The President of the United States, Donald Trump, asserted on Monday that his administration is in talks with Cuban leaders and that both parties are "very close" to reaching an agreement.
“It is a failed nation. They no longer receive money from Venezuela or anywhere else. Mexico is going to stop sending them oil,” Trump said, referring to the dire situation of the Cuban regime.
“I would like to take care of the people who came from Cuba, those who fled on rafts crossing waters filled with sharks. Many would like to return, at least to visit their families. And I believe we are very close to achieving that. We are currently engaging directly with the leaders of Cuba,” he assured.
The president's statements confirm that there are active contacts with Havana, although the White House has not disclosed details about the possible content or terms of the negotiation.
Trump had already indicated on Sunday his willingness to reach a "deal with Cuba" that benefits both the Cuban population and Americans, but he clarified that any engagement would be made "from a position of strength."
"Cuba is a nation in crisis, without oil or money. We want to help the Cuban people, not the regime," he had said then.
The new statements arrive in a context of heightened diplomatic tension, following the recent executive order from the White House that imposed tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba, a measure primarily targeting Mexico and Venezuela.
Filed under: