U.S. Department Of State Comments On Retirement Of First Secretary General Raul Castro

United States Department of State
Washington DC
20 April 2021

Briefing With Spokesperson Ned Price

QUESTION: He spent a lot longer than just two months. (Laughter.) In fact, I think the Qataris might be giving him honorary citizenship. He’s been over there for the last two years, so like – but speaking of people who have been in places for a long time, do you guys have anything to say about Raul Castro’s retirement, resignation? He’s been a fixture of the Cuban Government for longer than I’ve been alive, for longer than you’ve been alive —

MR PRICE: I —

QUESTION: — I think probably everybody in this room has been alive.

MR PRICE: I appreciate the transition there. What I would say is, of course, it is for the Cuban people to speak to the results of the Cuban party congress. We have spoken about our review of our Cuba policy, which remains ongoing, but we know, of course, that will be governed by two principles. First, support for democracy and human rights will be at the core of those efforts, and we will seek to empower the Cuban people to determine their own future. And second, Americans, as we’ve said, are – tend to be the best ambassadors for freedom in Cuba. Don’t have anything to add about the change that has been announced. Again, it’s for the Cuban people to speak to the results of their party congress.