South Korean media: Cuba protests against large-scale power outages

The US blockade has hindered the import of Venezuelan oil, leading to a massive power outage covering 65% of Cuba's territory... food shortages, Cuban President's TV speech said "willing to dialogue with the US"

An event occurred in Cuba where demonstrators protesting energy shortages attacked government offices due to large-scale power outages. State-run media of Cuba reported on the 14th that some protesters who were demonstrating against power outages and food shortages threw stones and set fire to the windows of the ruling party's building in the central city of Morón, turning the incident into a violent one.

The background of the incident is an energy crisis without any sign of resolution. According to reports by El Pais and others, from the central Camaguey to the western Pinar del Rio, an area of about 700 kilometers, as well as more than 65% of the country, simultaneously experienced large-scale power outages. In a situation where power outages have become commonplace, public transportation in the capital Havana has also come to a standstill, making it impossible for citizens to travel. They are using coal or wood instead of electricity to bake bread. Garbage trucks have also stopped operating, and the center of the city is filled with stench.

The energy crisis in Cuba rapidly deteriorated after the "Venezuelan incident" in January. Because Venezuela is Cuba's largest energy supplier, after President Nicolas Maduro was arrested by U.S. military actions, the actual export of crude oil from Venezuela to Cuba has been blocked. The Cuban economy was immediately hit, triggering a chain reaction in various aspects of society, including electricity, transportation, healthcare, and education. Especially the tourism industry, which is a typical foreign exchange earning industry, suffered heavy losses. Tourism brings about $1.3 billion (about 1.94 trillion won) in foreign currency annually, supporting the Cuban economy. However, due to a shortage of aircraft fuel, flights are constantly being canceled and hotels are closing down, and the tourism industry has actually come to a standstill.

This incident is also related to the U.S. pressure policy against Cuba. After the Venezuelan incident, U.S. President Donald Trump openly talked about the possibility of the Cuban regime collapsing, increasing the pressure on Cuba. Trump made statements such as "I think Cuba seems to be going under" and urged Cuba to "surrender." Last month, he also said: "We might take over Cuba in a friendly way." On the 7th, he mentioned again, "Cuba is in a desperate situation, they want to negotiate."

Cuban State President Miguel Diaz-Canel stated in a speech on state television on the 13th that he had begun dialogue with the U.S., explaining that "the purpose of the dialogue is to resolve important national issues and differences between the two countries." This is the first time the Cuban government has officially acknowledged dialogue with the United States following the energy crisis. However, foreign media analysis suggests that the energy crisis is unlikely to be resolved quickly.

Source: Chosun Ilbo

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1859788168092684/

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