US lawmakers visiting Cuba denounce island's 'economic bombing' under energy blockade

Key Points:

• Two U.S. lawmakers, Reps. Pramila Jayapal and Jonathan Jackson, called for a permanent resolution to Cuba's crises after witnessing the effects of the U.S. energy blockade during a five-day 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, while both countries acknowledge ongoing high-level talks with no disclosed details.
• Jayapal highlighted recent Cuban steps like pardoning over 2,000 prisoners and opening the economy to Cuban American investments as signs that real negotiations should begin to end decades-old U.S. policies harming both nations.
• The U.S. energy blockade has led to severe fuel shortages in Cuba, causing blackouts, rationing, and disruptions in transport and healthcare, with critical oil shipments from Venezuela halted and limited deliveries from Russia providing only temporary relief.
• Jayapal and Jackson pledged to prepare a report and advocate for lifting U.S. sanctions on Cuba to address the humanitarian crisis, emphasizing the need for a sustained solution rather than temporary fixes.