Briefly

CUBA

President says 'ready to fight' if needed

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said on Thursday that while Cuba does not want military aggression from the United States, his country is prepared to fight should it happen. Diaz-Canel spoke at a rally that drew hundreds of people to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the declaration of the Cuban Revolution's socialist essence. "The moment is extremely challenging and calls upon us once again, as on April 16, 1961, to be ready to confront serious threats, including military aggression. We do not want it, but it is our duty to prepare to avoid it and, if it becomes inevitable, to defeat it," Diaz-Canel said. He spoke as tensions remain high between the two countries, with Cuba's crisis deepening as a result of a US energy blockade. Earlier this week, Trump said his administration could focus on Cuba after the conflict in Iran ends.

MYANMAR

Former leader released under large amnesty

Former Myanmar president Win Myint was released under amnesty on Friday, state-owned Myanmar Radio and Television reported. Myanmar's President Min Aung Hlaing granted amnesty to over 4,500 prisoners on Friday, the first day of the Myanmar calendar New Year, MRTV reported. The president granted amnesty to 4,335 Myanmar prisoners and 179 foreign prisoners in separate orders on New Year's Day, the report said. The amnesty, to mark Myanmar's traditional New Year's Day, is intended to bring peace and humanity to the public and enable the pardoned individuals to participate in nation-building, it said.

Agencies - Xinhua