Havana Denies Claims of Security Threat
Cuba has strongly denied claims that it is a threat to US security and has said again that it is open to talking. Officials made it clear that the island does not support terrorism and wants to live in peace with others. The statement came at a time when tensions were rising between Havana and Washington.
The Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that both countries benefit from working together. Authorities said that working together was based on international law and shared interests. Havana said it was defensive instead of confrontational.
Source: AL Jazeera/Website
Call for Talk as Tensions Rise
Cuba asked for talks again after the White House put more pressure on them. The government said it is still open to talks that are respectful and two-way. Officials said that talking was the only way to get real results.
The statement came out at the same time as President Donald Trump’s comments about renewed diplomatic contact. Trump said that his government was in touch with high-ranking Cuban officials. These comments were very different from the actions that were being taken to make policies stronger.
Oil Supplies Become the Main Source of Stress
Energy has become an important part of Washington’s plan for Havana. Venezuela used to be Cuba’s main oil supplier, but after recent actions backed by the US, it has stopped sending oil. Cuba is now facing serious fuel shortages because of the loss.
The US has also stopped Venezuelan oil tankers in the Caribbean. Critics say that the seizures are forms of economic coercion. The disruption has made Cuba’s economy even more fragile.
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Risk of Humanitarian Effects
Reports say that the Trump administration has put pressure on Mexico to stop sending oil to Cuba. Experts say that a total energy blockade could lead to a humanitarian crisis. Stable fuel supplies are very important for essential services.
Cuba has said that more restrictions would hurt civilians more than anyone else. Officials say that not having enough energy would make it harder for people to get food and health care. The government said the situation was a moral and humanitarian issue.
Washington Calls Cuba a “Bad Actor”
The US has seen Cuba as an enemy for a long time, based on its Cold War history. The Cuban government was called a “extraordinary threat” to US security in a recent memo from the White House. The paper said that Havana was working with China and Russia.
Cuba strongly denied these claims. Officials pointed out that the US has also tried to get along with both Beijing and Moscow. Havana said it did not have any foreign military or intelligence bases.
Cuba Stays Strong Against Terrorism
Cuban officials said without a doubt that they do not support extremist or terrorist groups. The Foreign Ministry said that Cuba will not tolerate any funding of terrorism. Officials stressed the importance of following international financial rules.
The government said these promises were part of long-term policy. Havana stressed how it was working together to stop illegal financial activities. The statement was meant to directly go against what Washington was saying.
International Voices Call for De-Escalation
Cuba’s response was less harsh toward Washington. Even though tensions are still high, officials didn’t use inflammatory language. The change suggests that diplomacy is the preferred strategy.
People from other countries have asked both sides to be calm. Pope Leo was worried about rising tensions and called for honest conversation. His message was similar to what Cuban religious leaders were saying to try to stop more pain.
