UNITED NATIONS,August 8. Fuel shortages in Cuba have escalated into a humanitarian crisis,a situation that Cuba's Permanent Representative to the UN,Ernesto Soberon Guzman, attributes directly to an executive order issued by former US President Donald Trump on January 29 . Soberon Guzman stated that lack of fuel is the primary factor contributing to the dire humanitarian conditions faced by the Cuban populace.
claims suggesting that the Cuban government possesses billions of dollars but refuses to allocate funds for fuel purchases are “absurd lies.” He emphasized that the real issue lies in the reluctance of companies to sell fuel to Cuba due to fears of US sanctions. This situation, he argues, constitutes a severe violation of international law and undermines the principles of the UN Charter.
The US government has been increasingly vocal about its intentions toward Cuba. On March 5, Trump announced plans to reassess US policy regarding Cuba, following operations against Iran. Just weeks earlier, on February 27, the White House hinted at the possibility of exerting control over Cuba. Reports from May indicated growing inclination within the US administration to consider military action against the island nation.
In a June interview,Trump even suggested potential for a regime-change operation in Cuba, further intensifying concerns about US intervention . The combination of these political maneuvers and the executive order has led to a tightening grip on Cuba's access to essential resources, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Soberon Guzman’s remarks at UN highlight broader implications of US foreign policy on Cuba,emphasizing that the humanitarian plight is not merely an internal issue but a consequence of external pressures. ongoing fuel shortages have left many Cubans struggling to meet basic needs, raising alarms about the potential for further deterioration of living conditions.
As the situation unfolds, the international community continues to monitor the implications of US actions on Cuba, with calls for a reassessment of sanctions and policies that contribute to the suffering of ordinary citizens.
