Is Cuba Facing Economic Collapse Due to Venezuela's Situation?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Washington, Jan 9 (NationPress) President Donald Trump stated that Cuba is encountering a significant economic crisis following US actions in Venezuela that have severed the oil and financial assistance upon which Havana has depended for many years, cautioning that the island has limited options remaining.
“Cuba completely depends on Venezuela for funds and oil,” Trump remarked during an interview on Fox News’ Hannity. “That arrangement is no longer viable.”
He explained that Venezuela and Cuba had traditionally maintained a partnership where Havana offered security assistance in return for oil and cash.
“That was always the understanding,” Trump noted. “Cuba provides protection for Venezuela, and in return, Venezuela compensates Cuba with oil.”
Trump indicated that this relationship has now concluded following the recent US initiatives in Venezuela. “I’m uncertain about Cuba’s next steps,” he commented. “I foresee Cuba facing failure.”
He mentioned that Cuban forces deployed in Venezuela had been defeated amidst recent developments. “They were overwhelmed,” he noted. “I wouldn’t even want to disclose the numbers.”
According to Trump, Cuba lacks a clear alternative source of support. “I believe there are no alternatives for Cuba,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Trump expressed his desire to support the Cuban populace, particularly Cuban Americans in the United States.
“We have some of the finest individuals in the country, Cuban,” Trump emphasized. “I wish to assist those people.”
He reminisced about how many Cubans escaped the island over the decades. “They departed on makeshift rafts,” he recalled. “They journeyed on damaged boats through shark-infested waters.”
“Many, many of them did not survive,” Trump added.
He noted that Cuban Americans have faced mistreatment under previous regimes. “They were treated very poorly by Castro,” Trump stated.
While Trump did not propose a specific US policy towards Havana, he mentioned that the United States aims to see positive transformations. “We desire to contribute to Cuba’s improvement,” he stated. “We’ll see how things unfold.”