With cries of "Viva Felipe!" and "Viva Espana!" Cubans greeted King Felipe in Old Havana, the first state visit ever by a Spanish monarch to Cuba, Spain's former colony turned Communist-run nation.

Earlier in the day, Felipe and his wife Letizia laid flowers at the monument in Havana to Jose Marti, a symbol of Cuba's struggle for independence from Spain, before meeting with President Miguel Diaz-Canel in the Palace of the Revolution.

The king then held closed-door conversations with Diaz-Canel during which they agreed to further develop positive bilateral political and economic relations, according to Cuban state-run media. Spain is Cuba's third-largest trading partner and one of its top investors.

The visit illustrates the normalization of Europe's relations with Cuba even as the United States doubles down on a decades-old policy of seeking to force the government to reform by tightening its crippling trade embargo.

Some Spanish politicians and Cuban dissidents have criticized the trip, saying it legitimises Cuba's one-party system at a time of increased repression.

Yet many locals are grateful for what they see as a sign of support for the Cuban people, struggling with a crisis in the inefficient state-run economy in the wake of a decline of support from ally Venezuela and increased U.S. sanctions.

"Spain remains our parent nation and we identify a lot with it, so their visit is very important to us," said Havana resident Maria Pazos, whose paternal great-grandparents came from Catalonia. "It's also a reaffirmation that we are not alone, that we have support."

Historic and family bonds have long underpinned Cuban-Spanish relations, sometimes regardless of the political flavour of the moment. Revolutionary leader Fidel Castro, for example, whose father was a Spanish immigrant, had surprisingly good relations with former Spanish dictator Francisco Franco.

The royal visit was timed so the couple could take part in the celebrations of the 500th anniversary of the founding of the Cuban capital by a Spanish conquistador. Havana was once one of the most important cities in the Spanish empire, providing a port for its treasure fleet.

Diaz-Canel's wife Lis Cuesta took Letizia on a tour of Old Havana that has received a facelift since the 1990s and is considered an architectural jewel due to its mix of colonial, Art Deco and neoclassical styles.

Felipe later joined Letizia at the cathedral, which previously housed the remains of explorer Christopher Columbus, whose encounter with Cuba in the service of the Spanish crown led to it being colonized by the Spaniards. The remains of Columbus were moved to Spain after Cuba became independent of that country in the 1890s.

With cries of "Viva Felipe!" and "Viva Espana!" Cubans greeted King Felipe in Old Havana, the first state visit ever by a Spanish monarch to Cuba, Spain's former colony turned Communist-run nation.

With cries of "Viva Felipe!" and "Viva Espana!" Cubans greeted King Felipe in Old Havana, the first state visit ever by a Spanish monarch to Cuba, Spain's former colony turned Communist-run nation. Earlier in the day, Felipe and his wife Letizia laid flowers at the monument in Havana to Jose Marti, a symbol of Cuba's struggle for independence from Spain, before meeting with President Miguel Diaz-Canel in the Palace of the Revolution. The king then held closed-door conversations with Diaz-Canel during which they agreed to further develop positive bilateral political and economic relations, according to Cuban state-run media. Spain is Cuba's third-largest trading partner and one of its top investors. The visit illustrates the normalization of Europe's relations with Cuba even as the United States doubles down on a decades-old policy of seeking to force the government to reform by tightening its crippling trade embargo. Some Spanish politicians and Cuban dissidents have criticized the trip, saying it legitimises Cuba's one-party system at a time of increased repression. Yet many locals are grateful for what they see as a sign of support for the Cuban people, struggling with a crisis in the inefficient state-run economy in the wake of a decline of support from ally Venezuela and increased U.S. sanctions. "Spain remains our parent nation and we identify a lot with it, so their visit is very important to us," said Havana resident Maria Pazos, whose paternal great-grandparents came from Catalonia. "It's also a reaffirmation that we are not alone, that we have support." Historic and family bonds have long underpinned Cuban-Spanish relations, sometimes regardless of the political flavour of the moment. Revolutionary leader Fidel Castro, for example, whose father was a Spanish immigrant, had surprisingly good relations with former Spanish dictator Francisco Franco. The royal visit was timed so the couple could take part in the celebrations of the 500th anniversary of the founding of the Cuban capital by a Spanish conquistador. Havana was once one of the most important cities in the Spanish empire, providing a port for its treasure fleet. Diaz-Canel's wife Lis Cuesta took Letizia on a tour of Old Havana that has received a facelift since the 1990s and is considered an architectural jewel due to its mix of colonial, Art Deco and neoclassical styles. Felipe later joined Letizia at the cathedral, which previously housed the remains of explorer Christopher Columbus, whose encounter with Cuba in the service of the Spanish crown led to it being colonized by the Spaniards. The remains of Columbus were moved to Spain after Cuba became independent of that country in the 1890s.

'Viva Felipe!': Communist-run Cuba welcomes Spanish king

Cuba's 37th annual International Trade Fair of Havana opened on Monday (November 04), bringing together some 4,000 entrepreneurs from 60 nations around the world, amid strong sanctions from the US government to the local economy and government liquidity problems to pay foreign suppliers.

Cuba's annual International Trade Fair opens in Havana, amid US sanctions

Cuban Communist Party leader Raul Castro, President Miguel Diaz-Canel and Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro signalled on Sunday punishing US sanctions would only stiffen their resolve to stick together and support social change in the region.

The three leaders presided over the closing session of a solidarity conference in Havana on Sunday, a meeting that drew more than 1,300 social activists, mainly from Latin America.

The three-day meeting was called to discuss ways to defeat what organisers framed as a US imperialist-led offensive against progressive and socialist governments and movements.

Under the banner of defeating neo-liberalism and backing democracy, it took place as social unrest rocked conservative-led Chile and as conflict raged in Bolivia over a recent election that gave socialist leader Evo Morales a fourth term.

Protests also continued in Brazil over the imprisonment of popular former leftist president Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva, the centre-left retook power from the right in Argentina and the United States hit Venezuela and Cuba with sanctions.

Maduro and Diaz-Canel closed the meeting with addresses broadcast live by state-run television in which they ridiculed the US charges that they were behind the unrest in other countries or responsible for leftist governments.

Maduro's presence appeared designed to signal Cuba would not abandon its strategic ally despite efforts by the United States and other Western and Latin American countries to convince Havana to do so.

Maduro termed charges by the Organisation of American States that Cuba was behind the unrest in Chile “stupid”.

"It is the old Pinochet dictatorship and International Monetary Fund. The people have the right to seek an alternative," he said in a long and fiery speech.

Diaz-Canel said in an apparent reference to unrest in Chile and the Argentinian election: “They accuse us of propping up the Bolivarian (Venezuelan ) Revolution ... while they cover their eyes, ears and mouth, so as not to see, not hear, nor recognise what people are shouting in the streets: neo-liberalism is an economic failure and a social disaster.”

"Trump and his court of old hawks attack the Cuban Revolution; the Bolivarian Revolution; the Sandinistas; the Brazilian, Bolivian, Argentine leftist political leaderships and social, popular, progressive movements throughout the region,"&nbsp;he said.

The Cuban president accused the United states of laying siege to his country by sanctioning third parties who do business with it, urging those present to double their efforts in its defence.

Cuban Communist Party leader Raul Castro, President Miguel Diaz-Canel and Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro signalled on Sunday punishing US sanctions would only stiffen their resolve to stick together and support social change in the region.

Cuban Communist Party leader Raul Castro, President Miguel Diaz-Canel and Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro signalled on Sunday punishing US sanctions would only stiffen their resolve to stick together and support social change in the region. The three leaders presided over the closing session of a solidarity conference in Havana on Sunday, a meeting that drew more than 1,300 social activists, mainly from Latin America. The three-day meeting was called to discuss ways to defeat what organisers framed as a US imperialist-led offensive against progressive and socialist governments and movements. Under the banner of defeating neo-liberalism and backing democracy, it took place as social unrest rocked conservative-led Chile and as conflict raged in Bolivia over a recent election that gave socialist leader Evo Morales a fourth term. Protests also continued in Brazil over the imprisonment of popular former leftist president Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva, the centre-left retook power from the right in Argentina and the United States hit Venezuela and Cuba with sanctions. Maduro and Diaz-Canel closed the meeting with addresses broadcast live by state-run television in which they ridiculed the US charges that they were behind the unrest in other countries or responsible for leftist governments. Maduro's presence appeared designed to signal Cuba would not abandon its strategic ally despite efforts by the United States and other Western and Latin American countries to convince Havana to do so. Maduro termed charges by the Organisation of American States that Cuba was behind the unrest in Chile “stupid”. "It is the old Pinochet dictatorship and International Monetary Fund. The people have the right to seek an alternative," he said in a long and fiery speech. Diaz-Canel said in an apparent reference to unrest in Chile and the Argentinian election: “They accuse us of propping up the Bolivarian (Venezuelan ) Revolution ... while they cover their eyes, ears and mouth, so as not to see, not hear, nor recognise what people are shouting in the streets: neo-liberalism is an economic failure and a social disaster.” "Trump and his court of old hawks attack the Cuban Revolution; the Bolivarian Revolution; the Sandinistas; the Brazilian, Bolivian, Argentine leftist political leaderships and social, popular, progressive movements throughout the region," he said. The Cuban president accused the United states of laying siege to his country by sanctioning third parties who do business with it, urging those present to double their efforts in its defence.

