The U.S. has expanded sanctions against Cuba
The United States has expanded sanctions against Cuba, adding three Cuban officials and nine state-owned enterprises to the sanctions list. The new restrictions target, in particular, the metallurgical, mining, and construction sectors.
The sanctions target the leadership of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP)—a state-run organization dedicated to developing Cuba’s ties with foreign solidarity activists.
Nine state-owned enterprises have also been targeted by the restrictions, including institutions and companies linked to the construction, metallurgical, and mining sectors.
In particular, the sanctions target Cuba’s Ministry of Construction.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused ICAP of financing what he called “an extensive subversive network” within the United States under the guise of educational and cultural exchanges.
According to Rubio, Cuba also attempted to use events marking the 100th anniversary of Fidel Castro’s birth to invite its supporters to Havana and facilitate their contacts with representatives of the Cuban government.
“Today’s decisions make it clear that the Trump administration will not tolerate attempts by the Cuban regime to fund repression or continue its long-standing campaign of subversive anti-American activities,” Rubio stated.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez accused Washington of deliberately attempting to harm the Cuban economy and prevent the government from providing basic services to the population.
According to him, the sanctions could complicate the supply of food, medicine, and medical equipment, a significant portion of which is purchased by Cuban small private businesses.
Rodríguez also called the sanctions against ICAP officials part of Rubio’s “failed obsession” with Cuba.
The decisions, adopted on August 20, continue the policy of U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration to increase pressure on the Cuban government.
In May, Trump signed an executive order that expanded sanctions against representatives of the Cuban government, security forces, and their supporters.
Previously, the U.S. had also imposed restrictions on Cuban companies and individuals. At the same time, Trump has repeatedly made harsh statements regarding Cuba’s future and its government’s policies.
This was reported by Reuters.
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