“Our position is that we do not accept conditions of any kind which may affect the independence and sovereignty of our country just with the view to solve economic problems existing between the United States and Cuba.”
- August 13, 1926 – November 25, 2016
- Cuban
- Revolutionary, Prime Minister and President of Cuba, Communist Leader
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Quote
“Our position is that we do not accept conditions of any kind which may affect the independence and sovereignty of our country just with the view to solve economic problems existing between the United States and Cuba.”
Explanation
This quote captures Fidel Castro’s unwavering stance on national sovereignty, particularly in the face of economic negotiations or pressures from the United States. By stating that Cuba “does not accept conditions of any kind” that could undermine its independence and sovereignty, Castro affirms that political dignity must come before economic relief. His words reflect a principled rejection of transactional diplomacy, where economic incentives or agreements are used to coerce political concessions.
Historically, this position was forged in response to decades of U.S. attempts to influence or control Cuba’s domestic and foreign policies, especially through the use of economic sanctions, embargoes, and conditional aid. Castro’s leadership consistently prioritized autonomy in decision-making, even at the cost of economic hardship, insisting that freedom from external domination was non-negotiable—a cornerstone of revolutionary Cuba’s identity.
In the modern context, the quote continues to resonate in discussions about economic sovereignty and geopolitical leverage. It raises questions about how small or economically vulnerable nations can preserve their independence when powerful states use economic tools as instruments of control. Castro’s declaration is both a warning and a commitment: that true sovereignty must not be sacrificed, even when financial relief is on the table, because political freedom is the foundation of all lasting solutions.
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