On national television, Diaz-Canel celebrated the 100th anniversary of that political group and distinguished Pedro Albizu Campos (1891-1965) among its members. Albizu was one of the most relevant figures during the 20th century in the fight for “the most powerful empire in history.”

The head of State described the Puerto Ricans’ resistance as inspiring, first “because it is a living and worthy example that the anti-colonialist struggle has not ceased, it is not a thing of the past; the past is colonialism, an unacceptable imperial practice in the 21st century.”

The Cubans know the price of maintaining sovereignty and grant great value to it, as they have faced countless aggressions in more than 60 years, dictated by the determination, never abandoned, to “force us to give up our dreams of independence and social justice,” Diaz-Canel said.

The Cuban president mentioned the permanence of the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States, the persecution of the financial operations, and the disinformation war and media manipulation, with which they seek to discredit and subvert the internal order.

He pointed out that the objective of the blockade against Cuba is to cause disturbance to end the Revolution and try to bed the will of Cuba “that decided long ago to be free from all hegemony,” resist creatively and overcome adversities.

“Cuba lives, works, and wins despite the blockades and threats, also thanks to international solidarity, from which the Nationalist Party has always been an inseparable part, I thank it on behalf of our party, people, and government. We owe this brotherhood to Martí, Betances, Albizu, and Fidel,” he said.

Finally, Diaz-Canel ratified Cuba’s commitment to the Puerto Rican independence cause and conveyed his congratulations for the century of resistance, dignity, courage, and patriotic love.

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