Havana: Trump’s sanctions inflict ‘collective punishment’ on the Cuban people

The Cuban government dismissed President Donald Trump’s new policies, labeling them “unilateral coercive measures” designed to impose “collective punishment on the Cuban people.” 

In line with this revelation, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez stated that “these measures are extraterritorial in nature and violate the United Nations Charter”

He further affirmed that the US “has no right whatsoever to impose measures against Cuba or against third countries.”

In this regard, the Cuban minister’s remarks followed a White House announcement indicating a further tightening of its stance toward the Caribbean island.

Trump issued an executive order on Friday to expand sanctions on the Cuban government, according to two White House officials.

This move represents a pivotal effort by Washington to intensify pressure on Havana, following the ongoing confrontation regarding Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro. 

The US has introduced measures against individuals and groups supporting Cuban security forces, those involved in corruption, and officials aligned with the Cuban government. 

 The White House has labeled Cuba a “safe haven" for transnational terrorist groups like Hezbollah, though this claim was made without providing evidence.

Keeping in view the recent executive orders that have created an effective fuel blockade, the Cuban government is struggling to manage a “shattered” economy and frequent power blackouts.

The Trump administration has paired economic pressure with threats of military action, declaring the Cuban government an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to US national security. 

Meanwhile, frequent power blackouts have increased as the nation’s electrical grid struggles due to the fuel shortages.

Furthermore, the US Senate recently blocked a resolution that would have required the president to seek Congressional approval before initiating military force against Cuba.