Cuba calls new US sanctions "illegal and abusive"
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Cuba has denounced new U.S. sanctions imposed by President Donald Trump as "illegal and abusive."
- The sanctions target any foreign or American individual operating in sectors vital to Cuba's foreign exchange earnings.
- Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodrรญguez stated the sanctions are a response to a large May Day demonstration in Havana and widespread public support for the nation.
The Cuban government has vehemently condemned the latest round of U.S. sanctions, spearheaded by President Donald Trump, labeling them as "illegal and abusive." These punitive measures, aimed at individuals and entities operating in sectors crucial for Cuba's foreign currency income, represent a further escalation of the long-standing U.S. economic blockade. Foreign Minister Bruno Rodrรญguez did not mince words, describing the U.S. administration's actions as "reprehensible but curious and ridiculous."
Rodrรญguez asserted that these coercive measures are a direct response to the massive May Day demonstration in Havana, where over half a million Cubans, led by General Raรบl Castro and President Miguel Dรญaz-Canel, marched in defense of their homeland. The widespread public support, evidenced by millions signing in defense of the nation against perceived military threats and the intensified blockade, has clearly rattled Washington. The Minister emphasized Cuba's resolve, stating, "The Homeland, the Revolution, and Socialism are defended with ideas and with weapons. They will not intimidate us."
Repudiable but curious and ridiculous. The Government of the USA is alarmed and responds with new illegal and abusive unilateral coercive measures against Cuba.
These new sanctions, detailed in an executive order, target key sectors of the Cuban economy, including energy, defense, mining, and financial services. The U.S. administration claims Cuba's policies pose an "unusual and extraordinary threat" to its national security. However, from our perspective, these actions are a clear attempt to stifle Cuba's development and undermine its sovereignty, disregarding the will of the Cuban people and international law. The swift implementation of these sanctions, without prior notification, highlights a strategy designed to inflict maximum economic damage and circumvent any potential challenges.
The Homeland, the Revolution, and Socialism are defended with ideas and with weapons. They will not intimidate us.
Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.