ISLAMABAD, Oct 27 (APP):Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to Pakistan, Damián Cordero Torres, on Tuesday said economic damages suffered by Cuba’s blockade had reached a record $10 billion during the period from March 1, 2025, to October 26, 2026, warning that restrictions on energy supplies, finance and trade were intensifying economic and humanitarian pressures on the country.
Addressing a conference titled “The Human and Economic Cost: Why the World Must Vote to End the blockade on Cuba” here at the Cuban Embassy, the ambassador said the prolonged restrictions were affecting critical sectors of the Cuban economy, disrupting essential services and placing additional pressure on the country’s healthcare system.
The conference was held ahead of Cuba’s presentation of its draft resolution at the United Nations General Assembly on October 27 and 28, seeking an immediate end to the decades-long US economic, commercial and financial blockade.
The ambassador highlighted the impact of recent measures, particularly Executive Order 14380, issued on January 29, 2026, which, according to the Cuban side, formalised an energy blockade by imposing tariffs on third countries supplying oil to Cuba.
He also referred to Executive Order 14404, issued on May 1, 2026, which expanded secondary sanctions targeting strategic sectors, including energy, mining, finance, security and defence.
Ambassador Torres said restrictions on fuel supplies and financial transactions were aggravating economic difficulties and undermining the country’s capacity to maintain essential infrastructure and public services.
He warned that the energy crisis was having serious consequences for healthcare delivery, with power outages across the National Electric Power System and shortages of fuel for backup generators disrupting hospital operations.
According to figures shared by the Cuban side, more than 100,000 surgeries had been postponed or cancelled because of electricity disruptions and fuel shortages. More than 118,000 cancer patients, including 1,200 children, were reportedly unable to access first-line treatments due to supply-chain restrictions.
The ambassador also cited an infant mortality rate of 9.3 per 1,000 live births, alongside 1,780 preventable newborn deaths, as indicators of the mounting humanitarian challenges facing the country.
He said shortages of fuel and medicines were threatening essential health, food and water services, demonstrating how restrictions affecting energy and imports could have wider repercussions for economic activity and public welfare.
The Cuban envoy also criticised the continued inclusion of Cuba on the US list of State Sponsors of Terrorism, saying the designation restricted access to international banking services and increased financial costs for the country. He maintained that Cuba had consistently fulfilled its international anti-terrorism commitments and rejected the designation.
Calling for international solidarity, Ambassador Torres described the blockade as a violation of international law, the United Nations Charter and humanitarian principles. These characterisations reflected Cuba’s position on the restrictions.
He reiterated Havana’s readiness to engage in respectful dialogue and bilateral negotiations with Washington on the basis of equality, reciprocity and respect for national sovereignty, while stressing 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, arguing that ending the blockade was essential to reducing economic hardship, restoring access to international trade and finance,
and addressing the humanitarian consequences of the restrictions.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
