“The U.S. government, led by its dishonest and mendacious Secretary of State, continues to tighten the noose around Cuba’s economy, as Cuba has proven stronger, more capable, and more effective than he expected in the face of the ruthless aggression and collective punishment against its people and their living conditions,” he stated on social media.

This statement comes after the U.S. State Department announced the designation of five Cuban entities under Executive Order 14404, signed by U.S. President Donald Trump in May 2016.

The sanctioned entities are: Banco Financiero Internacional, Rafin, Almacenes Universales, GeoMinera, and Siderúrgica José Martí. Also sanctioned is the official Annalie Lilliam Rueda Cardero.

“What this individual is promoting from the world’s greatest power is a crime,” the Minister of Foreign Affairs affirmed.

“What this individual is doing from the world’s greatest power is a crime.” Once again, the White House accuses Cuba of being a threat to U.S. national security and foreign policy.

According to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, through these measures, “anyone providing services to these sanctioned actors risks being sanctioned themselves. Foreign banks and other companies providing services to these entities must freeze those activities immediately.”

This further shows the distinctly extraterritorial nature of the blockade and other aggressions against Cuba, with actions that reinforce the siege and intensify the collective punishment against its people.

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