Former Cuban President Raul Castro is participating in negotiations between Cuba and the United States, said Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel on Wednesday, noting that the negotiations are still in the early stages, LETA reported citing AP.
Washington has maintained an economic embargo against Cuba for decades, but since January, it has been paying increased attention to the island.
In January, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed an oil blockade on Cuba, limiting fuel supplies due to what he claimed were "extraordinary threats" that Cuba allegedly poses to the United States. Trump also threatened to impose tariffs on any country supplying oil to Cuba and recently stated that it would soon be his "honor to take Cuba."
Diaz-Canel stated in an interview with Spanish ultra-left leader Pablo Iglesias that negotiations with the U.S. are generally conducted collegially by the Cuban government. The pre-recorded interview, published on Wednesday, lasted about an hour.
"The negotiation process, which results in an agreement, is a lengthy process," noted the President of Cuba. "First, it is necessary to create a channel for dialogue. Then, programs of common interest need to be developed, and the parties must demonstrate the intention to move forward and truly commit to implementing these programs based on their discussion," he explained.
Although Trump's initial threats have been formally softened, the oil embargo remains in effect, and Cuba has received no fuel supplies in the past three months. This has led to prolonged power outages and nearly complete paralysis of economic and social life.
The U.S. has stated that negotiations with Cuba are ongoing, and Trump has threatened to establish control over the island in the near future.
Diaz-Canel reported that representatives of Cuba and the U.S. State Department "recently held negotiations." He also commented on speculation regarding the role of 94-year-old Castro in these negotiations.
According to him, Castro "is one of those who, together with me and in collaboration with other branches of the (Communist) Party, government, and state, has given advice on how this dialogue should be conducted if it takes place." The President emphasized that Castro remains a "historical leader of this revolution, although he has stepped down from his duties," and retains the "prestige earned among the people" due to the "historical recognition that cannot be denied."
Raul Castro, who succeeded his brother Fidel as president, led historic negotiations with former U.S. President Barack Obama in 2014, resulting in the opening of embassies and the restoration of diplomatic relations. Donald Trump opposed this policy and further tightened sanctions against Cuba.
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