US President Donald Trump (Image: Getty)
Cuba has issued a stern warning to Donald Trump, insisting its forces are ready for potential “military aggression” from the US. Cuba’s deputy foreign minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío said it would be “naive” for the nation’s communist government to ignore the possibility of conflict.
His comments came days after the US President spoke of “taking Cuba” amid continued talks between the two nations. Tensions between the two nations have risen following the US’ capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro — a close ally of the Havana government — with reports suggesting America is eyeing a similar intervention in Cuba. Mr Fernández de Cossío said: “Our military is always prepared. And in fact it is preparing these days for the possibility of military aggression.”
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Cuban deputy foreign minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío (Image: Getty)
Speaking to NBC News, he added: “Our country has historically been ready to mobilise, as a nation as a whole, for military aggression.
“We truly always see it as something far from us. We don’t believe it is something that is probable. But we would be naive if we do not prepare.”
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is leading negotiations with Cuba as a US-imposed oil blockade of the island continues.
Following the intervention on Venezuela in January, Mr Rubio, who has long signalled he wants regime change in Cuba, said: “If I lived in Havana and I was in the government, I’d be concerned.”
This week, he said Cuba is “in a lot of trouble, and the people in charge are — they don’t know how to fix it, so they have to get new people in charge.”
Meanwhile Mr Trump, who last month suggested the US could carry out a “friendly takeover” of Cuba, told reporters at the White House on Monday: “You know, all my life I’ve been hearing about the United States and Cuba. When will the United States do it?
“I do believe I’ll be … having the honour of taking Cuba. Whether I free it, take it – think I could do anything I want with it. You want to know the truth. They’re a very weakened nation right now.”
Speaking to NBC News’ ‘Meet the Press’, Mr Fernández de Cossío insisted regime change was not on the agenda in talks with the US.
“Cuba is a sovereign country and has the right to be a sovereign country and has the right to self-determination,” he said.
“Cuba would not accept to become a vassal state or a dependent state from any other country or any other superpower.”
The country is facing a major economic crisis and Mr Fernández de Cossío said the US oil blockade is “very severe”.
He accused the US of threatening other nations “with coercive measures” against importing fuel to the island.
Cuba’s power grid collapsed on Saturday, leaving the whole country without electricity for a third time in March.
Residents have also suffered daily power outages amid the blockade.