Tens of thousands of Cubans protested today in front of the US Embassy in Havana against long-standing sanctions just weeks before the end of the term of US President Joe Biden's government, Reuters reported, quoted by BTA.
The agency notes that the Cuban authorities fear even harsher sanctions after US President-elect Donald Trump takes office.
The demonstration on a coastal boulevard in Havana in front of the US embassy was led by Raul Castro, who is over 90 years old and is called the leader of the Revolution, and by President Miguel Diaz-Canel, who is also the leader of the Communist Party.
The protesters chanted: “Down with the blockade!“ and “We will never surrender!“, and waved Cuban flags.
Cuban officials have repeatedly expressed regret over Biden's reluctance to lift restrictions imposed by Trump during his first term, which added to the already harsh U.S. sanctions imposed earlier. Recently, Cuban officials have said they expect even tougher punitive measures after Trump takes office next month.
“Biden has been disciplined and fiercely following the policies that Trump adopted during his first term,“ President Diaz-Canel told the protesters.
He also called on Biden to reverse Trump's decision to classify Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism, a move that limits Havana's ability to conduct international financial transactions.