Republican congressman Mario Díaz-Balart made one of his most forceful statements about Cuba's future during an exclusive interview with NTN24 on Friday: "Raúl Castro and his regime are already dead. What needs to be done is to bury them."
The Cuban-American lawmaker's remarks came at a time of heightened pressure from Washington on Havana, coinciding with Secretary of State Marco Rubio's announcement of new sanctions targeting Raúl Castro's inner circle. These sanctions encompassed the Cuban Foreign Bank, four state-owned enterprises, and Fidel Ernesto Castro Calis, the dictator's grandson.
Díaz-Balart firmly predicted the end of the Castro regime, stating, "This regime won't survive the remaining two and a bit years of the Trump administration." He further mentioned that Washington "doesn't rule out military action on the island."
The congressman criticized the disparity between the wealth amassed by the ruling elite and the poverty experienced by the Cuban people. He emphasized that the regime, through its economic-military conglomerate GAESA, controls "between 18 to 20 billion dollars," while "the Cuban people lack water and electricity."
The interview took place amidst unconfirmed reports that 95-year-old Raúl Castro had suffered a stroke and was in critical condition receiving life support. This follows his absence from the central July 26 event for the first time in at least three decades, although he reappeared in August during Fidel Castro's centennial, noticeably deteriorated.
Díaz-Balart also highlighted the conditions set by U.S. legislation for any easing of sanctions: the release of all political prisoners without exception, legalization of press freedom, political parties, and independent unions, and the calling of multiparty elections.
Insights on Díaz-Balart's Statements and U.S. Policy on Cuba
What are the new sanctions announced by Marco Rubio?
The new sanctions target Raúl Castro's inner circle, including the Cuban Foreign Bank, four state-owned enterprises, and Fidel Ernesto Castro Calis, the dictator's grandson.
What did Díaz-Balart predict about the Castro regime?
Díaz-Balart predicted that the Castro regime will not last through the remaining years of the Trump administration.
What conditions does the U.S. require for easing sanctions on Cuba?
The U.S. requires the release of all political prisoners, legalization of press freedom, political parties, and independent unions, and the holding of multiparty elections.