Sancti Spiritus, January 25 (RHC)-- President Miguel Diaz-Canel reiterated that Cuba is open to hold talks with the United States and to a civilized relationship, but on the basis of equality and respect.

The president stated to foreign and national media sources in Sancti Spiritus, where he made a work visit, that Washington has to respect Cuban sovereignty.

We are not going to give up; we have a prepared people, he asserted, according to the website of Cuban radio station Radio Rebelde.

Diaz-Canel added that U.S. President Donald Trump's behavior towards Cuba responds to three elements.  First, the U.S. elections. Trump is trying to win support of the Cuban-American right-wing in Florida, which is an error, he pointed, as this sector represents the interests of a small minority.

Secondly, the failure of his policies in Latin America and the Caribbean.  Diaz-Canel noted that popular protests against neoliberalism in several Latin American countries have created a very complex situation.  In the face of such crisis, the United States creates excuses, saying that Cuba is the cause of these problems.

Thirdly, Trump is responding to the prevailing way of thinking in the Republican Party.

Diaz-Canel affirmed that Cuba is ready to face difficult times, with Trump's re-election or not.  He emphasized: "We have a whole strategy and a legacy of resistance and struggle."