RHC

Havana, November 22 (RHC)-- Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel affirmed Monday that Cuba and the United States could have a civilized coexistence within their ideological differences.

In a meeting with Pastors for Peace caravan members currently visiting the island, the President said that Cuba is willing "to live together in a civilized manner, under conditions of equality, respect for sovereignty, independence and without interference in internal affairs."

The head of state remarked that this relationship of respect between both countries is also desired by their peoples and most of the world's nations that every year vote against the U.S. blockade against Cuba in the U.N. General Assembly.

In the meeting with more than 72 caravan members belonging to 21 states of the northern nation, Díaz-Canel stressed that Washington is increasingly tightening this siege in an attempt to asphyxiate the Cuban economy and provoke a social explosion, an action that he described as "very evil" on the part of one government, despite having ideological differences with another.

After explaining the damage caused by this policy, to which the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the media war are added, the President highlighted the "talent and resistance of the Cuban people" to overcome their difficulties.

In that regard, he alluded to the development of its vaccines,  despite being a developing nation, without resources and brutally blockaded.

Concerning the visit, Díaz-Canel said that for more than 30 years, the U.S. interfaith organization brought a message of encouragement and about the support for Cuba from the American people, which comes through various channels.

"Our discussion has never been with the noble American people, but with the imperial government of the United States," he said.

Gail Walker, executive director of Pastors for Peace, insisted that Cuba is not alone and many people in her country know that the blockade does not work. "We have to do everything we can to educate people and put an end to this policy," she said.

Since their arrival on the island on the 26th, the caravanistas have carried out an intense program in  Havana and Matanzas provinces, with meetings in women's and workers' organizations and tours of educational institutions and centers of historical and social interest.

The 31st Pastors  US Friendshipment Caravan arrived in Havana on a solidarity visit to express their rejection of the attempts of internal subversion and threats from Washington.