TIMES REPORT
ISLAMABAD: Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to Pakistan Damián Cordero Torres on Tuesday said economic damages caused by the United States (US) blockade had reached a record $10 billion between March 1, 2025, and October 26, 2026, warning that restrictions on energy supplies, finance and trade were intensifying economic and humanitarian pressures on the country.
Addressing a press conference titled “The Human and Economic Cost: Why the World Must Vote to End the US Blockade on Cuba” at the Cuban Embassy in Islamabad, the ambassador said the prolonged restrictions were disrupting essential services, affecting critical economic sectors and placing additional pressure on the healthcare system.
The press conference was held ahead of Cuba’s presentation of a draft resolution at the United Nations General Assembly on October 27 and 28, seeking an end to the decades-long US economic, commercial and financial blockade.
Ambassador Torres highlighted the impact of recent US measures, including Executive Order 14380, issued on January 29, 2026, which Cuba says imposed tariffs on third countries supplying oil to the island. He also referred to Executive Order 14404, issued on May 1, 2026, which reportedly expanded secondary sanctions targeting energy, mining, finance, security and defence.
He said restrictions on fuel supplies and financial transactions were worsening economic difficulties and undermining Cuba’s ability to maintain essential infrastructure and public services.
The ambassador warned that the energy crisis was severely affecting healthcare delivery, as power outages and fuel shortages disrupted hospital operations. According to figures shared by the Cuban side, more than 100,000 surgeries had been postponed or cancelled, while over 118,000 cancer patients, including 1,200 children, reportedly faced difficulties accessing first-line treatments because of supply-chain restrictions.
He also cited an infant mortality rate of 9.3 per 1,000 live births and 1,780 preventable newborn deaths as indicators of the country’s mounting humanitarian challenges. Shortages of fuel and medicines, he added, were threatening essential health, food and water services.
Torres criticised the continued inclusion of Cuba on the US list of State Sponsors of Terrorism, arguing that the designation restricted access to international banking services and increased financial costs. He maintained that Cuba had fulfilled its international anti-terrorism commitments and rejected the designation.
Calling for international solidarity, the ambassador described the blockade as contrary to international law, the UN Charter and humanitarian principles, reflecting Cuba’s position on the restrictions.
He reiterated Havana’s willingness to engage in respectful dialogue and bilateral negotiations with Washington based on equality, reciprocity and respect for national sovereignty. However, he stressed that Cuba would not compromise its independence or right to self-determination.
The Cuban Embassy urged the international community to support the draft resolution at the UN General Assembly, saying that ending the blockade was essential to easing economic hardship, restoring access to international trade and finance, and addressing the humanitarian consequences of the restrictions.
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