Cuba Reacts to President Trump’s Decision to Roll Back on Policy Changes

Cuban government has denounced President Donald Trump’s decision to roll back on policy changes towards Cuba.

However, Cuba says it will still co-operate with its larger neighbor.

Speaking earlier in Miami, Florida, President Trump said he was re-imposing certain travel and trade restrictions eased by the Obama administration, condemning a “completely one-sided deal”.

However, President Trump is not reversing key diplomatic and commercial ties.

Cuban state TV said: “The government of Cuba denounces the new measures toughening the embargo.”

However, Cuba also reiterated “its willingness to continue the respectful dialogue and cooperation”.

Former President Barack Obama attempted to thaw relations by loosening trade and tourism bans.

President Donald Trump says his new policy will tighten rules on travel and on sending funds to Cuba.

Announcing the changes on June 16, President Trump cited human rights concerns, saying doing a deal with the “brutal” Castro government was “terrible” and “misguided”.

Later that night, Cuban state news said: “Any strategy aimed at changing the political, economic and social system in Cuba – whether by pressure or imposition or through more subtle means – is destined to fail.”

However, President Donald Trump is not rowing back on all parts of Barack Obama’s deal.

President Trump will not close the US embassy in Havana, commercial flights from the US will continue, and Americans will still be able to return home with Cuban goods.