Cuba lashes Trump, issues rallying cry to fight imperialism

The United States will suspend all scheduled flights to Cuba except to its capital Havana, authorities said Friday, as US President Donald Trump pushes to dismantle the rapprochement begun by his predecessor Barack Obama.

The suspension, which goes into effect December 10, was announced by the Department of Transportation and affects nine airports on the island nation.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo asked the Transportation Department for the suspension as a means to "further the administration's policy of strengthening the economic consequences to the Cuban regime for its ongoing repression of the Cuban people and its support for (President) Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela."

The Trump administration accuses Cuba of aiding and abetting crisis-wracked Venezuela, which is Havana's closest ally.

Cuba rejected the measure and vowed that it would fail, with Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez stating that "concessions will not be taken from us."

Trump has moved to roll back steps toward normal relations and business ties that were established under Obama, who made moves to diminish five decades of Cold War tension and sanctions between the neighbours.

American, Delta and JetBlue airlines will be affected by the deadline to halt operations to destinations such as Santiago de Cuba, the country's second-largest city, as well as Camaguey and the sprawling mega-resort of Varadero.

Cash-strapped Cuba depends heavily on tourism earnings to fund its government, the only one-party Communist state in the Americas.

Havana already has trimmed its 2019 tourism target by 15 per cent to 4.3 million visitors.

The United States still maintains its economic embargo on Havana, which only can be ended by the US Congress.

But it has allowed exceptions, such as cruise ship visits, which must have an educational underpinning in order to go to the island.

Some 900,000 tourists visited the island on cruise ships last year, and almost 40 per cent were American, according to official data.

The charter flights on which many Cuban-Americans travel to Cuba from Miami are not affected by the change.

Commercial flights to Cuba began under the Obama administration in 2016.&nbsp;

The United States will suspend all scheduled flights to Cuba except to its capital Havana, authorities said Friday, as US President Donald Trump pushes to dismantle the rapprochement begun by his predecessor Barack Obama.

The United States will suspend all scheduled flights to Cuba except to its capital Havana, authorities said Friday, as US President Donald Trump pushes to dismantle the rapprochement begun by his predecessor Barack Obama. The suspension, which goes into effect December 10, was announced by the Department of Transportation and affects nine airports on the island nation. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo asked the Transportation Department for the suspension as a means to "further the administration's policy of strengthening the economic consequences to the Cuban regime for its ongoing repression of the Cuban people and its support for (President) Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela." The Trump administration accuses Cuba of aiding and abetting crisis-wracked Venezuela, which is Havana's closest ally. Cuba rejected the measure and vowed that it would fail, with Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez stating that "concessions will not be taken from us." Trump has moved to roll back steps toward normal relations and business ties that were established under Obama, who made moves to diminish five decades of Cold War tension and sanctions between the neighbours. American, Delta and JetBlue airlines will be affected by the deadline to halt operations to destinations such as Santiago de Cuba, the country's second-largest city, as well as Camaguey and the sprawling mega-resort of Varadero. Cash-strapped Cuba depends heavily on tourism earnings to fund its government, the only one-party Communist state in the Americas. Havana already has trimmed its 2019 tourism target by 15 per cent to 4.3 million visitors. The United States still maintains its economic embargo on Havana, which only can be ended by the US Congress. But it has allowed exceptions, such as cruise ship visits, which must have an educational underpinning in order to go to the island. Some 900,000 tourists visited the island on cruise ships last year, and almost 40 per cent were American, according to official data. The charter flights on which many Cuban-Americans travel to Cuba from Miami are not affected by the change. Commercial flights to Cuba began under the Obama administration in 2016.

United States to end scheduled flights to all Cuban airports except Havana

Cuba's state airline Cubana says it is cancelling routes to seven international destinations because of Trump administration sanctions on companies. Around 40,000 local passengers could be affected.

WION Wallet: Cuban state airline ends international routes

Watch in WION Wallet: 10 foreign currencies allowed to purchase electronic items in Cuba.

WION Wallet: 10 foreign currencies allowed to purchase electronic items in Cuba

Cuba is deploying horses to replace public transportation, using wood and charcoal instead of gas for cooking and advising citizens to save electricity by making the most of daylight as it grapples with an acute fuel shortage amid U.S. sanctions.

Amid crippling sanctions, Cuba deploys horses, wood-fired ovens to overcome fuel crisis

Honduras will sign an agreement with Cuba to deport Cubans who arrive in the Central American country illegally en route to the United States, Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez said on Sunday.

The announcement comes as the United States presses Central American countries and Mexico to do more to curb the waves of migrants reaching the United States' southern border.

"With Cuba, we are about to sign an agreement at this time that if an irregular migrant Cuban appears, we will immediately return him to Cuba", Hernandez said during an interview on local television that aired Sunday night.

The United States and Honduras said in a joint statement on Saturday that they are discussing how to increase temporary legal employment opportunities for Hondurans in the United States as they hammer out details of an immigration agreement.

The governments are due to continue discussions this week, according to the joint statement.

Honduras will sign an agreement with Cuba to deport Cubans who arrive in the Central American country illegally en route to the United States, Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez said on Sunday.

Honduras will sign an agreement with Cuba to deport Cubans who arrive in the Central American country illegally en route to the United States, Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez said on Sunday. The announcement comes as the United States presses Central American countries and Mexico to do more to curb the waves of migrants reaching the United States' southern border. "With Cuba, we are about to sign an agreement at this time that if an irregular migrant Cuban appears, we will immediately return him to Cuba", Hernandez said during an interview on local television that aired Sunday night. The United States and Honduras said in a joint statement on Saturday that they are discussing how to increase temporary legal employment opportunities for Hondurans in the United States as they hammer out details of an immigration agreement. The governments are due to continue discussions this week, according to the joint statement.

Honduras, Cuba to sign deal on deporting some Cuban migrants

Two members of Cuba's UN mission have been ordered to leave the United States over an alleged threat to US national security, triggering a sharp denial from Havana.

"We take any &amp; all attempts against the National Security of the US&nbsp;seriously," US State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said Thursday on Twitter.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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After 2 members of Cuba’s UN mission engaged in activities harmful to U.S. national security, we asked them to leave the U.S. Members of Cuba’s UN mission are also restricted to stay in Manhattan. We take any &amp; all attempts against the National Security of the U.S. seriously.
— Morgan Ortagus (@statedeptspox) <a href="https://twitter.com/statedeptspox/status/1174776971148050433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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In a statement, she said the State Department had told the Cuban foreign ministry that the United States "requires the imminent departure" of the two members of Cuba's UN mission.

Ortagus said that the pair had been "abusing their privileges of residence" and attempting to "conduct influence operations against the United States."

"We&nbsp;will continue to investigate any additional personnel who may be manipulating their privileges of residence," she added.

The State Department spokeswoman also said the movement of all members of Cuba's UN mission would be restricted to Manhattan, where UN headquarters is located.

Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez moved quickly to slam the expulsions.

"We categorically reject the unjustified expulsion of two officials of the Permanent Mission of Cuba at the UN and the tightening of restrictions on movement for diplomats and their families," Rodriguez said on Twitter.

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I strongly reject unjustified expulsion of 2 officials from Permanent Mission of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cuba?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cuba</a> to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UN</a> &amp; increased restrictions of movement imposed on our diplomats &amp; their families. Allegations that they engaged in actions incompatible with their diplomatic status is a gross slander.
— Bruno Rodríguez P (@BrunoRguezP) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrunoRguezP/status/1174824126801940481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Cuba and the United States have a history of conducting tit-for-tat expulsions of diplomats, and relations have worsened since President Donald Trump took office.

The United States recalled most of its diplomats from Cuba in September 2017 and Trump expelled 15 Cuban diplomats the following month.

The latest expulsions came as the United Nations holds its 74th General Assembly in New York.

"Given that the situation is ongoing, we will not comment further at this stage other than to confirm that we will closely follow this matter," the United Nations said in a statement.

Two members of Cuba's UN mission have been ordered to leave the United States over an alleged threat to US national security, triggering a sharp denial from Havana.

