Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez announced Tuesday that talks between Cuba and the United States are at a standstill, despite the island nation recently approving a series of free-market reforms. Rodríguez stated that these reforms, which include increased space for private businesses, free hiring of personnel, and authorization for private banks and investment by Cubans abroad, were neither mentioned nor discussed in earlier bilateral discussions.
Rodríguez asserted that the reforms are a matter of Cuba's "total and absolute sovereignty" and that the island nation is "neither listening to nor interested in the U.S. government’s opinion on them." He noted that the reforms were met with a new package of "unilateral coercive measures" against Cuba.
Earlier this month, the U.S. imposed new sanctions on Cuban President Miguel Díaz Canel and other officials, as well as on companies considered crucial to the island's economy. Some of these sanctions were announced after Cuba’s Communist Party and the National Assembly of People’s Power approved 176 economic measures, representing the most significant economic shift since the revolution. These measures align with some U.S. demands for changes to Cuba’s political and economic model.
Rodríguez described the conduct of U.S. government officials during prior talks as "generally respectful," but stated it was accompanied by "constant aggressive statements against Cuba, threats of military aggression, and the imposition of additional coercive measures."
Separately, Rodríguez announced that a July 7 debate would take place at the U.N. General Assembly concerning the energy embargo imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump in late January. He characterized the "blockade and the policy of aggression and hostility of the United States government against Cuba" as a threat to the existence and well-being of the Cuban people and their human rights. He also refuted claims that Cuba poses a threat to the U.S., which he identified as a "major military and nuclear power."
The oil embargo has severely impacted Cuba’s economy, leading to extended blackouts, fuel rationing, internet outages, and the suspension of public transportation and flights. Basic services such as garbage collection and water delivery have been halted, and workdays have been reduced.