Raul Castro proposes national debate on Cuban President's speech

The first secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC), Raul Castro, on Saturday proposed a national debate on the speech given by President Miguel Diaz-Canel at the closing of the last parliamentary session of the year.

The army general suggested the analysis of Diaz-Canel's closing speech at the 4th ordinary session of the 9th Legislature at the PCC grassroots, workplace and among the people.

Speaking to lawmakers at Havana's International Conference Center, Diaz-Canel noted the capacity of the Cuban people and government in light of the tightening of the US economic, commercial and financial blockade, and congratulated them for their achievements.

Unity, resistance, struggle and emancipation are the keys to victory, said the president, who also expressed gratitude for international solidarity. Diaz-Canel noted that in 2019, the US Government implemented unilateral actions to prevent the arrival of fuel in Cuba, thus affecting all sectors.

He recalled Washington's slander campaigns against Cuba and its international medical collaboration, as the example of audacity that it represents for the peoples irritates the enemies of the Revolution.

Likewise, the president referred to Cuba's unconditional support for the governments of Venezuela and Nicaragua, which are also affected by the US Government's hostility.

Diaz-Canel also referred to the challenges being faced by Cuba in its economic development and its progress to become a fairer, sustainable and equitable country.