor, seven against, and 12 abstentions.
What was the U.S. response to providing aid to Cuba after Hurricane Melissa?
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated a willingness to provide immediate humanitarian aid, provided it does not go through official Cuban government channels.