Cuban president accuses US of genocide, seeking takeover | Business and Economy News
Cuba’s President Accuses U.S. of ‘Genocide’ Amid Economic Crisis
CUBA—President Miguel Diaz-Canel has accused the United States of perpetrating “genocide” against the Cuban people and attempting to seize control of the island nation. The remarks were made during a rally on Sunday commemorating the 73rd anniversary of the Cuban Revolution, which began in 1953.
Diaz-Canel’s comments reflect growing frustration with U.S. policies aimed at the island, particularly a significant oil embargo imposed on January 29. The embargo has led to prolonged daily blackouts exceeding 20 hours, exacerbating Cuba’s ongoing economic crisis.
“Cuba is the victim of a cold-bloodedly calculated genocide,” Diaz-Canel stated during the event in Pinar del Rio, highlighting the adverse impacts of U.S. actions on the Cuban economy and daily life. He characterized the situation as “economic strangulation,” which has forced employers to shorten workdays, halted industrial production, and resulted in critical shortages of water and medicine.
The economic strain on Cuba has intensified since the initial sanctions were implemented. Major companies, including Visa and Mastercard, as well as Spain’s Melia hotel chain and Air Canada, have withdrawn their operations from the country, citing the challenging environment.
Diaz-Canel portrayed the current state of affairs as a historic struggle against policies that aim to suffocate the Cuban people. “The objective is to appropriate the country,” he said.
Relations between the U.S. and Cuba have historically been fraught, worsening under the administration of former President Donald Trump. Reports indicate that Trump declared intentions to “take over” Cuba following the U.S. abduction of former Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro, a Cuban ally, earlier this year.
A recent U.S. State Department report accused the Cuban government of maintaining an espionage and influence network against the United States and its Latin American neighbors. Additionally, in May, the U.S. indicted former Cuban president Raul Castro for alleged involvement in the 1996 downing of two civilian planes operated by Miami-based Cuban exiles.
Cuba has vehemently denied these allegations and criticized the rhetoric emanating from Washington. Officials report that talks between the two nations have largely stalled.
The Cuban Revolution, led by Fidel and Raul Castro, culminated in the overthrow of dictator Fulgencio Batista in 1959. Notably, Raul Castro, who is 95 years old, was absent from the rally on Sunday.
