Raul Castro expresses confidence in new leaders of Cuban revolution

Punishments against institutions which carry out financial transactions with Havana, limitations on access to loans, and obstacles for foreign investors were just some of the damages mentioned by the revolutionary leader.

Castro recalled the restoring of diplomatic relations between Havana and Washington during the administration of Barack Obama.

"It proved that, despite political differences, it is possible to have a civilized and productive co-existence," he said.

He lashed out at the rollback in bilateral relations seen since Donald Trump entered the White House and dismissed the memorandum reinforcing the embargo against Cuba in June 2017 as "insulting."

Castro criticized the "aggressive and threatening tone" of the current U.S. government and its "neo-hegemonic pretensions" at the recent eighth Summit of the Americas in Peru.

Castro also rejected the unjustified excuse of alleged sonic attacks against U.S. diplomat to reduce staff at the American embassy in Havana and to expel Cuban diplomats from Washington.

"We don't need to receive lessons about human rights from anybody, especially from the US government," said the revolutionary leader.

"Any strategy seeking to destroy the Revolution by confrontation or seduction will fail, and will be discarded by the Cuban people," he said.

Looking beyond the island, Castro also took time to thank international supporters. Castro used his platform to condemn the recent US air strikes against Syrian targets, in retaliation for an alleged chemical attack by Damascus against its own citizens.

"Unfortunately these unilateral actions have become a regular practice against the nations of the Middle-East," said Castro.

Newly-elected president, Diaz-Canel, followed on by stating that Cuban foreign policy will not change because Havana "does not make concessions, and will not negotiate its principles, nor accept any pressures."