Cuban Official Criticizes US Oil Blockade as Massive Punishment

Cuba’s Deputy Foreign Minister Accuses US of Imposing Collective Punishment

Cuba’s deputy foreign minister, Carlos de Cossio, has stated that the United States’ fuel embargo is having a significant impact on his country’s medical services, food production, and standard of living. In a recent post on X, de Cossio outlined the effects of the embargo from Havana’s perspective.

According to de Cossio, Cuba relies heavily on oil imports, which are being threatened by US coercive measures. The lack of fuel is affecting transportation, medical services, schooling, energy production, and food availability, ultimately harming the standard of living. De Cossio emphasized that collective penalties and intimidation tactics are prohibited under international law.

Cuba’s reliance on oil imports has shifted from Venezuela to Mexico after the Venezuelan government cut off supplies following the abduction of President Nicolas Maduro by US forces. However, the Mexican government subsequently halted oil shipments to Cuba due to US threats of additional tariffs on imports from any country providing oil to Cuba.

Despite this, Mexico recently sent two ships loaded with humanitarian aid to Cuba. The US oil blockade is part of a broader policy aimed at regional dominance in the Americas, as stated in the White House’s National Security Strategy last year.

The Trump administration has also released a memorandum labeling the Cuban government an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to the US. In response, Havana has issued statements expressing willingness to engage in diplomacy while maintaining its sovereignty. Cuba’s ambassador to Colombia recently stated that his country will not be intimidated by US pressure and is prepared to defend itself.

The situation highlights the ongoing tensions between the US and Cuba, with both sides engaging in diplomatic efforts and rhetoric.

Source: Al Jazeera