Cuba-U.S. talks reach deadlock: Havana to take oil embargo to the UN

Tensions between Cuba and the United States have deepened over Washington’s latest sanctions. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez said Havana had approved a major economic reform package, but the U.S. continued to pursue new unilateral pressure measures.

Rodríguez: Reforms are a matter of sovereignty

Speaking at a press conference on June 30, Rodríguez said the newly approved reform package is regarded as Cuba’s largest market-oriented economic reform effort since the Cuban Revolution.

He stressed that the measures were never raised or discussed by the U.S. side during previous contacts between the two countries.

U.S. imposed new sanctions

Earlier this month, the United States imposed new sanctions on Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, several senior officials and a number of companies playing a significant role in the country’s struggling economy.

Some of the sanctions were announced after Cuba approved 176 economic reforms, described as the most comprehensive changes since the 1959 revolution.

Oil embargo to be discussed at the UN

Rodríguez also announced that the United Nations General Assembly will discuss the U.S. oil embargo on Cuba on July 7.

According to Rodríguez, U.S. pressure policies threaten the lives of Cuban citizens and the realization of human rights. He also rejected claims that Cuba poses a threat to the United States.

Cuba condemns US fuel restrictions as blockade enters “new phase”

Basic services disrupted in Cuba

Havana says the oil embargo has deepened the country’s economic crisis. Cuba has been facing prolonged power outages, fuel restrictions, internet disruptions, suspended public transport routes and flight cancellations.

Waste collection and water supply have also been affected, while many institutions and businesses have reduced working hours due to the energy shortage.