Speaking on behalf of Cuba, Rodriguez reacted to the consequences of US sanctions targeting the mining, foreign trade and metallurgy sectors. Rodriguez criticized Washington’s measures, arguing that the sanctions prevent the delivery of basic services to the Cuban people.
In a statement posted on the US-based X platform, Rodriguez accused US Secretary of State Marco Rubio of deliberately preventing the Cuban government from providing basic services to the public. Rodriguez said the sanctions were blocking shipments of containers carrying food, medicine and medical equipment supplied particularly by private micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in Cuba.
Cuba reacts to sanctions policy
Rodriguez described US sanctions against Cuba as a “failed obsession.” Rodriguez said the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples had worked for friendship, international solidarity, justice and peace for more than 60 years, adding that the institution stood directly opposed to the values Rubio promotes in his policies.
Nine state institutions added to the list
The United States added individuals linked to Cuba’s mining, foreign trade and metallurgy sectors to its sanctions list as part of a pressure policy described as seeking political and economic change in Cuba. The list also included nine state institutions, including the Ministry of Construction.
Three executives of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples, which had previously been sanctioned, were also among those newly sanctioned. The list included ICAP President Fernando Gonzalez Llort, First Vice President Noemi Rabaza Fernandez and Director for North America Leima Martinez Freire.
Fernando Gonzalez Llort was listed as one of five agents from the “Wasp Network” who were extradited to Cuba after being convicted in the United States.
