Amid rising tensions between the United States and Venezuela, Cuba has expressed significant concern over the potential for military conflict, cautioning that any confrontation could have far-reaching implications across the Americas. However, the Cuban government has made it clear that it will not engage in warfare, opting instead to extend unwavering political support to Venezuela.
During an exclusive interview with Mehdi Hasan of Zeteo at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío emphasized Cuba's commitment to offering "full political support" to Nicolás Maduro's administration. While Fernández de Cossío refrained from clarifying whether this support would include military assistance, he described such inquiries as "dangerous" and reiterated that "Cuba will not go to war with the United States, but will provide Venezuela with complete political solidarity."
The Cuban official underscored that a U.S. attack on Venezuela would pose a threat to the entire region. Addressing the island's economic challenges, Fernández de Cossío attributed Cuba's critical situation to U.S. pressures. He questioned, "How can any country sustain itself when the world's most powerful economy pressures and threatens other governments to sever ties with Cuba?"
Human Rights and Political Model DefenseDuring the interview, the deputy minister also faced questions regarding Cuba’s human rights record, lack of democratic freedoms, absence of a free press, and accusations of harboring individuals labeled as "terrorists" by the Trump administration. De Cossío staunchly defended Cuba's political model and dismissed the criticisms.
The conversation coincided with the UN General Assembly debates, where the Gaza conflict was another prominent topic. The Cuban diplomat condemned Israel's offensive as "genocide" and criticized the United Nations for its "inability to act," calling it a "shameful" matter for the international community.
These statements from the Cuban vice minister come amid heightened regional tensions, as Washington has announced the reallocation of significant funds to counter the regimes in Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua, while protests and repression intensify on the island.
Impact of U.S.-Venezuela Tensions on Cuba
What is Cuba's stance on a potential U.S. attack on Venezuela?
Cuba has expressed strong concern about the possibility of a U.S. attack on Venezuela, stating that it would be a threat to the whole region. However, Cuba has ruled out engaging in warfare and instead pledged full political support to Venezuela.
How does Cuba view the economic pressures from the United States?
Cuba attributes its current economic difficulties to the pressures exerted by the United States, which it claims are designed to disconnect Cuba from the global economy, thereby undermining the island's economic sustainability.
What are the criticisms faced by Cuba regarding its political model?
Cuba faces criticism for its human rights record, lack of democratic freedoms, absence of a free press, and for allegedly harboring individuals labeled as "terrorists" by the U.S. Despite these criticisms, Cuba's Deputy Foreign Minister defended the country's political system.