John Ratcliffe made a rare visit to Cuba on Thursday as the Trump administration intensified pressure on Havana amid a worsening energy crisis on the island.
According to Reuters, Ratcliffe delivered a message from Washington offering to “seriously engage” with Cuba’s government if it agreed to make “fundamental changes” to its communist political system. The CIA later posted photos of Ratcliffe in Havana but provided no further details.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe met with Cuban officials in Havana on Thursday, the communist government said, as the island endures record energy shortages. https://t.co/mVP5XNwnNr pic.twitter.com/BmZZl0mgdN
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The Cuban government said both sides discussed cooperation between law enforcement agencies to support regional and international security.
The report said Cuba is facing severe fuel shortages after losing access to Venezuelan oil supplies earlier this year. Rolling blackouts lasting up to 22 hours have triggered protests in Havana.
President Donald Trump’s administration has recently expanded sanctions on Cuban officials while also offering $100 million in aid tied to political reforms, according to the U.S. State Department.
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