The Secretary-General of the UN, António Guterres, confirmed this Tuesday that the international organization is in talks with "several interested countries" to provide support to Cuba in light of the wave of blackouts recorded in recent days, cuts that the Government of Havana directly links to the blockade imposed by the United States.
His deputy spokesperson, Farhan Haq, explained at a press conference that "we have been talking with several interested countries to help Cuba to ensure that, for humanitarian reasons, Cuba has the fuel it needs for its humanitarian needs." Haq emphasized that these contacts aim to alleviate the energy situation of the island.
When questioned whether any "positive" response has been received, the spokesperson for the Portuguese leader chose to insist on the "concern" of the United Nations regarding the "serious problems of fuel shortages" that the Caribbean country is facing. "In previous months, we made some progress in receiving limited amounts of fuel, and we continue to work on that," he added, recalling that diplomatic efforts remain open.
In parallel, the Cuban Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodríguez, reiterated this Tuesday his criticisms of the U.S. embargo, blaming Washington for the situation of the National Electric System (SEN). According to Rodríguez, the blackouts "are a direct consequence of the genocidal blockade of the United States against Cuba."
The head of Cuban diplomacy has denounced that "the latter not only prevents the free importation of fuels. It blocks the entry into our country of parts and pieces necessary for the SEN, hinders collaboration with experts from other nations, and complicates access to international financing." In his message on social media, he emphasized that "Cuba is not a threat, the blockade is."
Rodríguez made these statements in response to the Administration of Donald Trump, which the day before blamed the Cuban authorities for the humanitarian crisis facing the island, in a new exchange of accusations regarding the origin of the country's energy and social problems.