The Atlantic: Did Havana Beg For Mercy?

Cuba can no longer withstand economic pressure from the United States.

Cuba has begun to move away from an economic system based on state control and centralized planning. At the same time, Havana is counting on cooperation with Washington, despite the hardline policies of the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, writes The Atlantic.

Cuba’s Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossio stated that the previous model, shaped under the strong influence of the USSR, “has run its course.” According to him, the country can no longer postpone economic reforms.

In June, Cuban authorities approved 176 measures expanding opportunities for private business and foreign investment. Cubans living abroad were permitted to hold shares in private companies on the island. At the same time, certain bureaucratic requirements were eased and opportunities for investment in the tourism sector were expanded.

“We have come to the conclusion that we can no longer postpone the reforms that Cuba needs,” said Cossio.

However, Washington considers these economic reforms insufficient. The Trump administration is demanding more sweeping changes, including greater political freedoms and improvements in the human rights situation. At the same time, the U.S. maintains its economic embargo and sanctions against entities linked to the Cuban government.

The pressure is mounting amid a severe economic crisis on the island. Cuba is facing prolonged power outages, fuel shortages, and water supply problems. In some regions, people have to rely on water tankers.

Cossio is calling on the U.S. to change its approach. According to him, Washington could allow Americans to travel to Cuba more freely, as well as trade with and invest in the country.

“We are not asking for grants, gifts, or favors. We want the U.S. to stop punishing the Cuban economy,” the diplomat said.

At the same time, Havana is not prepared to reconsider its one-party political system. This is precisely where the main rift lies between Cuba’s proposals and the Trump administration’s demands.

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