Spain Concerned Over U.S. Sanctions' Impact on Spanish Firms in Cuba

Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is closely monitoring the impact of U.S. sanctions on Cuba, expressing "enormous concern" over how these "unilateral" measures are affecting Spanish business interests. The Spanish government's worries come as companies face increasing pressure to sever economic ties with the island nation.

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enormous concern

A significant development is Meliá Hotels International's decision to immediately stop operating and marketing fifteen hotels in Cuba. The hotel chain cited the "geopolitical, social, legal, and economic context" of the island as the reason for its withdrawal. This move precedes a U.S. deadline for foreign companies to divest from Cuba or face potential asset freezes in the United States. The U.S. actions target entities operating in key Cuban sectors like energy, mining, defense, and security, or those providing support to the Cuban government.

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unilateral measures

Spanish authorities are maintaining continuous contact with potentially affected companies. Beyond Meliá, other Spanish firms like airline Iberia and hotelier Iberostar have also adjusted their operations in Cuba due to the political uncertainty and threats from Washington. The U.S. has not ruled out further actions, including potential military measures against Cuba.

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geopolitical, social, legal and economic context

Exteriores sources emphasized that these U.S. measures exacerbate the "humanitarian hardship" faced by the Cuban population. The Spanish government is conducting a close and ongoing assessment of the situation in Cuba, working to mitigate the negative consequences for its national businesses and address the broader humanitarian implications.

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humanitarian hardship