Senator Rubio Blames Cuba for US Economic Failures

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio Discusses Cuba’s Fuel Crisis

In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed the current fuel crisis in Cuba, stating that the United States has not taken punitive action against the Cuban government. According to Rubio, the humanitarian situation on the island predates recent actions by the Trump administration.

Rubio emphasized that the Cuban system is “completely dysfunctional” and cannot be changed without a change in government. He attributed the current crisis to US pressure on Venezuela to stop shipping oil to Cuba following the military abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in January. Rubio noted that the only change for the Cuban regime is the loss of free Venezuelan oil subsidies.

The top US diplomat also pushed back on claims by Cuban officials that blackouts on the island are accelerating due to US pressure. Instead, Rubio attributed the blackouts to Cuba’s outdated equipment and lack of maintenance. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has reported three nationwide grid collapses in March, leaving over 10 million people without electricity.

The UN has released a $94.1m plan to keep critical services running for Cuba’s most vulnerable residents. Rubio acknowledged that if the current situation continues, there is a risk of rapid deterioration and potential loss of life. The US secretary of state also discussed the situation in Venezuela, stating that it is “moving along very well” since Maduro’s abduction.

The Trump administration has maintained a decades-long trade embargo on Cuba and has taken steps to restrict fuel shipments to the island. Rubio’s comments have sparked debate about the role of the United States in Cuba’s crisis.

Source: Al Jazeera