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By DÁNICA COTO
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — The U.S. authorities on Thursday introduced a further $6 million in assist for Cuba because the island’s disaster deepens and tensions escalate between the 2 nations, with Cuba’s president accusing the U.S. of an “power blockade.”
The help is essentially meant for these residing in Cuba’s japanese area, which Hurricane Melissa slammed into late final yr. The provides embrace rice, beans, pasta, cans of tuna and photo voltaic lamps that will probably be delivered by the Catholic Church and Caritas, stated U.S. Division of State Senior Official Jeremy Lewin.
He warned that officers with the U.S. embassy in Cuba will probably be out within the discipline “ensuring that the regime doesn’t take the help, divert it, attempt to politicize it.”
The U.S. beforehand despatched $3 million in catastrophe reduction to Cuban folks affected by Melissa.
Lewin rejected {that a} halt in oil shipments from Venezuela — after the U.S. attacked the South American nation and arrested its then chief — is liable for the humanitarian state of affairs in Cuba.
He stated that for years, the island has “hoarded the entire assets for the few senile previous males that run the nation, for his or her henchmen, for the safety equipment” as he accused Cuba of “meddling overseas,” together with “colonizing Venezuela.”
“In order that’s what they’re spending their time and a spotlight on,” stated Lewin, who famous that his mom was born in Havana.
“Why can’t they get meals? It’s not as a result of we’re not letting illicit Venezuelan oil proceed to make Raúl Castro wealthy,” he added, referring to the previous Cuban president. “It’s as a result of the federal government can’t put meals on the cabinets. They’ve billions of {dollars}, however they don’t use it to purchase meals for peculiar Cubans.”
Lewin spoke hours after Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel held a uncommon, invite-only press convention during which he fielded questions from a choose group of reporters. The Related Press was not invited.
Díaz-Canel stated that there was a “psychological battle” in opposition to Cuba as he described a latest menace by U.S. President Donald Trump to impose tariffs on any nation that sells or gives oil to Cuba as “an power blockade.”
He stated such actions have an effect on transportation, hospitals, colleges, tourism and the manufacturing of meals. Along with extreme blackouts, Cuban officers be aware that U.S. sanctions, which elevated beneath Trump’s second time period, price the nation greater than $7.5 billion between March 2024 and February 2025.
“I do know we’re going to dwell by way of troublesome occasions. However we’ll overcome them collectively, with inventive resilience,” Díaz-Canel stated in a two-hour speech during which he answered questions from a handful of reporters.
He famous that Cuba has not acquired oil shipments for the reason that U.S. started its “naval blockade” on Venezuela in December.
“Subsequently, we’ve got issues with gasoline availability to ensure not solely electrical era, but in addition fundamental actions,” he stated.
Díaz-Canel promised that in every week, he would share particulars relating to the island’s present state of affairs and the way the federal government will confront it.
“There’s a whole lot of concern,” he stated. “I do know folks say, ‘Sacrifice, once more?’ Effectively, if we don’t sacrifice, and if we don’t resist, what are we going to do? Are we going to surrender?”
Lewin stated that if the Cuban authorities involves its senses and is prepared to permit the U.S. to offer extra assist, that there is likely to be extra bulletins.
“They need to be centered on offering for his or her folks, not making these blustery statements,” Lewin stated. “He can discuss an enormous recreation, however once more, any authorities, its first duty is at all times to offer for its folks.”
In his speech, Díaz-Canel stated his authorities is open to dialogue with america beneath sure circumstances, together with respect for Cuba’s sovereignty and “with out addressing delicate points that might be perceived as interference in our inner affairs.”
“Cubans don’t hate the American folks,” Díaz-Canel stated. “We’re not a menace to america.”
Observe AP’s Latin America protection at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
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