Two members of Cuba's UN mission have been ordered to leave the United States over an alleged threat to US national security, triggering a sharp denial from Havana. "We take any & all attempts against the National Security of the US seriously," US State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said Thursday on Twitter. After 2 members of Cuba’s UN mission engaged in activities harmful to U.S. national security, we asked them to leave the U.S. Members of Cuba’s UN mission are also restricted to stay in Manhattan. We take any & all attempts against the National Security of the U.S. seriously. — Morgan Ortagus (@statedeptspox) September 19, 2019 × In a statement, she said the State Department had told the Cuban foreign ministry that the United States "requires the imminent departure" of the two members of Cuba's UN mission. Ortagus said that the pair had been "abusing their privileges of residence" and attempting to "conduct influence operations against the United States." "We will continue to investigate any additional personnel who may be manipulating their privileges of residence," she added. The State Department spokeswoman also said the movement of all members of Cuba's UN mission would be restricted to Manhattan, where UN headquarters is located. Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez moved quickly to slam the expulsions. "We categorically reject the unjustified expulsion of two officials of the Permanent Mission of Cuba at the UN and the tightening of restrictions on movement for diplomats and their families," Rodriguez said on Twitter. I strongly reject unjustified expulsion of 2 officials from Permanent Mission of #Cuba to the #UN & increased restrictions of movement imposed on our diplomats & their families. Allegations that they engaged in actions incompatible with their diplomatic status is a gross slander. — Bruno Rodríguez P (@BrunoRguezP) September 19, 2019 × Cuba and the United States have a history of conducting tit-for-tat expulsions of diplomats, and relations have worsened since President Donald Trump took office. The United States recalled most of its diplomats from Cuba in September 2017 and Trump expelled 15 Cuban diplomats the following month. The latest expulsions came as the United Nations holds its 74th General Assembly in New York. "Given that the situation is ongoing, we will not comment further at this stage other than to confirm that we will closely follow this matter," the United Nations said in a statement.

Two members of Cuba's UN mission ordered to leave US

Most Cubans do not have credit, debit card. To know more watch the video

Crypto in Cuba is Unregulated

Cryptocurrency to overcome U.S Sanctions

Cuba must implement emergency measures to stave off an acute fuel shortage in September caused by the Trump administration's efforts to block oil shipments to the Communist-run country, President Miguel Diaz-Canel said on Wednesday (September 11).

Cuba battling acute fuel shortage due to U.S. sanctions -president

The head of US Southern Command says military officials are focusing on preparing for "the day after" Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro leaves power. Navy Adm. Craig Faller warned Monday against Venezuela's "formidable weapon system" and criticised Cuba, Russia and China for assisting Maduro.

Joint military exercises between Brazil and the US

Advanced brain scans of US Embassy <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-embassy-cuts-hobble-influence-in-cuba-report-160942">employees who reported falling ill while serving in Havana</a> revealed significant differences, according to a new study published on Tuesday that does little to resolve the mystery of injuries the Trump administration had characterised as a "sonic attack."

University of Pennsylvania researchers said symptoms described by the embassy workers may be reflected in their brain scans when compared with those of healthy volunteers.

The difference between the brains of the workers and people in a control group "is pretty jaw-dropping at the moment," lead researcher Dr&nbsp;Ragini Verma, a professor of radiology at Penn, told Reuters in a phone interview.

"Most of these patients had a particular type of symptoms and there is a clinical abnormality that is being reflected in an imaging anomaly," she said.

However, in findings published by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), Verma and her colleagues said it is not clear if the brain patterns directly translate into meaningful health problems. Initial MRI scans of 21 Havana embassy workers had revealed no abnormalities.

The health problems of more than two dozen workers surfaced in 2016 after the Obama administration reopened the embassy in an effort to improve relations with the Communist island nation. Most of the employees were removed from Cuba in 2017.

Symptoms included headache, ringing in the ears, sleep disturbances, trouble thinking, memory problems, dizziness and balance problems.

US President Donald Trump has said Cuba was responsible for what the US State Department called "significant injuries" suffered by the workers. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadian-diplomats-hit-by-mystery-symptoms-in-cuba-sue-ottawa-report-195723">Canadian embassy workers complained of similar mysterious health problems</a> and were also removed from Cuba. Cuban health officials rejected the hypothesis that health attacks and brain damage caused symptoms described by US diplomats.&nbsp;

The Penn team, in an earlier JAMA report, described the injuries experienced by the first 21 diplomats it examined as like a concussion without a blow to the head.

The latest brain scans may provide fresh evidence of some injury, but the study was not without critics and some researchers have questioned whether there was any kind of attack at all.

"Finding evidence of brain change doesn’t provide evidence of brain injury or damage," said Dr Jon Stone, a professor of neurology at the Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences at the University of Edinburgh, who was not involved in the study.

Dr Sergio Della Sala, a professor of human cognitive neuroscience also at the University of Edinburgh, in an email called the study "half baked."

He noted that 12 of the affected workers who had a history of a concussion prior to going to Cuba were included in the analyses. "In comparison, none of the controls declared previous brain injury. This in itself could cause statistical group differences," Della Sala said.

When those 12 were omitted, researchers did not calculate whether the differences in the brains of the remaining workers were significant.

Sceptics have raised a host of questions challenging State Department assertions that some unknown weapon had attacked the workers.

For example, the odd sound that some felt may have caused the problems was later identified by insect experts as the mating call of the male Indies short-tailed cricket, which is notorious for its volume.

Advanced brain scans of US Embassy employees who reported falling ill while serving in Havana revealed significant differences, according to a new study published on Tuesday that does little to resolve the mystery of injuries the Trump administration had characterised as a "sonic attack.

Advanced brain scans of US Embassy employees who reported falling ill while serving in Havana revealed significant differences, according to a new study published on Tuesday that does little to resolve the mystery of injuries the Trump administration had characterised as a "sonic attack." University of Pennsylvania researchers said symptoms described by the embassy workers may be reflected in their brain scans when compared with those of healthy volunteers. The difference between the brains of the workers and people in a control group "is pretty jaw-dropping at the moment," lead researcher Dr Ragini Verma, a professor of radiology at Penn, told Reuters in a phone interview. "Most of these patients had a particular type of symptoms and there is a clinical abnormality that is being reflected in an imaging anomaly," she said. However, in findings published by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), Verma and her colleagues said it is not clear if the brain patterns directly translate into meaningful health problems. Initial MRI scans of 21 Havana embassy workers had revealed no abnormalities. The health problems of more than two dozen workers surfaced in 2016 after the Obama administration reopened the embassy in an effort to improve relations with the Communist island nation. Most of the employees were removed from Cuba in 2017. Symptoms included headache, ringing in the ears, sleep disturbances, trouble thinking, memory problems, dizziness and balance problems. US President Donald Trump has said Cuba was responsible for what the US State Department called "significant injuries" suffered by the workers. Canadian embassy workers complained of similar mysterious health problems and were also removed from Cuba. Cuban health officials rejected the hypothesis that health attacks and brain damage caused symptoms described by US diplomats. The Penn team, in an earlier JAMA report, described the injuries experienced by the first 21 diplomats it examined as like a concussion without a blow to the head. The latest brain scans may provide fresh evidence of some injury, but the study was not without critics and some researchers have questioned whether there was any kind of attack at all. "Finding evidence of brain change doesn’t provide evidence of brain injury or damage," said Dr Jon Stone, a professor of neurology at the Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences at the University of Edinburgh, who was not involved in the study. Dr Sergio Della Sala, a professor of human cognitive neuroscience also at the University of Edinburgh, in an email called the study "half baked." He noted that 12 of the affected workers who had a history of a concussion prior to going to Cuba were included in the analyses. "In comparison, none of the controls declared previous brain injury. This in itself could cause statistical group differences," Della Sala said. When those 12 were omitted, researchers did not calculate whether the differences in the brains of the remaining workers were significant. Sceptics have raised a host of questions challenging State Department assertions that some unknown weapon had attacked the workers. For example, the odd sound that some felt may have caused the problems was later identified by insect experts as the mating call of the male Indies short-tailed cricket, which is notorious for its volume.

Scans show changes to brains of 'injured' Havana US embassy workers

The United States has tightly restricted the travel of more than a dozen Iranian diplomats and their families living in New York, according to a US diplomatic note sent to the Iran Mission to the United Nations and seen by Reuters on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The diplomats are subjected to the same rules imposed by the United States on Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who arrived on Sunday amid heightened tensions between the two countries.

They may only travel between the United Nations, the Iranian UN mission, the Iranian UN ambassador's residence and John F. Kennedy airport. There is also a carve-out for the six blocks surrounding Queensboro Plaza in Long Island City in the borough of Queens. It was not immediately clear why.

