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The Spanish parliamentary group Vox requested the European Union (EU) to suspend the protocol of relations with Cuba due to its support for the Maduro regime.
Vox also demanded that the Spanish government include the Cártel de los Soles, led by Maduro, on the list of terrorist organizations, local media reported.
"The Cartel of the Suns is a criminal organization directly connected to activities such as drug trafficking, extortion, kidnappings, disappearances, murders, and other very serious forms of organized violence," said the VOX senator Ángel Pelayo during the motion presented by the parliamentary group in the Spanish Senate.
They also recalled that it is "a terrorist organization led by Nicolás Maduro and other henchmen of his illegal and coup-supporting regime, who additionally enjoy the backing of the Cuban communist dictatorship that sustains and protects Maduro."
The formation led by Abascal calls for the application of Article 85 of the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement with Cuba, as it violates the "respect for democratic principles," due to its support for Maduro.
The support of the Cuban regime for its ally Maduro is "incompatible" with the agreement based on "the respect and promotion of democratic principles," "the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms," and "the respect for the rule of law."
"The inclusion of the Cartel de los Soles in the list of terrorist organizations implies, on one hand, the freezing of funds and other financial assets or economic resources, as well as the assurance that no funds, financial assets, economic resources, or financial services, either directly or indirectly, will be made available to them; and, on the other hand, the police and judicial cooperation of the member states of the European Union in criminal matters," they added.
The Cartel of the Suns vs Trump
The Cartel of the Suns, allegedly led by Maduro and other high-ranking Chavista officials, has been included on the list of terrorist organizations, and the United States is offering a reward of 50 million dollars for information leading to their capture.
In addition to the destroyers, nuclear submarines, and amphibious squadrons already deployed in the region, the arrival of the F-35 introduces a different dimension, as these aircraft have been designed for high-intensity operations and are not typically intended for drug interdiction missions.
Recently, the U.S. Department of Defense deployed 10 F-35 stealth fighters to Puerto Rico for "anti-narcotics" tasks as part of the operation against the Cartel of the Suns.
The deployment occurs amid the operation ordered by Donald Trump to combat organizations that the White House has classified as "narcoterrorists."
In addition to the destroyers, nuclear submarines, and amphibious squadrons already deployed in the region, the arrival of the F-35 introduces a different dimension, as these aircraft have been designed for high-intensity operations and are not typically assigned to drug interdiction missions.
Trump authorized the military forces to shoot down Venezuelan planes if they harass U.S. vessels deployed in international waters of the Caribbean.
The instruction was issued following an incident involving two F-16 fighter jets from the Bolivarian National Armed Forces that flew at low altitude over the USS Jason Dunham destroyer. The Pentagon described the maneuver as "highly provocative."
In response, Maduro announced that Venezuela would enter a stage of "planned armed struggle" in the event of aggression, and emphasized the mobilization of millions of militiamen for the defense of the country.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Conflict between Cuba, Venezuela, and the European Union
Why is VOX asking to cancel the European Union agreement with Cuba?
VOX requests the cancellation of the agreement with Cuba due to its support for the regime of Nicolás Maduro, which they consider incompatible with the democratic principles and human rights that underpin the agreement. VOX argues that the Cuban government's backing of Maduro contradicts the respect for democratic principles and fundamental rights, which are essential conditions of the cooperation agreement with the EU.
What is the Cártel de los Soles and why is it relevant in this context?
The Cartel of the Suns is a criminal organization linked to drug trafficking and led by Nicolás Maduro, according to several governments, including the United States and Argentina, which have designated it as a terrorist organization. This cartel is significant because its existence and the illicit activities it conducts in the region are among the main arguments used by VOX to urge the suspension of the agreement between the EU and Cuba, due to Cuban support for Maduro's regime.
How has the European Union responded to criticisms regarding its agreement with Cuba?
The European Union defends the continuation of the agreement with Cuba, arguing that it provides a necessary framework for dialogue to address sensitive issues such as human rights violations. European Commission Vice President, Kaja Kallas, has stated that the pact does not ensure democratic change on its own, but it is essential for maintaining dialogue and attempting to influence the Cuban government on human rights issues.
What actions has the United States taken against the Cartel of the Suns?
The United States has designated the Cartel of the Suns as a terrorist organization and has implemented financial sanctions against it, in addition to offering a reward of 50 million dollars for information leading to the capture of Nicolás Maduro. These measures are part of a broader operation to combat drug trafficking and the terrorism associated with the Venezuelan regime.
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