Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez stated that negotiations with the United States have made no progress toward ending sanctions against the Caribbean island. “The discussions between the Cuban and US governments are showing no progress,” Rodriguez told a news conference on Tuesday.
Rodriguez criticized the administration of US President Donald Trump, who has intensified pressure on Cuba since returning to office. He described US delegation conduct as “generally respectful” but accompanied by “constant threats, coercive measures, and offensive statements regarding our country’s independence.”
The US has maintained a total trade embargo on Cuba since the 1960s. Trump has signaled a desire for regime change and in January effectively cut off Cuba’s foreign oil supply by threatening tariffs on fuel-providing countries. He has also hinted at possible military action against Cuba after the US-Israel war with Iran ends.
Rodriguez accused the US of attempting to disrupt a planned UN General Assembly debate on July 7 to discuss Washington’s sanctions. He claimed the US State Department is “pressuring and intimidating” UN members to avoid participating.
In response to US pressure, Cuba has taken steps including pardoning 2,010 prisoners and approving free-market reforms. However, Havana insists its political model is not up for discussion and vows to resist any US invasion.
US sanctions have triggered a severe humanitarian crisis in Cuba: fuel shortages have caused power outages lasting up to 40 hours, halted public transport in some areas, and strained hospital operations. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk noted infant mortality has doubled to 9.9 per 1,000 births, calling for immediate sanctions relief.
The Trump administration continues to tighten measures. In June, it imposed sanctions on President Miguel Diaz-Canel, his family, and relatives of former President Raul Castro. The US also sanctioned Cuba’s state oil and gas company and issued an arrest warrant for Castro over a 1996 incident.
Source: www.aljazeera.com