The resident coordinator of the UN in Cuba, Francisco Pichón, asked the US Government this Thursday for a “humanitarian exception” to send oil and aid to Cuba after warning that the consequences of blockade They “get worse every day.”
“It is necessary to negotiate with the United States a humanitarian exception for oil. I understand that efforts are being made in that regard,” said Pichón, speaking virtually from Havana at the press conference of the spokesman for the Secretary General of the United Nations.
“It is the only way to avoid a humanitarian crisis with more serious consequences“he added, in statements cited by the agency EFE.
The official said that after almost a month of the Donald Trump executive order To tighten the fuel blockade of Cuba, the situation has gone from causing a “temporary” shortage to something “systematic” that has become “the main multiplier of humanitarian risks”.
Crisis in Cuba and the alert from the UN
“As energy shortages continue, vulnerabilities are rapidly worsening and they are becoming more serious humanitarian risks,” declared Pichón.
“So we see essential services being reduced and disrupted, and the daily lives of ordinary people becoming increasingly fragile,” he added.
The UN representative regretted that, despite the opposition of the US Supreme Court to Trump’s tariffs – such as those used to threaten those who sent crude oil to Cuba -, the national emergency is still in forcewhich in his opinion, “provides a broader legal framework to impose additional sanctions on countries that supply oil to Cuba.”
In this context, he recognized the efforts of countries such as Mexico, Canada or members of the European Union, but He insisted that an agreement with the United States is necessary.
“Even our capabilities will end up being very limited unless a humanitarian exception is made for oil and aid. And that will depend on the diplomatic efforts that can be carried out with the United States,” he explained.
The UN Human Rights Office pointed out a few days ago that the United States blockade violates the United Nations Charter and international law and causes “dismantling” of the food, health and water supply system.
About armed incident in Cuban waters
On the other hand, Francisco Pichón also highlighted “the importance of moderation” while investigating the operation of the Cuban Border Guard Troops against a speedboat from the US, which had illegally entered the island’s territorial waters.
“The Secretary General has always stressed the importance of moderation to avoid any escalation of tensions, and this is very important at a time like this”, he declared at the press conference.
The coordinator did not want to confirm or deny details regarding the incident and assured that “the competent authorities” are carrying out “investigations that comply with international law.” refers to another report of EFE.
Pichón insisted that to date There has been no change in the humanitarian situation in Cubawhich worsens day by day due to the oil blockade that President Donald Trump intensified a month ago.
As confirmed by the Cuban Ministry of the Interior (Minint), the border guards fired at a speedboat coming from the United States, leaving four crew members dead and six injured. In addition, a Cuban officer also suffered injuries.
According to the official version, the vessel coming from Florida did not obey the order to stop in Cuban territorial waters and opened fire on a military vessel.
The Cuban authorities also indicated that all the injured “were evacuated and received medical assistance.”
Later, the identities of the boat’s crew members were revealed, whom Havana accuses of carrying out a “terrorist infiltration.” Two of the men — one dead and one injured — are U.S. citizens.
The Cuban Foreign Ministry assured that it maintains communication with Washington about the incident and that the US authorities “have shown a willingness to cooperate.”
