Cuba’s Ambassador to Ankara, Alejandro Francisco Díaz Palacios, has stated that the policies of the United States toward Cuba violate international law and impose collective punishment on the Cuban people.
In remarks made at the Cuban Embassy residence during an interview with Anadolu Agency, Ambassador Palacios highlighted the longstanding friendly relations between Cuba and Türkiye, noting cooperation in areas such as economy, finance, trade, energy, tourism, agriculture, health, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. He also emphasized ongoing engagement with Turkish civil society and political figures as a basis for strengthening bilateral ties.
Addressing U.S. policy, Palacios reiterated that Cuba has never posed a threat to U.S. national security and has been under a blockade for more than 60 years, a situation he said deeply affects Cuban society and hinders its socioeconomic development. He described recent measures, including U.S. sanctions restricting fuel imports, as “cruel,” saying they have disrupted daily life, prolonged power outages and impacted sectors such as education, health, transportation and agriculture.
Palacios charged that these policies violate fundamental principles of international law, free trade rights and human rights agreements, and are designed to make the Cuban people “pay a collective price.” He expressed gratitude for the solidarity shown by the Turkish public and noted ongoing support from intellectuals, artists, students and other groups in Türkiye calling for an end to the blockade.
The ambassador concluded that despite U.S. pressures, the Cuban people remain determined to defend their independence and sovereignty and continue to resist external aggression with resolve.