Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez has announced that the country is not currently negotiating with the United States, despite the ongoing economic pressure from the US embargo. This comes as Cuba reports record losses, estimating the embargo has cost its economy $8 billion in just one year, the highest figure recorded to date.
The embargo, which has been in place since 1959, has led to severe shortages and a crippling energy crisis, with many Cubans experiencing only a few hours of electricity daily. Rodríguez described the situation as one of ‘economic asphyxiation,’ highlighting the impact on daily life, including food spoilage and lack of access to basic services like internet.
Cuba’s government is preparing to present its case to the United Nations, where it expects overwhelming support for a resolution calling for an end to the embargo. Rodríguez accused the US of using intimidation tactics against other nations ahead of the vote, which is scheduled for late October.
The ongoing tensions between the two nations could have broader implications for international relations, particularly as Cuba seeks to rally global support against what it terms a ‘genocidal’ blockade. The situation underscores the challenges faced by ordinary Cubans and the potential for increased diplomatic isolation for the US if the embargo continues to be condemned globally.
Source: Al Jazeera
