Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel addressed the recent decision by the United States to reimpose restrictive measures against Cuba on Saturday, cautioning that these might foreshadow additional sanctions. He criticized these actions, which target financial and commercial dealings with Cuban state entities, as "yet another abuse, cloaked in deception, to justify the criminal blockade imposed by the U.S. government on our people."
"The criminal measures announced to threaten #Cuba are no surprise, aimed at a nation that has no active measures against the U.S. How can anyone claim to wish to aid the well-being of Cubans by introducing new suffocating measures?" the Cuban president declared in a message shared on social media.
He emphasized that the Cuban people will withstand these pressures and conveyed a message of defiance, asserting that victory will be the only possible response. "These are likely the prelude to further announcements prepared by the team handling the #Cuba issue since 2017, aiming for their failed goal of subjugating us," he added.
Díaz-Canel further stated that such measures would be met with condemnation from all Cubans who love their country, leading to universal isolation and holding the responsible parties accountable for the harm inflicted on a noble people who do not deserve such mistreatment but will not kneel. "Our answer will be victory," he reiterated.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Stands Firm
Simultaneously, Cuba's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Minrex) released a statement titled "Firmness and Dignity in the Face of Aggression," condemning the latest measures announced by the U.S. government against the island. The statement describes these actions as an attempt to destabilize and subjugate the Cuban people through the intensification of the economic, commercial, and financial embargo.
The document emphasizes that, despite the adversities imposed by these policies, Cuba will maintain its stance of resistance and dignity, reaffirming its commitment to national sovereignty and the right to self-determination. Minrex also called on the international community to denounce these actions and stand in solidarity with Cuba in its struggle against the blockade and external aggression.
U.S. Reactivates Helms-Burton Act
On Friday, the U.S. government reactivated Title III of the Helms-Burton Act, enabling American citizens to file lawsuits over properties seized by the Cuban regime. Additionally, it expanded the "Cuba Restricted List" to include entities linked to the Cuban military and security apparatus, such as Orbit S.A., a company facilitating remittances benefiting Cuban military forces.
These actions are part of a tougher policy towards Cuba announced by the Trump administration, which also retains Cuba on the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism. The Helms-Burton Act, enacted in 1996, codifies economic sanctions against Cuba and sets conditions for their removal.
Title III of this law permits American citizens, including those who were Cuban citizens at the time of expropriation and later naturalized in the U.S., to sue individuals or entities "trafficking" in properties confiscated by the Cuban government post-1959. Since its enactment, the application of Title III had been suspended by successive U.S. administrations to avoid diplomatic conflicts with allies whose citizens or companies might be affected. However, in 2019, the Trump administration activated this title for the first time, allowing lawsuits to proceed.
Understanding U.S. Sanctions on Cuba
What new measures has the U.S. introduced against Cuba?
The U.S. has reactivated Title III of the Helms-Burton Act, allowing lawsuits over confiscated properties, and expanded the Cuba Restricted List to include entities linked to Cuba's military and security forces.
How has the Cuban government reacted to these sanctions?
Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel condemned the sanctions as an abuse and a continuation of the U.S. blockade. He reaffirmed Cuba's stance of resistance and predicted victory against these pressures.
What is the Helms-Burton Act?
The Helms-Burton Act is a U.S. law that codifies economic sanctions against Cuba and outlines conditions for their removal. Title III allows U.S. citizens to sue over properties confiscated by the Cuban government after 1959.
What role does the international community play in this situation?
Cuba's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has appealed to the international community to condemn the U.S. sanctions and express solidarity with Cuba against the blockade and external aggression.