Cuban-American Congressman Carlos Giménez stated that "it is time to strangle the regime" that has oppressed Cubans for 67 years, and he supported President Donald Trump's measures against Havana's allies.
In statements to Fox News, Giménez defended the 100% tariffs imposed by Trump on countries that send oil to Cuba, as part of a pressure strategy to "push the regime to the brink of the abyss."
The lawmaker stated that the Cuban people "need a strong medicine for a short period to heal the patient," referring to the island.
The congressman stated that the regime "has destroyed the island" and that Washington's objective is to achieve "a friend of the United States in Cuba, not an enemy," emphasizing that the current system "is at its weakest point in over 65 years."
Giménez's statements come after President Donald Trump confirmed that his administration is engaged in direct conversations with the leaders of the Cuban regime and that both sides 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 on Monday, referring to the regime's crisis.
The leader reiterated his desire to reach an understanding that benefits the Cuban population, not the government, and emphasized that any approach will be made "from a position of strength."
Trump imposed an additional tariff on countries that supply oil to Cuba, mainly Mexico and Venezuela, as part of his pressure policy.
During the interview, Giménez also addressed the situation in Venezuela following the recent U.S. military operation that led to the capture of Nicolás Maduro.
The congressman warned that, although the United States will determine the price and buyers of Venezuelan oil, "it is not possible to negotiate with the current regime."
"Delcy Rodríguez is the interim dictator of Venezuela. Only when there is a free and democratic Venezuela will secure investments come," said Giménez, while supporting the opening of the U.S. diplomatic mission in Caracas.
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