- Sputnik International
World
Get the latest news from around the world, live coverage, off-beat stories, features and analysis.

Trump to Allow Cuba Property Confiscation Lawsuits in US Courts - Reports

© AP Photo / Desmond BoylanThe United States flag flies at the newly-opened embassy in Havana, Cuba. (File)
The United States flag flies at the newly-opened embassy in Havana, Cuba. (File) - Sputnik International
Subscribe
According to Reuters, citing a senior administration official, this measure is part of the Trump administration's policy of curtailing the course of predecessor Barack Obama's rapprochement with Cuba.

The United States is poised to announce new punitive measures against Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua, Reuters reported, citing a source in the administration. The source explained that what concerns Cuba is that these measures, in particular, will allow lawsuits against foreign companies that have benefited from Cuba's seizure of American companies after the 1959 revolution.

The move is set to be introduced under the 1996 Helms-Burton Act, which gave Washington the right to sue companies profiting from properties that Cuba confiscated. However, every US president since Bill Clinton has postponed the key clause because of fears it could hinder relations with Cuba and alienate America's allies.

A car with a Cuban flag is parked near Cuban Capitol in Havana December 18, 2014. Cuban President Raul Castro hailed a landmark exchange of prisoners with the United States on Wednesday and praised U.S. President Barack Obama as the two countries agreed to normalize relations after more than five decades of hostility - Sputnik International
Havana Slams US Threat to Take Action Against Cuba Over Venezuela as 'Blackmail'

READ MORE: Pentagon Mulling New Venezuela Options to Deter Russia, China & Cuba — Report

Thus, the foreseen move indicates a significant shift in US policy towards Cuba, especially after former US President Barack Obama's efforts to normalise relations with Havana after more than 50 years of non-engagement. Both sides have reopened embassies in their respective capitals and have signed dozens of cooperation agreements.

READ MORE: Pompeo Warns Cuba Against Supporting Maduro, Vows 'Conversation' With Russia

According to the AP news agency, the move is set to be implemented as a retaliatory measure for Cuba's support of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, whom Washington is pressuring to remove from power in favour of opposition leader Juan Guaido.

READ MORE: Pompeo Blames Russia, Cuba For Crippling Refugee Crisis in Venezuela

The official noted, as quoted by Reuters, this new policy will be revealed by US National Security Adviser John Bolton during a speech in Miami on Wednesday.

Newsfeed
0
To participate in the discussion
log in or register
loader
Chats
Заголовок открываемого материала