Cuba: U.S. talks stalled despite reforms, minister says

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez announced Tuesday that talks between Cuba and the United States remain at a standstill. This comes despite Cuba's recent approval of significant free-market reforms, which Rodríguez noted were not discussed in prior U.S.-Cuba negotiations.

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The recently announced (measures) are a matter of total and absolute sovereignty.

Rodríguez asserted that the new economic measures are a matter of Cuban sovereignty, stating, "We have neither listened to nor are we interested in the U.S. government's opinion on them." He expressed dismay that these reforms were met with "a new package of unilateral coercive measures" from the U.S., including recent sanctions on Cuban officials and key companies. These reforms, which allow more private business, free hiring, and private banking, align with some U.S. demands for political and economic change.

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We have neither listened to nor are we interested in the U.S. government's opinion on them.

While acknowledging that U.S. officials were "generally respectful" during earlier discussions, Rodríguez also pointed to "constant aggressive statements against Cuba, threats of military aggression, and the imposition of additional coercive measures." He made these remarks during a press conference announcing a U.N. General Assembly debate on the U.S. oil embargo, which he described as a "threat to the existence and well-being of the Cuban people." The embargo has severely impacted Cuba's economy, causing widespread blackouts, fuel rationing, and disruptions to essential services.

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But he said it was striking that they "were met with a new package of unilateral coercive measures ... against Cuba."