In a speech on the 211th anniversary of Mexico’s independence, with which he opened the traditional military parade that commemorates the entrance of the ‘Trigarante’ (Three Guarantees) army to Mexico City in 1821, the president reiterated his opinion expressed in June at the Chapultepec Castle on the greatness of the Cuban people.
In the presence of Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, a special guest, who shared the stage with him and delivered a speech, Lopez Obrador noted that Cuba represents a people who have known how to be faithful to its historic continuity and assert its right to live freely, without interference from any foreign power, like few others in the world.
The Mexican president stated, ‘I have said and I repeat that we can agree or disagree with the Cuban Revolution and its Government, but to have resisted 62 years without subjugation is an indisputable historic feat.’
‘For its struggle in defense of sovereignty, the people of Cuba deserve the prize of dignity and the country should be recognized as the new Numantia for its example of resistance, and I think that for that reason it must be declared a World Heritage Site,’ he assured.
Lopez Obrador stated, ‘Now I only add that the Government I represent respectfully calls on the United States to lift the blockade against Cuba because no State has the right to subjugate another people, another country.’
It is necessary, he pointed out, to remember what Washington said that nations should not take advantage of the misfortune of other peoples. In all frankness, it is wrong for the US Government to use the blockade to hinder the welfare of the Cuban people so that they, forced by necessity, have to confront their own Government.
If that perverse strategy were to succeed, which does not seem likely, it would turn into a Pyrrhic, vile and despicable victory, into one of those stains that cannot be removed even with all the water in the ocean. Understanding, mutual respect and freedom without conditions or arrogance are better.
Lopez Obrador mentioned as an example the attitude of former US President Jimmy Carter, who knew how to reach an understanding with General Omar Torrijos to return Panama’s sovereignty over the Canal.
Hopefully Biden, who possesses sufficient political sensitivity, will act with such greatness and end the policy of aggravating Cuba forever, the Mexican president noted.
It is time for friendship and not confrontation. The clash can be avoided and the interest for sovereignty and love must prevail, and he ended with cheers to Mexico and Cuba.
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