Longtime US-Iran strains have worsened since US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-human-rights-minister-deletes-tweet-criticising-trump-236553">Donald Trump</a> last year quit a 2015 international agreement to curb Iran's nuclear programme in return for sanctions relief. Trump has imposed more sanctions on Iran.&nbsp;

Washington and Tehran sent mixed signals on Tuesday about resolving their disputes as Iran's supreme leader threatened to further breach the nuclear deal while Trump cited "a lot of progress."

The July 12 diplomatic note said the open-ended travel rules, apply to "all members of the permanent mission of <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-says-uks-seizure-of-oil-tanker-will-not-go-unanswered-236651&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi--aGj7rvjAhWJMI8KHdXYCuQQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw17zG9ROyh3jjMutN9uGfHS">Iran</a> to the United Nations, their immediate family members, and representatives of the Iranian government to the United Nations."

It said a waiver would be required from US State Department Office of Foreign Missions for any other travel and requests must be made at least five days in advance. The Iranian UN mission is also required to submit residential and hotel accommodations for approval.

The Iranian UN mission did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A spokesman for Iran's foreign ministry said on Monday Zarif's work in New York was unaffected.&nbsp;

The United Nations said on Monday that it told the United States it was concerned by the new tight travel restrictions. A US State Department official said the United States had acted "in a manner that is fully consistent" with its obligations under a 1947 agreement with the United Nations.&nbsp;

Before the new rules, Iranian diplomats - like envoys of North Korea, Syria and Cuba - were already confined to a radius of 25 miles from Columbus Circle in Midtown Manhattan. According to the UN Blue Book, which lists diplomats of each mission to the world body, there are 13 Iranian diplomats in New York.

Under the 1947 UN "headquarters agreement," the United States is generally required to allow access to the United Nations for foreign diplomats. But Washington says it can deny visas for "security, terrorism, and foreign policy" reasons.

The US diplomatic note said Zarif was "being admitted to the United States for the sole purpose of attending UN meetings" and that "he should restrict his activities to UN-related business only.&nbsp;

Zarif is due to attend a ministerial meeting at the UN on Wednesday on sustainable development goals, which aim to tackle issues including conflict, hunger, equality and climate change by 2030. On Monday, he did interviews with British and US media at the residence of the Iranian UN ambassador. 
&nbsp;

The United States has tightly restricted the travel of more than a dozen Iranian diplomats and their families living in New York, according to a US diplomatic note sent to the Iran Mission to the United Nations and seen by Reuters on Tuesday.

The United States has tightly restricted the travel of more than a dozen Iranian diplomats and their families living in New York, according to a US diplomatic note sent to the Iran Mission to the United Nations and seen by Reuters on Tuesday. The diplomats are subjected to the same rules imposed by the United States on Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who arrived on Sunday amid heightened tensions between the two countries. They may only travel between the United Nations, the Iranian UN mission, the Iranian UN ambassador's residence and John F. Kennedy airport. There is also a carve-out for the six blocks surrounding Queensboro Plaza in Long Island City in the borough of Queens. It was not immediately clear why. Longtime US-Iran strains have worsened since US President Donald Trump last year quit a 2015 international agreement to curb Iran's nuclear programme in return for sanctions relief. Trump has imposed more sanctions on Iran. Washington and Tehran sent mixed signals on Tuesday about resolving their disputes as Iran's supreme leader threatened to further breach the nuclear deal while Trump cited "a lot of progress." The July 12 diplomatic note said the open-ended travel rules, apply to "all members of the permanent mission of Iran to the United Nations, their immediate family members, and representatives of the Iranian government to the United Nations." It said a waiver would be required from US State Department Office of Foreign Missions for any other travel and requests must be made at least five days in advance. The Iranian UN mission is also required to submit residential and hotel accommodations for approval. The Iranian UN mission did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A spokesman for Iran's foreign ministry said on Monday Zarif's work in New York was unaffected. The United Nations said on Monday that it told the United States it was concerned by the new tight travel restrictions. A US State Department official said the United States had acted "in a manner that is fully consistent" with its obligations under a 1947 agreement with the United Nations. Before the new rules, Iranian diplomats - like envoys of North Korea, Syria and Cuba - were already confined to a radius of 25 miles from Columbus Circle in Midtown Manhattan. According to the UN Blue Book, which lists diplomats of each mission to the world body, there are 13 Iranian diplomats in New York. Under the 1947 UN "headquarters agreement," the United States is generally required to allow access to the United Nations for foreign diplomats. But Washington says it can deny visas for "security, terrorism, and foreign policy" reasons. The US diplomatic note said Zarif was "being admitted to the United States for the sole purpose of attending UN meetings" and that "he should restrict his activities to UN-related business only. Zarif is due to attend a ministerial meeting at the UN on Wednesday on sustainable development goals, which aim to tackle issues including conflict, hunger, equality and climate change by 2030. On Monday, he did interviews with British and US media at the residence of the Iranian UN ambassador.

Iranian diplomats, families living in New York face US travel curbs

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WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - July 14th, 2019

Tourism to Cuba will likely drop 8.5 per cent this year in the wake of tighter US restrictions <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-tightens-cuba-sanctions-ends-group-travel-224316">on travel to the Caribbean island</a>, the government said on Thursday, and the decline in arrivals will further hurt Cuba's already ailing centrally planned economy.

A boom in tourism over the last few years has helped offset weaker exports and a steep decline in aid from key ally Venezuela that has forced the government to take austerity measures like cutting imports.

The administration of US President Donald Trump has decided to squeeze that hard currency revenue stream too as part of its attempt to force the Communist government to reform and stop supporting Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro.

Last month it banned cruise ships and private planes and yachts from travelling to the island and ended a heavily used educational category of travel allowed as an exemption to the overall ban on US tourism.

"These measures sparked a 20.33% reduction in tourist activity," tourism minister Manuel Marrero was quoted as saying by state news agencies in a speech to the National Assembly.

The minister estimated 4.3 million people would visit Cuba this year, down from the goal of more than 5 million, and 4.7 million last year.

Looser restrictions on US travel to Cuba under former President Barack Obama, the re-establishment of diplomatic relations and commercial flights and cruises had caused a spike in US visits to the country.

US travellers excluding Cuban-Americans became the second- biggest group of tourists on the island in recent years after Canadians, with cruise travellers accounting for half of them.

But Trump has rolled back much of Obama's detente and taken additional measures to punish the economy and government.

Marrero noted the Trump administration's decision in April to allow US lawsuits against foreign companies deemed to be "trafficking" in properties in Cuba nationalised after Cuba's 1959 revolution was also affecting the tourism sector.

Several hotel operators and a unit of online travel agency Expedia have been targeted with lawsuits.

Cubans working in the tourism sector complain that while the policy targets the government, they are the ones who suffer.

"Our income has dropped by 80 per cent," said Carlos Cristobal Marquez, owner of the private restaurant San Cristobal, where Obama dined on his historic trip to Havana in 2016.

"Many restaurants will have to close, while others will have a hard time. Trump has said he wants to support the private sector, but he isn't," he said.

Marrero said the country would continue to develop the tourism sector regardless of the US measures. It is planning new dolphinariums and the country's first amusement park, for example.

Cranes tower around Havana at the construction sites of what are to be the city's first generation of luxury hotels, in a bid to attract a new type of client.

Cuba, which receives just two-thirds of the visitors that neighbouring Dominican Republic does although it is twice as large, has traditionally focused on resort tourism or travellers on a medium budget.

José Luis Perelló, a former University of Havana professor who studies Cuba's tourism industry, said the country should not take short-term shifts in US policy too much into account in the long-term development of its tourism industry.

"A large part of the revenues we use weekly... comes from tourism," President Miguel Diaz-Canel told the National Assembly. "For this reason, we must continue betting on the development of tourism."

Tourism to Cuba will likely drop 8.5 per cent this year in the wake of tighter US restrictions on travel to the Caribbean island, the government said on Thursday, and the decline in arrivals will further hurt Cuba's already ailing centrally planned economy.

