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In a press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Biden said the United States was looking for ways to possibly restore internet access in Cuba, but said it was not considering restoring shipments. funds from the United States to Cuba – the practice of Americans transferring money to their Cuban relatives, fearing the regime would confiscate the funds.
“Cuba is unfortunately a failed state and represses its citizens. There are a number of things we would consider doing to help the Cuban people, but that would require a different circumstance or a guarantee that they would not be exploited by the government. “Biden said.” For example, the ability to send remittances to Cuba. We wouldn’t do it now, because the point is, the regime is highly likely to confiscate those remittances or large chunks. “
Asked about his views on communism, the president added: “Communism is a failing system – a universally failing system. And I don’t see socialism as a very useful substitute. But this is another story.
Thousands of Cubans took to the streets of the island nation over the weekend to protest chronic commodity shortages, restrictions on civil liberties and the government’s handling of a worsening coronavirus outbreak , marking the most significant unrest in decades.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel blamed the economic conditions on the sanctions imposed by the United States during nationwide televised remarks last weekend.
Since Biden came to power, Cuba’s policies have remained under review.
Under the Obama administration, Cuba oversaw the reopening of embassies and the relaxation of many restrictions in place since the embargo. But the Trump administration has adopted some of the toughest economic measures against Cuba in decades, reinstated travel restrictions, and – before stepping down – named Cuba a sponsor state of terrorism.
Biden has said he is ready to send Covid-19 vaccines to Cuba, but the nation has not joined the international vaccine coalition, COVAX, with which the United States works closely.
“I would be prepared to donate significant amounts of vaccines if in fact I was assured that an international organization would administer these vaccines and do so in a way that average citizens have access to these vaccines,” he continued. .
The president provided information on re-establishing Internet access in Cuba, telling reporters: “We are examining whether we have the technological capacity to restore that access.
This story has been updated with additional information.
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