Mexico, Spain and Brazil on Sunday issued a joint statement on Saturday issued a joint statement voicing concern over the “dramatic situation” in Cuba as the country faced repeated threats from US President Donald Trump.The left-government led countries expressed “deep concern regarding the grave humanitarian crisis that the people of Cuba are enduring and called for the adoption of necessary measures to alleviate this situation.”
Without explicitly naming the United states, the three countries called for a “sincere and respectful dialogue” in line with international law.The purpose of such a dialogue should be to “find a lasting solution to the current situation and to ensure that it is the Cuban people themselves who decide their own future in full freedom,” the statement said.The appeal came as a summit of leftist leaders is taking place in Barcelona, led by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, one of the biggest critics of the United States and Israel’s bombing campaigns in the Middle East.Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Brazil’s Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva were among the attendees, who called for efforts to “protect democracy.”This comes amid Trump’s repeated threats from Trump that Cuba is “next” after he toppled Venezuela’s leader Nicolas Maduro and went to war against Iran.Earlier in the week, Trump told reporters he could “take Cuba in some form” and claimed he could “do anything” with the country.“I do believe I’ll be having the honour of taking Cuba,” Trump told reporters. “Taking Cuba in some form, yeah,” he added when a reporter asked for clarification. “Taking Cuba. I mean, whether I free it, take it — I think I could do anything I want with it, if you want to know the truth.”The statements are unusual in US-Cuba relations. Since Fidel Castro came to power, no US president has publicly suggested taking control of the island.At the same time, the US has increased pressure on Cuba through economic measures. Since January, Washington has effectively blocked oil shipments to the country by warning other nations against supplying fuel. A US Coast Guard vessel also intercepted a tanker carrying crude oil to Cuba.The impact on Cuba has been severe. The country has not received major fuel shipments since early January. This has led to rising fuel prices on the black market and frequent power outages. A 29-hour nationwide blackout was reported recently, and large parts of the capital Havana, remained without electricity.The crisis is affecting daily life. Hospitals are delaying surgeries, medicines are running low, and food shortages are increasing across the island.Facing growing pressure, the Cuban government has started talks with the United States and signalled possible economic changes. Authorities have announced steps to allow Cubans living abroad to invest and do business in the country.Reports also suggest the US wanted changes in Cuba’s leadership. Meanwhile, Russia has said it was in close contact with Cuba and could support it if required.
