Cuban president confirms talks with US
Cuban president confirms talks with US
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel revealed that his nation has initiated discussions with Washington, as the U.S. economic embargo continues to strain the Caribbean country’s resources. The ongoing blockade, which has intensified since January when Venezuela’s leader Nicolas Maduro was ousted, has left Cuba vulnerable to energy shortages. With reliance on fuel imports from Venezuela and Mexico, the U.S. sanctions have crippled the country’s ability to generate power, resulting in frequent blackouts and an energy crisis.
US President Donald Trump previously claimed a resolution with Cuba would be “very easily made,” following threats of a “takeover.” Diaz-Canel, speaking on Friday, emphasized that the negotiations aim to address “bilateral differences” and foster cooperation to ensure regional stability. He described the impact of the energy blockade as “tremendous,” noting its disruption of critical services like healthcare, education, and transportation.
“Cubans are desperate. You can’t live without water or electricity. That’s why we want consensus to be reached. If there are talks let them be productive. Let them achieve something good through those conversations.”
Diaz-Canel highlighted that no oil has reached the island in three months, hampering the government’s efforts to bolster energy production. In a video released Thursday, he stated that Cuba is leading the talks alongside retired leader Raul Castro and other officials. Present during the session was Raul Guillermo Rodriguez Castro, known as “El Cangriejo,” who holds no elected office but is part of the Communist leadership. His 94-year-old grandfather, Fidel Castro, remains a prominent figure in the process.
Two U.S. officials confirmed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio had been conducting secret negotiations with Cuba. The meetings took place during a Caribbean leadership gathering in St. Kitts and Nevis, where Rubio met with Rodriguez Castro. The U.S. State Department declined to comment on Diaz-Canel’s remarks, leaving the talks’ progress uncertain.
Cuba’s energy emergency has forced bakeries to switch to wood and coal-burning ovens, while medical procedures are being delayed. The country also faces mounting challenges with rising costs for basic goods and medicine shortages. Despite a brief thaw in relations under President Barack Obama, Trump has maintained a confrontational stance, labeling Cuba as a “bad regime” and predicting its collapse.
Trump recently stated to Latin American leaders in Florida that Cuba lacks both funds and oil, attributing its struggles to an “unfavorable philosophy” and a “long-standing regime.” The administration’s “maximum pressure” strategy has targeted nations that supply oil to Cuba, deepening the crisis. Meanwhile, the U.S. has been flexing military influence in the Western Hemisphere, including actions against Maduro and alleged extrajudicial operations against drug traffickers.