Tourism to Cuba will likely drop 8.5 per cent this year in the wake of tighter US restrictions on travel to the Caribbean island, the government said on Thursday, and the decline in arrivals will further hurt Cuba's already ailing centrally planned economy. A boom in tourism over the last few years has helped offset weaker exports and a steep decline in aid from key ally Venezuela that has forced the government to take austerity measures like cutting imports. The administration of US President Donald Trump has decided to squeeze that hard currency revenue stream too as part of its attempt to force the Communist government to reform and stop supporting Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro. Last month it banned cruise ships and private planes and yachts from travelling to the island and ended a heavily used educational category of travel allowed as an exemption to the overall ban on US tourism. "These measures sparked a 20.33% reduction in tourist activity," tourism minister Manuel Marrero was quoted as saying by state news agencies in a speech to the National Assembly. The minister estimated 4.3 million people would visit Cuba this year, down from the goal of more than 5 million, and 4.7 million last year. Looser restrictions on US travel to Cuba under former President Barack Obama, the re-establishment of diplomatic relations and commercial flights and cruises had caused a spike in US visits to the country. US travellers excluding Cuban-Americans became the second- biggest group of tourists on the island in recent years after Canadians, with cruise travellers accounting for half of them. But Trump has rolled back much of Obama's detente and taken additional measures to punish the economy and government. Marrero noted the Trump administration's decision in April to allow US lawsuits against foreign companies deemed to be "trafficking" in properties in Cuba nationalised after Cuba's 1959 revolution was also affecting the tourism sector. Several hotel operators and a unit of online travel agency Expedia have been targeted with lawsuits. Cubans working in the tourism sector complain that while the policy targets the government, they are the ones who suffer. "Our income has dropped by 80 per cent," said Carlos Cristobal Marquez, owner of the private restaurant San Cristobal, where Obama dined on his historic trip to Havana in 2016. "Many restaurants will have to close, while others will have a hard time. Trump has said he wants to support the private sector, but he isn't," he said. Marrero said the country would continue to develop the tourism sector regardless of the US measures. It is planning new dolphinariums and the country's first amusement park, for example. Cranes tower around Havana at the construction sites of what are to be the city's first generation of luxury hotels, in a bid to attract a new type of client. Cuba, which receives just two-thirds of the visitors that neighbouring Dominican Republic does although it is twice as large, has traditionally focused on resort tourism or travellers on a medium budget. José Luis Perelló, a former University of Havana professor who studies Cuba's tourism industry, said the country should not take short-term shifts in US policy too much into account in the long-term development of its tourism industry. "A large part of the revenues we use weekly... comes from tourism," President Miguel Diaz-Canel told the National Assembly. "For this reason, we must continue betting on the development of tourism."

Cuba's tourism industry hit after Trump ban on cruise ship stopovers

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-response-to-norway-mediation-will-resume-talks-with-maduro-government-in-barbados-guaido-233875">Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro</a> said Monday he was "optimistic" after dialogue between his government and the opposition resumed in Barbados.

The South American nation was plunged into political turmoil in January when National Assembly speaker <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/news-brief-big-stories-of-the-day-233881">Juan Guaido</a> declared himself acting president in a direct challenge to Maduro's authority.

The opposition leader is recognized by the United States and more than 50 other countries but has been unable to dislodge Venezuela's socialist leader, who is backed by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/what-is-behind-georgias-anti-russia-protests-233898">Russia</a>, China, and Cuba.

Delegations from both sides arrived in Barbados Monday morning to revive discussions after a previous round in Norway petered out.

"I am very optimistic... Today they had a five-hour session, and I think that step by step, with strategic patience, we can find a path to peace," Maduro said in a broadcast on the state television channel VTV.

Without giving details, he said that a six-point agenda was being discussed with "the whole country in mind."

"If you work with goodwill and there is no American interventionism, I am sure that we will reach an agreement," said Maduro, who blames the United States for fanning the crisis.

The Barbados talks will be the third round since the Oslo talks in May, although Guaido had originally said last Tuesday there were no plans to re-open talks with Maduro's "murderous dictatorship" following the death of an officer in custody over an alleged coup plot.

The suspicious death of retired naval officer Rafael Acosta Arevalo had sparked international condemnation.

Guido said Sunday he wants the talks to lead them towards Maduro's departure from the presidency he has held since 2013 to a transitional government, and then "free elections with international observers".

Ravaged by crises

Some members of the opposition oppose the Barbados talks, fearing they may reinvigorate Maduro, but Enrique Marquez, vice president of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rule-of-law-in-venezuela-eroded-un-rights-chief-233251">Venezuela</a>'s opposition-controlled National Assembly, said they are the best option.

"A violent solution... could generate a loss of governance even for a new government," he told AFP.

Along with the negotiations in Barbados, Guaido had a closed-door meeting on Monday in the capital Caracas with Enrique Iglesias, the European Union's special advisor for Venezuela.

Afterwards, Iglesias met with Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez.

"Iglesias has confirmed his commitment to the dialogue process," Rodriguez said on Twitter.

Oil-rich Venezuela has been ravaged by five years of recession marked by shortages of food, medicine, and other necessities, and the economic woes have been exacerbated by the political crisis.

Delegations representing the Venezuelan rivals met face-to-face in Oslo for the first time in late May, in a process begun two weeks earlier under Norwegian auspices to find a solution to the nation's multiple crises.

Maduro has repeatedly said that the dialogue will continue with the opposition "for peace in Venezuela."

Guido has called Maduro a "usurper" for staying in power after a 2018 election widely dismissed as a sham.

Meanwhile, Panamanian President Laurentino Cortizo stressed in a TV interview that military intervention is not the solution to the Venezuelan crisis, and offered his country's assistance in reaching a negotiated solution.

Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro said Monday he was "optimistic" after dialogue between his government and the opposition resumed in Barbados. The South American nation was plunged into political turmoil in January when National Assembly speaker Juan Guaido declared himself acting president in a direct challenge to Maduro's authority.

Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro said Monday he was "optimistic" after dialogue between his government and the opposition resumed in Barbados. The South American nation was plunged into political turmoil in January when National Assembly speaker Juan Guaido declared himself acting president in a direct challenge to Maduro's authority. The opposition leader is recognized by the United States and more than 50 other countries but has been unable to dislodge Venezuela's socialist leader, who is backed by Russia, China, and Cuba. Delegations from both sides arrived in Barbados Monday morning to revive discussions after a previous round in Norway petered out. "I am very optimistic... Today they had a five-hour session, and I think that step by step, with strategic patience, we can find a path to peace," Maduro said in a broadcast on the state television channel VTV. Without giving details, he said that a six-point agenda was being discussed with "the whole country in mind." "If you work with goodwill and there is no American interventionism, I am sure that we will reach an agreement," said Maduro, who blames the United States for fanning the crisis. The Barbados talks will be the third round since the Oslo talks in May, although Guaido had originally said last Tuesday there were no plans to re-open talks with Maduro's "murderous dictatorship" following the death of an officer in custody over an alleged coup plot. The suspicious death of retired naval officer Rafael Acosta Arevalo had sparked international condemnation. Guido said Sunday he wants the talks to lead them towards Maduro's departure from the presidency he has held since 2013 to a transitional government, and then "free elections with international observers". Ravaged by crises Some members of the opposition oppose the Barbados talks, fearing they may reinvigorate Maduro, but Enrique Marquez, vice president of Venezuela's opposition-controlled National Assembly, said they are the best option. "A violent solution... could generate a loss of governance even for a new government," he told AFP. Along with the negotiations in Barbados, Guaido had a closed-door meeting on Monday in the capital Caracas with Enrique Iglesias, the European Union's special advisor for Venezuela. Afterwards, Iglesias met with Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez. "Iglesias has confirmed his commitment to the dialogue process," Rodriguez said on Twitter. Oil-rich Venezuela has been ravaged by five years of recession marked by shortages of food, medicine, and other necessities, and the economic woes have been exacerbated by the political crisis. Delegations representing the Venezuelan rivals met face-to-face in Oslo for the first time in late May, in a process begun two weeks earlier under Norwegian auspices to find a solution to the nation's multiple crises. Maduro has repeatedly said that the dialogue will continue with the opposition "for peace in Venezuela." Guido has called Maduro a "usurper" for staying in power after a 2018 election widely dismissed as a sham. Meanwhile, Panamanian President Laurentino Cortizo stressed in a TV interview that military intervention is not the solution to the Venezuelan crisis, and offered his country's assistance in reaching a negotiated solution.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro 'optimistic' after opposition talks resume in Barbados

The United States on Thursday added Saudi Arabia and Cuba to its blacklist of countries that it says are not doing enough <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-report-on-human-trafficking-ranks-myanmar-as-worst-offender-147827">to fight human trafficking</a>, a designation that could bring sanctions.

In an annual report, the State Department faulted ally Saudi Arabia for rampant violations against its vast foreign labour force and accused adversary Cuba of trafficking through its program of sending doctors overseas.

Other countries that remained on Tier 3, the worst ranking in the report, included China, Myanmar, North Korea, Russia and Venezuela.

A Tier 3 designation means that the United States can restrict assistance or withdraw support for the country at the International Monetary Fund or other global development bodies.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that the United States last year took measures against 22 countries due to the human trafficking designation.

"That action and the message that goes with it is very clear -- if you don't stand up to trafficking, America will stand up to you," Pompeo said as he presented the report alongside Ivanka Trump, President Donald Trump's daughter and adviser.

