Trump Targets Cuba, Belize Watches from the Sidelines
While tensions between Washington and Havana were unfolding at the United Nations today, Belize may be watching more closely than most. Cuban diplomats staged a dramatic walkout during remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump after he labeled Cuba a “failed state,” adding a new layer of uncertainty to an already delicate relationship between the two countries. The timing is significant for Belize, which is now welcoming a new U.S. Ambassador, Andre Bauer, and remains engaged in sensitive discussions over the future of the Cuban medical brigade. As the U.S. signals a tougher tone toward Cuba while hinting at ongoing negotiations, questions are emerging about whether today’s diplomatic clash could eventually shape policies that affect Belize tomorrow. Here’s what President Donald Trump had to say.
President Donald Trump
President Donald Trump
“It is an absolute failed state. It is failing like never before and it will fall. Marco Rubio is handling negotiations. He is deep into negotiations with Cuba. Let’s see what happens. We will not allow a haven for foreign adversaries to threaten America on our own door steps, right at our doorsteps. The Cuban regime has been decades coordinating with the left-wing radicals and communist networks here in the U.S. as our State Department has detailed. They have cultivated ties to subversive and radical groups such as the Communist Party USA, ANTIFA, and the Democrats Socialist of America. Communist will never be coming to America, but freedom will be coming to Cuba and safety and security will be coming to Mexico. I very proud to tell you we have a very good relationship with the Mexican government.”
Cabinet says it will reach a decision on the Cuban medical brigade by the end of September.
Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.