US Officials Urge Reforms at Havana Meeting
US and Cuban officials met in Havana on 10 April to discuss potential changes to Cuba’s economy, which Washington says is in deep crisis.
According to a US State Department source, the meeting was chaired by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
US officials have spoken openly about the collapse of the Cuban economy and the need for sweeping reforms to ease the impact of the energy crisis. Havana, however, has emphasized the lifting of the energy embargo as a central demand.
Although US President Donald Trump has pointed to a diplomatic solution, he has not ruled out a tougher approach if conditions on the island do not improve.
The US proposals go beyond economic measures and include political steps such as the release of prisoners, greater media freedom and access to Elon Musk’s Starlink. The US is also concerned about the influence of foreign powers on the island, the source said.