Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador spoke at the ceremony to commemorate the 211th anniversary of the Mexican independence struggle against Spanish colonial rule.
Mexico City.- Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel participated in the ceremony and also delivered a speech, pointing to the historic relationship between Cuba and Mexico.
The Mexican leader took special note of Cuba, saying that the Cuban people deserve a prize of dignity for over 60 years of resistance against the U.S. empire.
Andrés Manuel López Obrador said:
"Today we remember that great historic deed and we celebrate it with the participation of the President of the Republic of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel, who represents a people that has known, as few in the world, how to defend with dignity their right to live free and independent, without allowing any foreign power to interfere in their internal affairs.
"I have already said and I repeat: we can agree or disagree with the Cuban Revolution and its government, but to have resisted 62 years without subjugation is an indisputable historical feat. Consequently, I believe that, for their struggle in defense of their country's sovereignty, the people of Cuba deserve the prize of dignity and that island should be considered the new Numantia for its example of resistance. And I think that for that very reason it should be declared a World Heritage Site.
"Now I only add that the government I represent respectfully calls on the government of the United States to lift the blockade against Cuba because no state has the right to subjugate another people, another country. It is necessary to remember what George Washington said: 'Nations should not take advantage of the misfortune of other peoples'.
"Frankly speaking, it is wrong for the government of the United States to use the blockade to impede the welfare of the people of Cuba so that they, forced by necessity, will have to confront their government.
"If this perverse strategy were to succeed, something that does not seem likely due to the dignity we have referred to, I repeat, if it were to succeed, it would become a Pyrrhic, despicable triumph, a stain of the kind that cannot be erased even with all the water in the oceans.
"It is better understanding, mutual respect, and freedom without conditions or arrogance. He is still alive and from this main square in Mexico, we send our greetings to President Jimmy Carter, who knew how to reach an understanding with General Omar Torrijos to return the canal and its sovereignty to Panama. Let us hope that President Biden, who possesses sufficient political sensitivity, will act with such greatness and put an end, forever, to the policy of grievances towards Cuba.
"The Cuban-American community must also help in the search for reconciliation, putting aside electoral or partisan interests. We must leave resentments behind, understand the new circumstances and seek reconciliation.
"It is time for brotherhood and not confrontation, as José Martí pointed out. The clash can be avoided with the exquisite political tact that comes from the majesty, disinterest, and the sovereignty of love." (RHC)
