US lawmakers visiting Cuba denounce island’s ‘economic bombing’ under energy blockade
Havana – Two U.S lawmakers are urging for a permanent solution to the crises in Cuba after witnessing the devastating effects of a U.S. energy blockade during their official visit to the island.
Democratic Reps. Pramila Jayapal of Washington and Jonathan Jackson of Illinois recently met with Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez, and members of Parliament during their five-day trip, which concluded on Sunday.
Díaz-Canel expressed his concerns about the damage caused by the blockade, particularly highlighting the impact of the energy embargo imposed by the current U.S. administration. He also emphasized the need for a serious and responsible bilateral dialogue to address the existing differences between the two countries.
Both the United States and Cuba have acknowledged that talks are ongoing at the highest level, although specific details have not been disclosed.
Jayapal emphasized the recent positive steps taken by Cuba, such as opening the economy to investments by Cuban Americans, granting pardons to over 2,000 prisoners, and collaborating with an FBI team on a fatal shooting investigation involving a U.S.-flagged boat. She believes that these actions signal the need for a real negotiation between the two countries to reverse the decades-long failed U.S. policy towards Cuba.
The U.S. government’s threat to impose tariffs on countries providing oil to Cuba has exacerbated the situation, leading to critical oil shortages in the country. Jayapal and Jackson condemned this as “cruel collective punishment” and called for an immediate end to the economic blockade.
The fuel shortage in Cuba has led to national blackouts, gasoline scarcity, rationing, reduced public transport services, shortened working hours, disrupted healthcare services, and flight cancellations, among other challenges.
While Russia has promised a second petroleum delivery to Cuba, experts warn that these shipments provide only temporary relief. Jayapal stressed the need for a long-term, permanent solution to address the energy crisis in Cuba.
Jackson drew parallels between the oil blockade in Cuba and the blocking of the Strait of Hormuz off Iran’s coast, highlighting the severe sanctions imposed on the island. He emphasized the importance of ensuring a free flow of oil and energy for humanitarian reasons in the Western Hemisphere.
Following their visit, Jayapal and Jackson committed to preparing a report and working on initiatives to lift sanctions against Cuba and alleviate the humanitarian crisis affecting the Cuban people. Their efforts aim to bring about lasting solutions to the challenges faced by the island nation.
