Overview
- Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves said his government does not recognize Cuba’s government and will shut the Cuban embassy in San Jose.
- Chaves cited repression and “undignified” conditions in Cuba and declared, “We must cleanse the hemisphere of Communists,” speaking at an event attended by the U.S. ambassador.
- Reuters reports the U.S. has imposed an oil blockade on Cuba that has contributed to widespread power outages affecting homes, hospitals, and businesses.
- Shortages tied to the squeeze have disrupted transport, including Havana’s trash collection, and prompted some residents to adopt solar panels.
- Earlier this month Ecuador closed its Cuban embassy and declared Ambassador Basilio Gutierrez persona non grata, after regional leaders met at a U.S.-hosted “Shield of the Americas” summit.