In an interview with Prensa Latina and in the face of the question that if a constructive relationship between the two countries is possible, Lamrani, who is a scholar of the dispute between Washington and Havana, pointed out that the United States is the one that refuses to accept ties among equals with the island.

Cuba has always expressed its willingness to build civilized and peaceful relations, on the basis of sovereign equality, reciprocity and non-interference in the internal affairs, he recalled.

Cuba and the United States began the process of rapprochement in December 2014 with then Presidents Raul Castro and Barack Obama, which led to the resumption of diplomatic ties, the signing of a score of mutually beneficial agreements and the exchange of criteria at the highest level, but Donald Trump (2017-2021) broke the so-called “thaw” in 2017.

With Trump out of the White House, Joe Biden’s accession to power represented a hope for a return to the rapprochement, backed by his campaign promises.

For Lamrani, President Biden’s policy toward the Caribbean nation is disappointing at best.

During his election campaign, Biden promised to lift the sanctions imposed by Trump, no fewer than 240 measures, and he has not kept his word, said the French academic, who considered positive the recent announcements by Washington to ease restrictions, although he clarified that the blockade against Cuba remains intact.

ef/iff/rgh/wmr