2 US lawmakers visiting Cuba denounce its 'economic bombing'

Key Points:

• Two U.S. lawmakers, Reps. Pramila Jayapal and Jonathan Jackson, called for a permanent resolution to Cuba's crises after witnessing the impact of a U.S. energy blockade during a five-day official visit to the island.
• Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel condemned the U.S. blockade and energy embargo, expressing willingness for serious bilateral dialogue to resolve differences between the countries.
• The lawmakers highlighted recent Cuban actions such as economic openings for Cuban Americans, prisoner pardons, and FBI collaboration on a criminal investigation as signs that real negotiations with the U.S. are possible.
• The U.S. energy embargo has caused severe fuel shortages in Cuba, leading to blackouts, transportation disruptions, hospital cuts, and flight suspensions, with critical oil shipments from Venezuela halted and uncertain Russian deliveries providing only temporary relief.
• Jayapal and Jackson plan to prepare a report advocating for lifting U.S. sanctions on Cuba to address the humanitarian crisis, emphasizing the need for a long-term solution rather than temporary aid.