Washington [US], July 12: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Saturday called on Cuba's socialist government to implement far-reaching reforms as he marked five years since the isolated island nation was swept by anti-government protests.
"Cuba's leaders must simply choose to commit themselves to real reforms, peace and prosperity - before it is too late," Rubio said in a statement published by the State Department.
"In this administration, we have offered Cuba aid, assistance with reconstruction, and the promise of a new relationship between our two countries, if the regime will only agree to make political and economic reforms to allow the country a chance at prosperity," he said.
Cuba, a Caribbean island nation of some 10 million, has been under socialist rule since the 1959 revolution. In response, the US imposed an economic embargo on the country that remains in force more than 60 years later.
On July 11, 2021, mass protests broke out in the island, with thousands taking to the street to demonstrate against a shortage of food and drugs, as well as against repression.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly suggested that his country could take over Cuba, ramping up pressure in a bid to oust the current government by imposing further sanctions and an oil embargo on the country earlier this year.
Source: Qatar Tribune