Cuba condemns US increased military presence in the Caribbean

In a statement on November 25, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said that the US's main and immediate goal is to overthrow the Venezuelan government by force.

The Cuban Foreign Minister was quoted by Granma newspaper as saying that the action violated international law and the United Nations Charter, warning that military escalation could constitute a serious international crime.

He also questioned the real motives, insisting that the pretext of fighting drug trafficking was “an unacceptable lie” and that the deployment of a large, sophisticated naval force “is not aimed at fighting criminal organizations.”

Video of Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez's speech on the excessive US military presence in the Caribbean. Source: X/BrunoRguezP

He stressed that the threat of war does not solve any of America's internal political or economic problems, but rather reduces the possibility of building understanding and constructive relations with neighboring countries.

Cuba reaffirms its full support for Venezuela and calls on the international community to act with clarity, solidarity, peace and morality.

The warning comes as US President Donald Trump considers additional measures targeting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

In the past two months, the US military has struck at least 21 ships in the Caribbean and Pacific, killing at least 83 people. The US said the ships were involved in drug trafficking, but has not released evidence of drugs on board.

Some legal experts say that even if drugs are found, the raids could still violate international law. The United States currently maintains about 15,000 troops in the region, the highest level in decades.

Last month, President Trump authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations in Venezuela. At the same time, the US continued to offer a $50 million reward for information related to Mr. Maduro, a reward that has increased significantly since Mr. Trump’s first term. Mr. Maduro says the US is trying to overthrow him and asserts that the military and Venezuelan people will oppose any such effort.

Amid the escalation, senior US generals have begun a tour of the Caribbean to meet with regional leaders. General Dan Caine arrived in Trinidad and Tobago on November 25 to hold talks with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar on security challenges, including the destabilizing impact of transnational crime and drug trafficking. A day earlier, he traveled to Puerto Rico to meet with US forces stationed there.

Most Caribbean leaders have called for restraint and dialogue over attacks on boats accused of drug smuggling.

Source: https://congluan.vn/cuba-len-an-my-gia-tang-hien-dien-quan-su-tai-caribe-10319366.html