Trump rules out military action on Cuba

WASHINGTON, United States (CMC) – United States (US) President Donald Trump on Saturday predicted that the US and Cuba will reach an agreement, and he does not think military action will be necessary. “I would say that Cuba and us will make a deal. I don’t think we’ll need the military,” Trump told reporters at the White House. A US-imposed oil blockade implemented earlier this year has put the country under severe strain as it contends with fuel shortages and blackouts exacerbated by failing infrastructure. The Trump administration has openly stated that its goal is to change Cuba’s government.”We want to help Cuba,” Trump said. "We want to open Cuba up to our people.” In an address to the UN General Assembly on Tuesday the US president called Cuba a failed state and said “freedom will be coming” to the island nation. The Cuban delegation walked out of the hall during that speech. Shortly after the president’s speech, Cuban foreign minister Bruno Rodriguez said the island will always be open to dialogue with the United States. “We are open to commercial and business relationships with US companies, just as we are with any other country,” said Rodriguez, while also strongly condemning the US trade embargo on Cuba. The US has maintained the embargo on Cuba for more than 60 years, and the Trump administration has been stepping up pressure after using the military in January to remove Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.