Cuba’s Deputy Foreign Minister: Havana Seeks Friendly, Constructive Ties with Washington, Not Enmity
Havana, May 28th. – In an interview with Full Measure, Cuba’s Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío reaffirmed the island nation’s longstanding willingness to resolve differences with the United States through dialogue, while rejecting “excuses” used to justify hostile policies.
“We have a tradition of being ready to use dialogue as a way to solve problems with the United States and even with any country,” Fernández de Cossío stated. “Cuba is not an enemy of the United States. We don’t want to be an enemy. In fact, we’d like to have a constructive and, if possible, friendly relationship.”
The deputy minister welcomed the prospect of equitable trade relations, emphasizing Cuba’s desire for normal commercial ties on equal footing. However, he sharply criticized the U.S. blockade, particularly a fuel blockade imposed in January that prevents Cuba from importing fuel from any nation.
“Our asking is evident: to put an end to the fuel blockade… to put an end to the very severe economic coercive measures that make life practically unbearable for the people of Cuba,” he said, adding that Cuba is ready to engage in cooperation with the U.S. on these terms.
Fernández de Cossío accused Washington of reinforcing coercive measures this year, deliberately disconnecting Cuba from the global economy. He acknowledged that Cuba’s ongoing transformation has been “difficult and slower than planned” partly due to domestic limitations, but argued the greatest obstacle is U.S. restrictions on financing, technology, and market access.
Cossío also warned against any military action: “There are a lot of excuses… to justify military action against Cuba that would cause death, destruction, a humanitarian crisis, and very possibly bloodshed that would involve both Cubans and Americans.”
(Cubaminrex - Embacuba - Polonia)