Cuban Foreign Ministry Denounces Impact of U.S. Blockade on Post-Hurricane Recovery

Carlos Rafael Fernández de Cossío Domínguez, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cuba, denounced via social media that the U.S. economic, commercial, and financial blockade has worsened the nation’s difficulties in recovering from Hurricane Melissa.

In a statement published on his official Facebook account, the diplomat noted that although Cuba received solidarity aid from governments and organizations, the country was forced to carry out recovery efforts under restrictive conditions not faced by other nations.

Fernández de Cossío clarified that not all internal challenges stem from the blockade, acknowledging that certain limitations must be resolved domestically. However, he described it as “unacceptable for a foreign power to impose an economic war against the Island.”

He recalled that, as Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla stated before the UN General Assembly, without the blockade, Cuba’s economic difficulties could be addressed more swiftly and effectively.

The Deputy Minister added that if such a policy were lifted, the national economy could thrive on its own merits, even without direct access to the U.S. market.

He emphasized that the denial of the right to compete and participate on equal terms in the international economy forces the nation to confront recovery efforts amid heightened obstacles.

These statements come as Cuba continues recovery operations following Hurricane Melissa, which caused significant damage in several eastern provinces of the country.