HAVANA (AP) — Negotiations between Cuba and the US are at an impasse despite the island recently approving series of free market reformsCuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez announced this on Tuesday.
He noted that the recently announced reforms were not mentioned or discussed in previous negotiations between the two countries.
“The recently announced measures are a matter of complete and absolute sovereignty,” Rodriguez said. “We did not listen or inquire about the US government’s views on them.”
But he said what was striking was that they were “met with a new package of unilateral coercive measures… against Cuba.”
Earlier this month the U.S. introduced new sanctions about Cuban President Miguel Diaz Canel and other officials, as well as companies playing a key role in the island’s crumbling economy.
Some of the sanctions were announced after the Cuban Communist Party and the National Assembly of People’s Power approved 176 economic measures, representing the biggest economic shift since the revolution. They comply with some of the demands of the United States, which require a change in the political and economic model of Cuba.
Reforms include more space for private businesses, free hiring of staff and allowing private banking and investment by Cubans abroad.
Rodriguez added that while the behavior of US government officials was “generally respectful,” during previous negotiationsAccording to him, this is accompanied by “constant aggressive statements against Cuba, threats of military aggression and the introduction of additional coercive measures.”
The US State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Rodriguez made these statements during a press conference in which he announced the July 7 debate at the UN General Assembly on the issue energy embargo introduced US President Donald Trump at the end of January.
“The blockade, as well as the United States government’s policies of aggression and hostility against Cuba, pose a threat to the existence and well-being of the Cuban people, as well as to the enjoyment of their human rights,” Rodriguez said.
He also denied that Cuba posed a threat to the United States, which he called “a major military and nuclear power.”
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The oil blockade further paralyzed the Cuban economy, leading to long power outagesfuel rationing, internet shutdowns, suspension of public transport and flight cancellations. Basic services such as garbage collection and water delivery were suspended and working days were reduced.