Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez called the US oil blockade “collective punishment” meant to trigger a humanitarian crisis. President Donald Trump predicted a Cuba deal and said he did not think military action would be needed; Havana says it remains open to talks.
Rodriguez said talks would need to be based on “sovereign equality” and proceed “without preconditions.” He warned that US military action would cause huge destruction.
The United States has maintained an economic embargo on Cuba for more than 60 years and imposed the additional oil blockade earlier this year. Cuba faces fuel shortages and ongoing blackouts; Cuban officials also blame the blockade for problems providing food and other basic needs. Brazil, Mexico and Pakistan have called for an end to both restrictions. Since 1992, the UN General Assembly has overwhelmingly backed an annual resolution calling for an end to the embargo.
