CIA chief visits Cuba as energy crisis worsens

Havana: CIA Director John Ratcliffe (L) met Cuban officials in Havana on Thursday as the island nation grappled with a worsening energy crisis amid the continuing US oil blockade. The visit marked a rare high-level engagement betwe­en the Cold War-era rivals at a time of heightened tensions.

A Cuban government statement said the visit followed a request from Washington to improve dialogue. Cuban officials reportedly told the US delegation Havana posed no threat to American national security. According to a CIA official quoted by CBS News, the US was ready to engage on economic and security issues if Cuba introduced “fundamental changes”. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said conditions would improve faster if the US lifted the blockade instead of offering aid. Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez said Havana was willing to review the renewed $100 million aid proposal but reiterated easing US sanctions would be the most effective solution.

america PLANS CASTRO CHARGES

The US Department of Justice is preparing to indict former Cuban President Raúl Castro in the 1996 shooting down of aircraft operated by humanitarian group Brothers to the Rescue, according to US officials quoted by CBS News. 

The potential indictment relates to the killing of four people after Cuban fighter jets shot down two planes over international waters. 

The report also said that Fidel Castro could be named in the case. Cuban authorities have not officially responded to the claim. —Agencies