Did Cuba Deny the US's Claim of Venezuela as a 'Foreign Terrorist Organization'?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Cuba views the US's designation of Venezuela as politically motivated.
- Rodriguez emphasizes the consequences for regional stability.
- The US's sanctions target Venezuela's oil sector.
- Cuba expresses strong solidarity with the Venezuelan government.
- This incident reflects growing tensions in Latin America.
Havana, Dec 21 (NationPress) Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla asserted that the United States' classification of Venezuela's legitimate government as a 'foreign terrorist organization' is a politically charged maneuver.
Rodriguez described it as a new arbitrary, fraudulent, unilateral, and politically motivated act. He emphasized that this decision reflects the credibility deficit of such actions and the manipulation of terrorism as a political weapon, undermining global initiatives to combat this issue.
Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump declared Venezuela a 'foreign terrorist organization'.
Rodriguez warned that the United States aims to create international isolation while amplifying pressure and aggression, which could have unpredictable ramifications for peace, security, and stability in Latin America and the Caribbean, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
He reiterated Cuba's unwavering solidarity and backing for the Venezuelan people and government against what he termed 'this infamous barbarism'.
In a related development, the US Treasury Department announced sanctions on six additional tankers—White Crane, Kiara M, H Constance, Lattafa, Tamia, and Monique—and six shipping companies accused of transporting Venezuelan crude oil in recent months.
The sanctions are aimed at crippling Venezuela's oil sector, which the US claims 'continues to finance Maduro’s illegitimate regime.' These measures are part of a broader initiative that also targets three members of the Maduro family and a business associate of the Venezuelan president.