The president, however, can also waive sanctions over human trafficking, and US officials often hope that the shame of the Tier 3 designation will encourage action, especially when issued against US allies.

On Saudi Arabia, the United States said that the kingdom has prosecuted few traffickers and done too little to help human trafficking victims, instead often jailing, fining or deporting them by accusing them of immigration violations or prostitution.

The report called on Saudi Arabia to do more to screen and assist workers fleeing abusive bosses and to reform its sponsorship system, in which employers control workers' permits to leave the country.

The designation comes despite staunch and increasingly controversial support by Trump to Saudi Arabia on an array of fronts, including its offensive in Yemen, where millions face starvation in what the United Nations calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

Pompeo made no mention of Saudi Arabia in his remarks, instead leaving the message to the text of the report.

However, he singled out North Korea at a time that the United States is hoping to restart diplomacy with leader Kim Jong Un, for whom Trump has voiced admiration.

Pompeo said that North Korea was involved in human trafficking at the state level through its deployment of workers overseas and said Pyongyang "uses the proceeds to fund nefarious activities."

He also renewed criticism of China for its massive incarceration of an estimated one million Uighurs and other mostly Muslim members of Turkic-speaking minorities, saying the camps have produced garments, carpets, cleaning supplies and other goods for domestic consumption.

China, facing rising international criticism, describes its camps as vocational training centers aimed at reducing extremism.

Cuba is more frequently in the sights of the Trump administration, which said that the communist authorities threatened or coerced doctors to be part of its medical program, in which Havana sends tens of thousands of low-cost doctors around the world.

Cuba ended the program last year in Brazil after Jair Bolsonaro, the country's incoming right-wing president, described it as human trafficking.

The State Department also upgraded two countries from the Tier 3 designation -- Laos and Gabon.

It credited Laos with providing restitution and services to victims, while Gabon stepped up investigations and signed agreements with neighboring countries in western Africa to combat cross-border trafficking.

The United States on Thursday added Saudi Arabia and Cuba to its blacklist of countries that it says are not doing enough to fight human trafficking, a designation that could bring sanctions.

The United States on Thursday added Saudi Arabia and Cuba to its blacklist of countries that it says are not doing enough to fight human trafficking, a designation that could bring sanctions. In an annual report, the State Department faulted ally Saudi Arabia for rampant violations against its vast foreign labour force and accused adversary Cuba of trafficking through its program of sending doctors overseas. Other countries that remained on Tier 3, the worst ranking in the report, included China, Myanmar, North Korea, Russia and Venezuela. A Tier 3 designation means that the United States can restrict assistance or withdraw support for the country at the International Monetary Fund or other global development bodies. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that the United States last year took measures against 22 countries due to the human trafficking designation. "That action and the message that goes with it is very clear -- if you don't stand up to trafficking, America will stand up to you," Pompeo said as he presented the report alongside Ivanka Trump, President Donald Trump's daughter and adviser. The president, however, can also waive sanctions over human trafficking, and US officials often hope that the shame of the Tier 3 designation will encourage action, especially when issued against US allies. On Saudi Arabia, the United States said that the kingdom has prosecuted few traffickers and done too little to help human trafficking victims, instead often jailing, fining or deporting them by accusing them of immigration violations or prostitution. The report called on Saudi Arabia to do more to screen and assist workers fleeing abusive bosses and to reform its sponsorship system, in which employers control workers' permits to leave the country. The designation comes despite staunch and increasingly controversial support by Trump to Saudi Arabia on an array of fronts, including its offensive in Yemen, where millions face starvation in what the United Nations calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Pompeo made no mention of Saudi Arabia in his remarks, instead leaving the message to the text of the report. However, he singled out North Korea at a time that the United States is hoping to restart diplomacy with leader Kim Jong Un, for whom Trump has voiced admiration. Pompeo said that North Korea was involved in human trafficking at the state level through its deployment of workers overseas and said Pyongyang "uses the proceeds to fund nefarious activities." He also renewed criticism of China for its massive incarceration of an estimated one million Uighurs and other mostly Muslim members of Turkic-speaking minorities, saying the camps have produced garments, carpets, cleaning supplies and other goods for domestic consumption. China, facing rising international criticism, describes its camps as vocational training centers aimed at reducing extremism. Cuba is more frequently in the sights of the Trump administration, which said that the communist authorities threatened or coerced doctors to be part of its medical program, in which Havana sends tens of thousands of low-cost doctors around the world. Cuba ended the program last year in Brazil after Jair Bolsonaro, the country's incoming right-wing president, described it as human trafficking. The State Department also upgraded two countries from the Tier 3 designation -- Laos and Gabon. It credited Laos with providing restitution and services to victims, while Gabon stepped up investigations and signed agreements with neighboring countries in western Africa to combat cross-border trafficking.

US adds Saudi Arabia, Cuba in human trafficking blacklist; China, Myanmar remain in list

For Cuban artist Sandor Gonzalez, there is no better place to draw than several meters below the surface of the sea, far away from the hubbub of modern life, surrounded by iridescent Caribbean fish and fantastical coral forms.

When inspiration strikes under water: Cuban mixes art and diving

Hundreds of tourists from the deck of a cruise ship waved goodbye to Havana on Wednesday (June 05) in what could be the last trip for U.S. cruise operators after the administration of United States' President Donald Trump slapped new travel bans on Cuba.

Rough waters for Cuban tourism after Trump travel ban

The Trump administration banned group educational travel to Cuba on Tuesday, cutting off one of the main avenues for Americans to visit the Caribbean island.

In a move to punish what it called Cuba's "destabilizing role" in the region, the US Treasury also banned the US export of boats and private airplanes to the country.

The end to group educational travel would likely deal a heavy blow to American tourism on the island, which took off after former president Barack Obama moved to ease the half-century embargo against the communist government in 2014.

"Cuba continues to play a destabilizing role in the Western hemisphere, providing a communist foothold in the region and propping up US adversaries in places like Venezuela and Nicaragua by fomenting instability, undermining the rule of law, and suppressing democratic processes," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement.

"This administration has made a strategic decision to reverse the loosening of sanctions and other restrictions on the Cuban regime. These actions will help to keep US dollars out of the hands of Cuban military, intelligence, and security services."

The Treasury move banned "group people-to-people educational travel," a structure that allowed travel agencies to organize regular American tourists into "educational groups" who, on their visit to Cuba, would spend a certain amount of time in exchanges with Cubans.

After he came into office in January 2017 promising to reverse Obama's thaw with Cuba, President Donald Trump banned individual visits and in a series of moves limited commercial interactions with the country.

Washington blames Cuba for propping up the besieged Venezuelan regime of President Nicolas Maduro.

The Trump administration banned group educational travel to Cuba on Tuesday, cutting off one of the main avenues for Americans to visit the Caribbean island. In a move to punish what it called Cuba's "destabilizing role" in the region, the US Treasury also banned the US export of boats and private airplanes to the country.

The Trump administration banned group educational travel to Cuba on Tuesday, cutting off one of the main avenues for Americans to visit the Caribbean island. In a move to punish what it called Cuba's "destabilizing role" in the region, the US Treasury also banned the US export of boats and private airplanes to the country. The end to group educational travel would likely deal a heavy blow to American tourism on the island, which took off after former president Barack Obama moved to ease the half-century embargo against the communist government in 2014. "Cuba continues to play a destabilizing role in the Western hemisphere, providing a communist foothold in the region and propping up US adversaries in places like Venezuela and Nicaragua by fomenting instability, undermining the rule of law, and suppressing democratic processes," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement. "This administration has made a strategic decision to reverse the loosening of sanctions and other restrictions on the Cuban regime. These actions will help to keep US dollars out of the hands of Cuban military, intelligence, and security services." The Treasury move banned "group people-to-people educational travel," a structure that allowed travel agencies to organize regular American tourists into "educational groups" who, on their visit to Cuba, would spend a certain amount of time in exchanges with Cubans. After he came into office in January 2017 promising to reverse Obama's thaw with Cuba, President Donald Trump banned individual visits and in a series of moves limited commercial interactions with the country. Washington blames Cuba for propping up the besieged Venezuelan regime of President Nicolas Maduro.

US tightens Cuba sanctions, ends group travel

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-opposition-to-meet-nicolas-maduro-envoys-in-oslo-guaido-221654">Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido </a>on Sunday defended his decision to send delegates to Oslo for talks with representatives of President Nicolas Maduro's government, warning that critics of the move risk becoming accomplices of his rival's "dictatorship."

"We have to play on all the boards... we have to have an active presence in all places," Guaido told hundreds of supporters in Barquisimeto in Venezuela's Lara state.

"From Lara to Norway, from Caracas to Washington, our demands are the same. Whoever wants us to renounce the pressure in the street or in international scenarios in order to stop the takeover, becomes an accomplice of the dictatorship," he later tweeted.

