"Even though it hurts our modesty, it is a bitter duty to say that our blockaded, threatened and slandered country has shown that Latin American peoples can live without either violence or drugs. It can even live, and that’s what has happened for more than half a century, without relations with the United States. That is something we haven’t shown; they have. "
“I reaffirm my conviction that Cuba will march forward, that Cuba has a great destiny and a great people deserving the glory they are earning with their heroism in time of war, their virtue in time of peace and the courage they will show again a thousand times if again a thousand times it were necessary to take up arms”.
“Cuba has many talented athletes but it has not stolen them from anyone. The people, what’s more, are the ones who enjoy their marvellous performances. It is already a part of their culture, their well-being and their spiritual wealth.”
“ Since January 1, 1959, Cuba has been, is, and will continue to be free forever. Its capacity for struggle and resistance, its profound political culture, and the awareness and courage of its people demonstrate that the Cuban Revolution, with its devotion to justice and its noble objectives, has created such a spirit of solidarity and heroism and has become so deeply rooted in the heart of the homeland that it has been rendered invincible.”
“While violence and war spread and reign in the world, Cuba and its people will rise up as defenders and symbols of the most human and genuine principles that must and can reign on this Earth.”
"[...
]from the knowledge we have of the history of humankind and of the history of revolutions, there has been no revolution more human or transparent than the Cuban Revolution. "Our enemies have not been able to destroy that truth despite their giant and immense publicity apparatus."
"It is not an easy thing to do in the midst of today’s problems complexities in the world today. It is difficult to maintain that inflexible opinion, maintain this inflexible independence, but we will maintain it. This Revolution was not imported from anywhere. It is a genuine product of this country. Nobody told us how we must do it, and we have carried it out. (APPLAUSE) And nobody will have to tell us how we must continue to carry it out, and we will continue to carry it out. We have learned to write history and we will continue to write it. Let no one doubt it".
“ […] What has Cuba done to be condemned? What have the Cuban people done to merit the Declaration of Costa Rica? Our people have done nothing but break the chains! Our people have done nothing else but fighting for a better future, without hurting any other people or taking anything away from any other people.”
“Julio Antonio Mella, one day you said that even after we are dead we are useful, because we serve as a standard. And so it has been! You were always the standard for our workers and youth in their revolutionary struggles, and today you are the inspirational standard, exemplary, victorious and invincible, of the Socialist Revolution of Cuba!”
"Let us march forward! Forward, all of you invincible standard-bearers of such a noble profession, in demonstration of the fact that all the gold in the world cannot subdue the conscience of a true guardian of health and life, who is ready to go to any country where its services are required, convinced that a better world is possible!”