Cuba says CIA Director John Ratcliffe met with officials in Havana as tensions remain high
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- CIA Director John Ratcliffe met with high-level Cuban officials, including Raúl Castro’s grandson Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, to discuss intelligence cooperation, economic stability, and security issues during a visit to Havana.
- Ratcliffe delivered a message from President Donald Trump emphasizing U.S. willingness to engage on economic and security matters if Cuba makes fundamental changes.
- Cuba rejected U.S. accusations of being a safe haven for adversaries and objected to its continued designation as a state sponsor of terrorism.
- The meeting occurred amid ongoing tensions related to the U.S. energy blockade, Cuba’s power grid failures, and economic hardships exacerbated by fuel shortages.
- The U.S. reiterated a $100 million offer in humanitarian aid and satellite internet support, contingent on Cuban government approval.