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The presenter Alexander Otaola has once again called on the administration of Donald Trump to intensify the restrictions on Cuba, specifically requesting the complete closure of the Island.
Through a message posted on his Facebook account, he stated: "Trump, close it all down for Cuba. Closed is closed, and for those who don't like it, they can move back to the prison island. Good morning!"
This statement is part of a long series of pronouncements from Otaola, who has been a strong advocate for limiting economic ties and mobility between the United States and Cuba.
Over the years, he has advocated for the idea of reducing travel and remittances to the Island, a stance also shared by political figures like Cuban-American Congressman Carlos A. Giménez.
Giménez, who requested the suspension of all travel to and from Cuba and the elimination of remittance shipments, except in humanitarian cases previously approved by the State Department, argues that Cuba is considered by Washington a state sponsor of terrorism.
In January of this year, Otaola publicly called on President Trump to impose sanctions against the travel agencies that operate flights to Cuba, a measure that, according to him, could "put an end to the mules," a term used to refer to the carriers of money and goods traveling between the U.S. and Cuba.
His call comes in a broader context of tensions and restrictions, which includes the fear of a new ban on travel for Cuban citizens to the United States from Cuba and other countries, following an executive order signed by Trump on January 20.
Under the title "Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Others," this order aims to prevent what is perceived as threats to national security, and Cuba could be included on the list of countries subject to additional restrictions.
In February, the situation worsened with the decision by Western Union to indefinitely suspend remittance transfers to Cuba, a measure that impacted thousands of Cuban families who rely on these transfers for their livelihoods.
The decision was made due to the recent sanctions imposed by the Trump administration on Orbit SA, the Cuban entity responsible for processing transactions, which is included on the Cuba Restricted List (CRL).
The current landscape is characterized by an increasing hardening of relations between the United States and Cuba, while figures like Otaola continue to promote harsher policies.
Her demand for a "total shutdown" reflects a radical stance that advocates for a complete severance of ties, aiming for a profound change in policy towards the Island.
Meanwhile, the debate over the viability and consequences of these measures continues to divide the Cuban-American community and public opinion in general.
Frequently asked questions about Alexander Otaola's proposals and U.S. policy towards Cuba
What does Alexander Otaola propose regarding Cuba?
Alexander Otaola proposes a complete break of relations with Cuba, including the suspension of travel and remittances, with the goal of weakening the Cuban regime. This stance aligns with the policies of figures such as Congressman Carlos A. Giménez, who also advocates for more aggressive measures against the Cuban government.
How would Otaola justify the sanctions against agencies and travel to Cuba?
Otaola argues that agencies and trips to Cuba facilitate the flow of resources to the Cuban regime, which he believes perpetuates the oppression of the Cuban people. For this reason, he has called for sanctions against these activities to reduce the government's access to foreign currency.
What is Congressman Carlos A. Giménez's stance on travel and remittances to Cuba?
Carlos A. Giménez advocates for a total suspension of travel and remittances to Cuba, except in approved humanitarian cases. He believes these measures are necessary to limit the Cuban regime's access to resources that, according to him, are used for repression and the maintenance of power.
Why does Otaola believe that certain Cubans should be deported from the United States?
Otaola argues that Cubans who did not emigrate for political reasons and those with criminal records should be deported. He believes that the United States should take strong measures against those he considers accomplices of the Cuban regime or beneficiaries of it.
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