[Cuba President: The Cuban people are determined to defend independence] October 24th: In response to the US government’s threatening remarks, Cuban President Díaz-Canel responded on social media on the 23rd that the Cuban people are determined to defend the country’s independence. Díaz-Canel wrote: "It is worth remembering that the Cuban people have achieved true independence since January 1, 1959, and we are determined to defend it. Cuba is not a threat, the blockade is." Earlier that day, U.S. President Trump said at a campaign rally in Florida that the United States was prepared to resolve the Cuban issue "on the way" after ending the war in Iran. On the same day, US Secretary of State Rubio posted on social media that "now is the time" to create "positive change" in Cuba, and he encouraged "those who want change" to establish a "partnership" with the CIA. (Xinhua News Agency)