Guaido, recognized by the United States and dozens of other countries as Venezuela's interim president, said Saturday that the opposition delegation will be headed by deputy legislative speaker Stalin Gonzalez and the ex-deputy Gerardo Blyde.

Media reports said Venezuelan Communications Minister Jorge Rodriguez and the governor of Miranda state Hector Rodriguez represented Maduro's government in the initial talks, but it was unclear if they would participate in next week's meeting.

Guaido has appeared cautious about talking with Maduro's representatives since the idea is unpopular with the opposition base that has spent months in the streets trying to push Maduro out.

The bid for talks comes after a months-long power struggle between National Assembly leader Guaido and the socialist president, with sometimes deadly street clashes.

Guaido's backers dismiss Maduro's presidency as "illegitimate" following his re-election last year in polls widely labelled as rigged.

Maduro has been shunned by much of the international community for presiding over the country's economic collapse, which has led to shortages of basic goods -- forcing millions to flee -- as well as brutally suppressing dissent.

He retains the backing of major creditors Russia, China and Cuba, as well as the powerful military.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido on Sunday defended his decision to send delegates to Oslo for talks with representatives of President Nicolas Maduro's government, warning that critics of the move risk becoming accomplices of his rival's "dictatorship.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido on Sunday defended his decision to send delegates to Oslo for talks with representatives of President Nicolas Maduro's government, warning that critics of the move risk becoming accomplices of his rival's "dictatorship." "We have to play on all the boards... we have to have an active presence in all places," Guaido told hundreds of supporters in Barquisimeto in Venezuela's Lara state. "From Lara to Norway, from Caracas to Washington, our demands are the same. Whoever wants us to renounce the pressure in the street or in international scenarios in order to stop the takeover, becomes an accomplice of the dictatorship," he later tweeted. Guaido, recognized by the United States and dozens of other countries as Venezuela's interim president, said Saturday that the opposition delegation will be headed by deputy legislative speaker Stalin Gonzalez and the ex-deputy Gerardo Blyde. Media reports said Venezuelan Communications Minister Jorge Rodriguez and the governor of Miranda state Hector Rodriguez represented Maduro's government in the initial talks, but it was unclear if they would participate in next week's meeting. Guaido has appeared cautious about talking with Maduro's representatives since the idea is unpopular with the opposition base that has spent months in the streets trying to push Maduro out. The bid for talks comes after a months-long power struggle between National Assembly leader Guaido and the socialist president, with sometimes deadly street clashes. Guaido's backers dismiss Maduro's presidency as "illegitimate" following his re-election last year in polls widely labelled as rigged. Maduro has been shunned by much of the international community for presiding over the country's economic collapse, which has led to shortages of basic goods -- forcing millions to flee -- as well as brutally suppressing dissent. He retains the backing of major creditors Russia, China and Cuba, as well as the powerful military.

Venezuela's Guaido defends planned talks with Maduro representatives

Israel Hidalgo and his wife left home around 7:30 a.m. to reach a supermarket across Havana because they heard it might be selling chicken, a staple of the&nbsp;Cuban diet increasingly scarce on the shortage-plagued island.

After&nbsp;Cuba&nbsp;started limiting sales this month, partly blaming tightened&nbsp;US economic&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;on the Communist-run island, the couple wanted to buy as much as possible and lined up for three hours&nbsp;under the Caribbean sun to get tickets guaranteeing them their rations.

Inside, they lined up again to collect two bags of chicken thighs each, as fellow shoppers elbowed one another in pursuit of their own rations, and headed for the checkout feeling like they had won the lottery.

"We were born in this revolution and are used to rough times," said Hidalgo, a 61-year old blacksmith. "We are bracing ourselves for it to get worse."

Long lines outside shops with mostly bare shelves are increasingly common in&nbsp;Cuba, and the government has indeed signalled that things are going from bad to worse.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, in a speech last month, accused the Trump administration of engaging in an “asphyxiating financial persecution that makes the import of goods and resources of primary necessity particularly difficult.”

The degree to which new&nbsp;US&nbsp;sanctions, due in part to&nbsp;Cuba's support for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-maduro-says-norway-talks-sought-peaceful-agenda-with-opposition-219519">Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro</a>, have compounded its&nbsp;economic&nbsp;woes&nbsp;is open to debate.

The economy had already stagnated in recent years in tandem with the implosion of strategically Venezuela, resulting in cuts&nbsp;in fuel and energy use by state entities and this year shortages of basic goods such as bread, chicken and eggs.

But the increase in&nbsp;sanctions, which have hit the key tourism sector and added to investor and bank jitters about dealing with&nbsp;Cuba, has some economists predicting the economy will slip from stagnation into a full-blown recession later this year.

The economy has averaged 1% annual growth over the last three years, compared with the 5% to 7% rate economists say is needed to recover fully from the depression caused by the fall of its former benefactor, the Soviet Union, in 1991.

"While the crisis will not be as bad as in the 1990s, it will have a worrying social impact on the most vulnerable households, which are already on subsistence salaries," said Pavel Vidal, a former&nbsp;Cuban central bank economist who teaches at Colombia's Universidad Javeriana Cali.

Bracing for harder&nbsp;economic&nbsp;times, the government has resorted to what it knows best to manage the crisis and prevent social unrest: more control.&nbsp;

Interior Commerce Minister Betsy Diaz said two weeks ago the government would "temporarily" ration sales of a handful of basic products like eggs on a monthly basis, using ration books distributed after the 1959 Revolution, and limit the sale of others like chicken to ensure everyone gets their fair share.

"A CRITICAL MOMENT"

Some&nbsp;Cuban economists say the developing crisis stems fundamentally from an inefficient centrally-planned economy that imports more than two-thirds of its food needs. Calling rationing little more than a short-term solution, they say the government must open up to a series of market-oriented&nbsp;economic&nbsp;reforms before the crisis deepens.

"This could be a critical moment that generates the consensus necessary to apply changes," said Vidal. "The government needs to give more space to the private sector and investment."

Cuba&nbsp;has enacted some&nbsp;economic&nbsp;reforms in recent years, including expanding the private sector from 2010 onward and introducing a new foreign investment law that cut taxes by around 50% in 2014.

But local economists like Omar Everleny say the reforms undertaken have been too cautious so far. The government has backtracked on overhauls&nbsp;of areas like agriculture and the dominant public sector remains deeply inefficient.

Cuba&nbsp;was already behind on an estimated $1.5 billion in short-term commercial debt and warning of austerity before&nbsp;US President Donald Trump started the latest round of tightening of the decades-old&nbsp;US&nbsp;trade embargo.

Aid from Venezuela, in the form of subsidized oil, had long masked the true extent of&nbsp;Cuba's&nbsp;economic&nbsp;problems, but it started to fall from 2015 when a drop in oil prices roiled that OPEC nation's economy.

Venezuela's crude shipments to&nbsp;Cuba&nbsp;are now about half what they were four years ago, and they could soon fall further. Last month, the United States also began targeting vessels and companies that ship oil to the island from Venezuela for&nbsp;sanctions, threatening the energy grid and transportation.

The US&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;against its old Cold War foe are also hitting the two bright spots in the otherwise glum economy: tourism and foreign investment. Both had boomed briefly after the announcement of a&nbsp;Cuba-US&nbsp;detente in 2014.

Tourism revenues&nbsp;dropped by 4.6% in 2018, according to official data released last month. The announcement in 2017 of tighter travel restrictions on&nbsp;US citizens played a role.

"At one point&nbsp;US&nbsp;visits dropped more than 40 per cent,"&nbsp;Cuban Tourism Minister Manuel Marrero told Reuters, adding he still hoped tourism would grow this year.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration has activated a long-dormant law under which&nbsp;Cuban-Americans can sue foreign companies that profit from their properties nationalized during the first years of the 1959 Revolution.

Western diplomats and businessmen have called the threat of potentially costly&nbsp;US&nbsp;court battle another clear disincentive for banks and outside investors to do business with&nbsp;Cuba.

The United States has also threatened to further tighten restrictions on travel and to impose a cap on cash remittances to&nbsp;Cuba, measures that could hit the economy hard.

SIEGE MENTALITY

Cuba's government has said it will continue moving down the path toward reform. But it has failed to respond so far to calls from the island's entrepreneurs&nbsp;for basic changes such as the creation of wholesale markets for the private sector, and the right to import and export.

Instead of opening the economy further, some Western diplomats and analysts say there is risk&nbsp;Cuba's leadership will adopt a siege mentality in the face of increased&nbsp;US hostility. That could mean turning to allies like Russia, Vietnam and China for help to muddle through while keeping its stranglehold on&nbsp;economic&nbsp;life.

