Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel has stated that former President Raul Castro is involved in talks between the island and the United States. This announcement comes amid soaring tensions between the two states, as nationwide blackouts persist due to an oil blockade implemented by US President Donald Trump.

Diaz-Canel emphasized that the talks are in the early stages. He predicted that any process leading to an agreement would be lengthy. "First, we must build a channel for dialogue. Then, we must build common agendas of interests for the parties, and the parties must demonstrate their intention to move forward and truly commit to the program based on the discussion of those agendas," he said.

Raul Castro, who served as president for a decade until 2018, is still considered the most powerful person in the nation. He led historic talks with former US President Barack Obama in 2014 that resulted in the reopening of embassies and re-establishment of diplomatic relations.

The leader of the US regime, Donald Trump, claimed last week that he would have "the honour of taking Cuba" soon. In late January, he threatened tariffs on any country that sells or provides oil to Cuba as he pushed for a change in the island's political model. Although initial threats were formally softened, the embargo remains in place, and the island has not received any fuel shipments for three months.

Prolonged power outages and a near-paralysis of economic and social life are the visible consequences on the island. Last week, Cuba experienced two nationwide blackouts that left millions without electricity as the country's power grid continues to crumble. United Nations Resident Coordinator in Cuba Francisco Pichon warned of a "humanitarian crisis" if the situation continues to spiral.

Source: www.aljazeera.com