For months, the Trump administration has increased economic pressure and military threats against Cuba. A de facto oil blockade has resulted in blackouts, food, and water shortages affecting millions on the island. Cuban officials express a willingness to engage in dialogue, but publicly, there has been no progress.
Amna Nawaz interviewed Carlos Fernández de Cossío, Cuba's Deputy Foreign Minister, during his visit to the U.S. for the U.N. General Assembly. De Cossío stated that while there are official channels of communication between the U.S. and Cuba, recent U.S. sanctions and coercive measures have hindered any progress in dialogue.
He emphasized that the Cuban government is ready to engage with the U.S. to address political differences but noted that ongoing hostility makes meaningful communication difficult. De Cossío described the U.S. claims of wanting to take over Cuba as unacceptable and expressed concern over the potential for military action, stating that it would be naive not to consider it a real threat.
Regarding the situation in Cuba, de Cossío highlighted the humanitarian impact of U.S. policies, which he described as collective punishment. He acknowledged the severe conditions faced by Cubans, including blackouts and food shortages, and stated that the Cuban government is working to implement reforms to address these issues, although external factors complicate the situation.
De Cossío rejected allegations from U.S. officials suggesting that Cuban leaders are insulated from the hardships faced by the population, asserting that government officials also experience significant challenges. He criticized the U.S. narrative about Cuba's relationships with other nations, arguing that the U.S. has more extensive ties with countries labeled as adversaries than Cuba does.
In conclusion, de Cossío stated that Cuba will continue to cope with its challenges independently and will not submit to U.S. demands regarding its governance or economy. He reiterated the importance of respecting Cuba's sovereignty and the need for dialogue based on mutual respect.