The United States is closely monitoring the blackout in Cuba and does not rule out providing assistance

white House Said this Monday that The blackouts suffered by Cuba in recent days are being closely monitored And Does not refuse to provide aid to the islandHowever he clarified that the Cuban regime had not requested assistance.

At a press conference, a White House spokeswoman said, Karin Jean-Pierreexplained that the administration “closely monitoredEnergy situation on the island.

,We are concerned about the potential humanitarian impact on the Cuban peopleHe said, “As we have seen in recent years, the economic conditions resulting from Cuba’s long-term mismanagement of policies and resources have undoubtedly increased the difficulties of the Cuban population.”

Jean-Pierre also stressed that the United States “is not responsible” for the blackouts or the general energy situation in Cuba, contradicting officials of the Cuban dictatorship who have blamed the commercial blockade that Washington imposed for six years. Have been maintained on the island for a long time. decade.

The spokesman said that the Cuban regime “Haven’t requested any help yet“, Although did not refuse to provide it In future if they do so. If such a request were made, he explained, the US administration would “evaluate the most appropriate next steps.”

Cuba’s National Electricity System (SEN) is in a very precarious situation fuel shortage

-As a result of lack of foreign exchange to import it- and Frequent failures in obsolete thermoelectric plantsWith four decades of exploitation and chronic lack of investment.

Blackouts have been common for years but have worsened in recent weeksRegistrations have taken place in recent days Days with maximum effect rate greater than 50%That is, the time when half the country was without electricity simultaneously.

Frequent blackouts hurt Cuba’s economy – which is projected to contract by 1.9% in 2023 – and fueled social unrest in a society hit by an economic crisis that has worsened in recent years.

They have also been the trigger for anti government protestIncluding those on July 11, 2021 – the largest in decades –, in Nuevitas and Havana in August and September 2022, and on March 17 in Santiago de Cuba (East) and other locations.

As indicated by the NGO this Monday Justice 11JThis has been recorded in the last three days At least 28 small protests in seven Cuban provincesAlthough mainly focused on Havana,

(with information from EFE)