Miguel Diaz-Canel has acknowledged that discussions between Cuba and the United States are in the early stages, potentially leading to broader negotiations. He firmly dismissed any notion of regime change as a condition for dialogue.
In an exclusive interview with Brazilian journalist Breno Altman for the "20 Minutos" program on Opera Mundi, recorded in Havana amidst a severe energy and diplomatic crisis, Diaz-Canel made these remarks.
When asked if Cuba would accept the "regime change" language used by the Trump administration, Diaz-Canel was unequivocal: "Absolutely not. That topic is off the table. Our internal issues are not subject to discussion or negotiation with the United States."
The Cuban leader emphasized that any progress requires negotiations on equal terms and respect for the island's sovereignty. He warned that if Washington attempts to impose its terms, the dialogue would collapse. "If one side does not support the dialogue, wants to impose, it breaks the conversation, breaks the negotiation," he declared.
These comments come just two days after the regime confirmed a secret meeting on April 10, where a U.S. State Department delegation—the first official American aircraft to land in Cuba since 2016—met with Cuban officials at the vice-ministerial level and separately with Raul Guillermo Rodriguez Castro, Raul Castro's grandson and a MININT colonel.
According to a USA Today report, Washington allegedly issued a two-week ultimatum, expiring on April 24, demanding the release of high-profile political prisoners like Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara and Maykel Osorbo.
The regime refuted the existence of such an ultimatum, describing the exchange as "respectful and professional."
These discussions occur amidst an unprecedented humanitarian crisis on the island, exacerbated by Trump's Executive Order 14380, signed on January 29, which imposed a formal energy blockade on Cuba.
Since then, Cuba has gone four months without receiving external fuel, relying solely on domestic crude—which covers only 40% of its needs—and renewable energy sources.
A few weeks ago, a Russian ship arrived with donated fuel, which Diaz-Canel stated would cover "a third of what we need in a month," approximately 10 days of operation.
The leader reiterated that while Cuba does not seek military confrontation, it is not afraid of war if it means defending the revolution, sovereignty, and independence of the country.
Understanding the Current U.S.-Cuba Negotiations
What stage are the U.S.-Cuba negotiations currently in?
The negotiations are in a very preliminary stage, with potential for broader talks in the future.
What conditions has Diaz-Canel set for these negotiations?
Diaz-Canel insists on negotiations conducted on equal terms with respect for Cuba's sovereignty, rejecting any demands for regime change.
How has the U.S. responded to Cuba's stance?
The U.S. allegedly issued an ultimatum for the release of political prisoners, which the Cuban regime denies, describing the talks as respectful.