Trump is considering a military operation against Cuba – Politico
3 May 13:11
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is considering the use of military force against Cuba, but the primary focus remains on diplomacy, Politico reports, citing a source familiar with the White House’s position, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
The source told the publication that Washington is still trying to persuade Havana to make concessions, primarily in the economic sphere. Among the U.S. demands are the privatization of Cuban state-owned enterprises, the attraction of foreign investment, improved internet access for Cubans, and a commitment to purchase energy resources from American companies.
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Earlier, on May 2, Trump announced his intention to send the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln to the coast of Cuba and take control of the island “almost immediately.”
“On our way back from Iran, one of our large ships will accompany us. … We’ll dock it, it will stop about 100 yards from the shore, and they’ll say, ‘Thank you, we surrender,’” the president said.
The day before, he signed an executive order imposing new sanctions on high-ranking Cuban officials who, according to the U.S., are linked to the Cuban government’s security apparatus and are also implicated in corruption and human rights violations.
Pressure on Trump is coming from the Cuban diaspora in Florida, where many of his supporters live, notes Politico. A Miami Herald poll showed that 78% of Cuban emigrants are not satisfied with economic reforms alone, and a significant majority would support military intervention in Cuba’s affairs.
Activists have formed the organization “Freedom Pact” and are demanding that the White House ensure democratic elections on the island, rather than a “rebranding of the regime.” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio —the son of Cuban immigrants—has previously expressed this view.
“Economic change is impossible as long as these people are in power,” he said.
Republican Senator Ileana Garcia, in turn, warns that U.S. inaction on Cuba will affect votes in South Florida, especially after years of rhetoric and promises.
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