Cuba, Pro-Government Protest This Time... "Down with the United States"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] In Cuba, a communist country where large-scale anti-government protests erupted for the first time in decades, pro-government demonstrations have now taken place.

On the 17th (local time), the AP reported that thousands participated in a pro-government rally supporting the revolution, hosted by the Cuban government on a beachfront avenue in the capital, Havana.

Miguel D?az-Canel, president and leader of the Cuban Communist Party, targeted the United States at the rally, saying, "Our enemies are once again dedicated to destroying the sacred unity and peace of the citizens."

President D?az-Canel stated, "We have gathered here once again to condemn the economic blockade, aggression, and terrorism," criticizing the U.S. economic embargo.

He also downplayed the significance of the anti-government protests, saying, "What the world sees about Cuba is false."

Former Communist Party First Secretary Ra?l Castro also attended the rally, where supporters waved the national flag and shouted slogans such as "Down with the Americans" and "We were born conquerors, not to be conquered."

This rally appears to have been held as a counter-protest to the unprecedented anti-government demonstrations that took place over the weekend of the 11th and 12th in Havana and more than 40 other cities nationwide.

The anti-government protests, sparked by shortages of food and medical supplies and power outages causing hardship for Cubans, are the largest since 1994. One participant died in clashes with police during protests that continued into the weekdays, and more than 100 people were arrested or went missing.

Startled by the anti-government protests, the Cuban government has announced a series of measures to appease the public, including removing limits on food and medical imports for foreign travelers and allowing ration distribution outside residential areas.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.