Raul Castro Quotes on Embargo: 5 Messages From Cuban President

Cuban President Raul Castro has been an outspoken opponent of the U.S. embargo of his island nation since ascending to power.

Since December 2014, when President Barack Obama announced that he would re-establish diplomatic ties with Cuba, Castro has had much to say about the thaw in U.S.-Cuban relations, including the easing of economic restrictions.

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Here are five Castro quotes about the decades-long embargo:

1. “Up to this day, the economic, commercial and financial blockade is implemented all-out against the island, causing damages and scarcities that affect our people. It is the main obstacle to the development of our economy. It constitutes a violation of International Law, and its extraterritorial scope disrupts the interests of every State. It’s no coincidence that the [UN] vote [against sanctions] is practically unanimous, aside from Israel and the U.S.”
– In a speech at the Summit of the Americas, April 2015

2. “The establishment of diplomatic relations is the beginning of a process toward the normalization of bilateral relations, but this [normalization] won't be possible as long as the blockade exists.”
– In a speech at a summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States in Costa Rica, January 2015

3. "He could use with resolve his broad executive powers to substantially change the scope of the blockade, even without the Congress decision.”
– At CELAC, January 2015

4. “An important step has been taken, but the essential thing remains, the end of the economic, commercial and financial blockade against Cuba, which has grown in recent years particularly in terms of financial transactions.”
– In an address to the Cuban National Assembly after Obama announced he would re-establish diplomatic ties to Cuba, December 2014

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5. “There isn’t the slightest willingness on the part of the United States to change its policy against Cuba, not even to eliminate its most irrational aspects. It is evident that a powerful and reactionary minority that props up the anti-Cuban mafia continues to have a major influence on these issues.

“The United States not only turns a blind eye to the overwhelming call issued by 187 countries asking for an end to the economic, commercial and financial blockade against our country. In the year 2010, it reinforced its implementation and once again included Cuba in its spurious lists, whereby they take upon themselves the right to qualify and denigrate other sovereign states to justify punitive actions or even acts of aggression.”
– At the close of Cuba’s National Assembly session, December 2010

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