United States ruler Donald Trump said that he believes he will have the “honor” of “taking Cuba” at some point. Trump made the remarks on Monday in the Oval Office.
“I do believe I’ll be… having the honor of taking Cuba. That’s a big honor,” Trump said, adding: “Taking Cuba in some form.”
Cuba is participating in ongoing talks between Washington and itself as the island grapples with a deepening energy crisis and widespread blackouts amid a U.S. oil blockade.
The talks mark the first time in more than a decade that Havana has publicly acknowledged formal discussions with Washington. They follow weeks of power cuts, fuel shortages, and rising public anger after Venezuelan oil shipments were halted following the US seizure of President Nicolas Maduro and Washington’s efforts to block other suppliers. –RT
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When pressed by reporters, Trump said the US could take many different actions toward the island, based on how the current ruler is feeling. “Whether I free it, take it. I think I can do anything I want with it, you want to know the truth,” he said, without elaborating.
On the same day that Trump spoke these comments, Cuba was plunged into a nationwide blackout. That took place on Monday, when nearly 11 million people were left without electricity as fuel shortages strained the country’s aging power stations, thanks to U.S. policies.
The blackouts follow weeks of power cuts, fuel shortages, and rising public anger after Venezuelan oil shipments were halted following the US seizure of President Nicolas Maduro and Washington’s efforts to block other suppliers.
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Following Trump’s comments about the takeover of Cuba, the New York Times reported that American officials have signaled in negotiations that removing Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel could be a key objective in bilateral talks. So far, Washington has not publicly confirmed the demand.
Díaz-Canel said last week that any dialogue with Washington must be based on “equality and respect for the political systems of both countries.” He was said to have stressed Cuban sovereignty and self-determination. He also remarked that Cuba has received no oil shipments for three months due to a “wicked” blockade by the U.S., which he said has affected many, including children needing medical treatment.
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