US President Trump's administration has reportedly called for the removal of Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, citing the need for economic changes in the island nation. According to a New York Times report, Trump officials have signaled to Cuban negotiators that Díaz-Canel 'must go', paving the way for potential deals with the US.
The request does not aim to topple the Communist government that has ruled Cuba for over 65 years, but rather to replace the current leader with someone more open to economic reforms. The US has been critical of Cuba's human rights record and has imposed an oil blockade on the country, exacerbating its economic crisis.
Trump's comments come as the US and Cuba have begun negotiations to improve their strained ties, which have been a point of contention for decades. The US has also been cooperating with Venezuela's interim government, which was established after the removal of President Nicolas Maduro.
Cuba is currently facing an unprecedented economic crisis, with severe energy rationing and prolonged power outages affecting its 10 million people. The US has imposed an oil blockade on the country, which has resulted in the island nation not receiving an oil shipment in three months.
