Kevin Sullivan on ABC about U.S. Strategy toward Cuba amid Its Energy Crisis
Kevin Sullivan on ABC about U.S. Strategy toward Cuba amid Its Energy Crisis
"The [United States] has much more leverage than they’ve had in the past to try and get real change there," said AS/COA's vice president to the network.
In an interview with ABC News, Ambassador Kevin Sullivan, vice president of Americas Society/Council of the Americas and head of the AS/COA Washington office, spoke with anchor Diane Macedo about the worsening humanitarian situation in Cuba and the Trump administration's oil blockade. As the island faces total electrical grid failure and fuel shortage, Sullivan noted that the current crisis provides Washington with unprecedented opportunity for negotiations with the Cuban government.
"The U.S. has much more leverage than they’ve had in the past to try and get real change there," said Sullivan, contrasting the current situation with previous negotiations with the Cuban regime.
Macedo asked Sullivan about Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s interest in sending fuel to the island. The expert highlighted the potential for friction with the United States, which could mean higher tariffs for Mexico. "We'll have to see how President Sheinbaum balances the desire to intervene humanitarily with some of those pressures," added Sullivan.
The expert also spoke about how the administration's approach to Cuba mirrors its strategy in Venezuela by prioritizing economic stabilization and business development, while also talking about a "political transition at some point." However, he notes the definitive timetable and plan for this transition remain unclear.
Finally, Macedo highlighted that Cuba has stated that they are ready to defend themselves, and asked Sullivan if this situation will lead to military action. The expert said: "The administration, particularly in the current environment, would like to avoid having to set up another military operation to achieve their objectives in Cuba if they can."
