What is the Blockade Against Cuba, if Not Punitive?

This is the question posed by Political Bureau member and Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, in response to recent statements from U.S. government officials denying any formal changes to the sanctions policy toward the island

Author: International News Desk | internet@granma.cu

March 31, 2026 12:03:30

Photo: Granma

"Now the U.S. government says it has not taken any 'punitive' action against Cuba. What is the economic blockade, if not punitive? What is the threat against any country that exports fuel to Cuba, if not punitive? What are the financial persecution of Cuban transactions in any country, the restrictions on merchant ships calling at Cuban ports, and the prohibition of visits by Americans to Cuba?"

This is how Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, a member of the Political Bureau and Minister of Foreign Affairs, questioned the recent statements from government agencies in the northern nation, denying any formal changes in the sanctions policy towards the Island.

In this regard, the Cuban Foreign Minister emphasized: "What purpose do selective and arbitrary lists like the list of state sponsors of terrorism, the list of restricted entities, and the list of restricted accommodations serve?"

He referred to "the abusive pressure exerted on Caribbean and Latin American governments to renounce medical cooperation programs with Cuba, in order to deprive the country of legitimate income," which has been evident in recent weeks and also harms the people deprived of care from Cuban specialists. "A purely punitive action," he asserted.