"The&nbsp;US sanctions&nbsp;could be counterproductive," said one diplomat who asked not to be identified. "Cuba&nbsp;has historically closed up at times like these."

Cubans are not going hungry as they did during the so-called "Special Period" after the collapse of the Soviet Union. But they are increasingly connected to the rest of the world via the internet and foreign travel, and many have grown weary of government attempts to blame the&nbsp;US&nbsp;embargo for the bulk of their country's&nbsp;woes.

"We are in total freefall," said Hidalgo's wife, Carmen Lozano, 55, clinging to her two bags of rationed chicken. "They should have allowed free production and sales from the beginning of the revolution."

Inequality has risen in recent years in&nbsp;Cuba&nbsp;and many believe the&nbsp;economic&nbsp;crisis could have a more disproportionate impact now than it might have in the past.

In a country where the government's claim to legitimacy rests to a large extent on ensuring a certain level of equality, the authorities seem well aware that most people lack the cash to stock up on whatever basics they need on the black market.

"The government’s new rationing program is trying to address that simmering discontent by making the small quantities of goods that are in stock more widely available," said William LeoGrande, a professor of government at American University.

"The government understands that discontent over the economy is their biggest political vulnerability so they will do everything they can to maintain supplies of basic goods."

Israel Hidalgo and his wife left home around 7:30 a.m. to reach a supermarket across Havana because they heard it might be selling chicken, a staple of the Cuban diet increasingly scarce on the shortage-plagued island.

Israel Hidalgo and his wife left home around 7:30 a.m. to reach a supermarket across Havana because they heard it might be selling chicken, a staple of the Cuban diet increasingly scarce on the shortage-plagued island. After Cuba started limiting sales this month, partly blaming tightened US economic sanctions on the Communist-run island, the couple wanted to buy as much as possible and lined up for three hours under the Caribbean sun to get tickets guaranteeing them their rations. Inside, they lined up again to collect two bags of chicken thighs each, as fellow shoppers elbowed one another in pursuit of their own rations, and headed for the checkout feeling like they had won the lottery. "We were born in this revolution and are used to rough times," said Hidalgo, a 61-year old blacksmith. "We are bracing ourselves for it to get worse." Long lines outside shops with mostly bare shelves are increasingly common in Cuba, and the government has indeed signalled that things are going from bad to worse. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, in a speech last month, accused the Trump administration of engaging in an “asphyxiating financial persecution that makes the import of goods and resources of primary necessity particularly difficult.” The degree to which new US sanctions, due in part to Cuba's support for Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, have compounded its economic woes is open to debate. The economy had already stagnated in recent years in tandem with the implosion of strategically Venezuela, resulting in cuts in fuel and energy use by state entities and this year shortages of basic goods such as bread, chicken and eggs. But the increase in sanctions, which have hit the key tourism sector and added to investor and bank jitters about dealing with Cuba, has some economists predicting the economy will slip from stagnation into a full-blown recession later this year. The economy has averaged 1% annual growth over the last three years, compared with the 5% to 7% rate economists say is needed to recover fully from the depression caused by the fall of its former benefactor, the Soviet Union, in 1991. "While the crisis will not be as bad as in the 1990s, it will have a worrying social impact on the most vulnerable households, which are already on subsistence salaries," said Pavel Vidal, a former Cuban central bank economist who teaches at Colombia's Universidad Javeriana Cali. Bracing for harder economic times, the government has resorted to what it knows best to manage the crisis and prevent social unrest: more control. Interior Commerce Minister Betsy Diaz said two weeks ago the government would "temporarily" ration sales of a handful of basic products like eggs on a monthly basis, using ration books distributed after the 1959 Revolution, and limit the sale of others like chicken to ensure everyone gets their fair share. "A CRITICAL MOMENT" Some Cuban economists say the developing crisis stems fundamentally from an inefficient centrally-planned economy that imports more than two-thirds of its food needs. Calling rationing little more than a short-term solution, they say the government must open up to a series of market-oriented economic reforms before the crisis deepens. "This could be a critical moment that generates the consensus necessary to apply changes," said Vidal. "The government needs to give more space to the private sector and investment." Cuba has enacted some economic reforms in recent years, including expanding the private sector from 2010 onward and introducing a new foreign investment law that cut taxes by around 50% in 2014. But local economists like Omar Everleny say the reforms undertaken have been too cautious so far. The government has backtracked on overhauls of areas like agriculture and the dominant public sector remains deeply inefficient. Cuba was already behind on an estimated $1.5 billion in short-term commercial debt and warning of austerity before US President Donald Trump started the latest round of tightening of the decades-old US trade embargo. Aid from Venezuela, in the form of subsidized oil, had long masked the true extent of Cuba's economic problems, but it started to fall from 2015 when a drop in oil prices roiled that OPEC nation's economy. Venezuela's crude shipments to Cuba are now about half what they were four years ago, and they could soon fall further. Last month, the United States also began targeting vessels and companies that ship oil to the island from Venezuela for sanctions, threatening the energy grid and transportation. The US sanctions against its old Cold War foe are also hitting the two bright spots in the otherwise glum economy: tourism and foreign investment. Both had boomed briefly after the announcement of a Cuba-US detente in 2014. Tourism revenues dropped by 4.6% in 2018, according to official data released last month. The announcement in 2017 of tighter travel restrictions on US citizens played a role. "At one point US visits dropped more than 40 per cent," Cuban Tourism Minister Manuel Marrero told Reuters, adding he still hoped tourism would grow this year. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has activated a long-dormant law under which Cuban-Americans can sue foreign companies that profit from their properties nationalized during the first years of the 1959 Revolution. Western diplomats and businessmen have called the threat of potentially costly US court battle another clear disincentive for banks and outside investors to do business with Cuba. The United States has also threatened to further tighten restrictions on travel and to impose a cap on cash remittances to Cuba, measures that could hit the economy hard. SIEGE MENTALITY Cuba's government has said it will continue moving down the path toward reform. But it has failed to respond so far to calls from the island's entrepreneurs for basic changes such as the creation of wholesale markets for the private sector, and the right to import and export. Instead of opening the economy further, some Western diplomats and analysts say there is risk Cuba's leadership will adopt a siege mentality in the face of increased US hostility. That could mean turning to allies like Russia, Vietnam and China for help to muddle through while keeping its stranglehold on economic life. "The US sanctions could be counterproductive," said one diplomat who asked not to be identified. "Cuba has historically closed up at times like these." Cubans are not going hungry as they did during the so-called "Special Period" after the collapse of the Soviet Union. But they are increasingly connected to the rest of the world via the internet and foreign travel, and many have grown weary of government attempts to blame the US embargo for the bulk of their country's woes. "We are in total freefall," said Hidalgo's wife, Carmen Lozano, 55, clinging to her two bags of rationed chicken. "They should have allowed free production and sales from the beginning of the revolution." Inequality has risen in recent years in Cuba and many believe the economic crisis could have a more disproportionate impact now than it might have in the past. In a country where the government's claim to legitimacy rests to a large extent on ensuring a certain level of equality, the authorities seem well aware that most people lack the cash to stock up on whatever basics they need on the black market. "The government’s new rationing program is trying to address that simmering discontent by making the small quantities of goods that are in stock more widely available," said William LeoGrande, a professor of government at American University. "The government understands that discontent over the economy is their biggest political vulnerability so they will do everything they can to maintain supplies of basic goods."

Shortages plague Cuba as US sanctions sharpen economic woes

Cuban police on Saturday broke up an unauthorised pro-LGBT rights march in Havana, held as an alternative to the government-sanctioned <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cuba-suspends-gay-parade-216962">Gay Rights parade</a> that authorities cancelled earlier in the week.

To the cries of "Yes we can!" the demonstrators, several waving rainbow flags and carrying signs with slogans like "Diverse Cuba," managed to march a mere 400 meters along Havana's downtown Paseo del Prado before being dispersed by police.

The lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender activists, numbering around 100, were protesting the cancellation of the parade against homophobia organised by the government's National Center for Sexual Education (Cenesex), an office under the Ministry of Health, and held for the past ten years.

The colourful parade, or "conga," used to kick off activities educating people about homophobia and transphobia that is nevertheless taking place.

At least three protesters who refused to obey orders to leave were arrested, according to AFP journalists.

Laydel Alfonso, a 31-year-old restaurant waiter who marched with his face concealed by a silver mask and waving a rainbow flag, was upset that police had broken up the march.

"I don't believe this is right because we're doing nothing wrong," he told AFP.

In a first for Cuba, where there is tight government control, the march was organised on social media.

Cenesex is led by lawmaker Mariela Castro, the daughter of former president Raul Castro, who at the age of 87 is still the first secretary of the island's ruling Communist Party.

Earlier in the week, Cenesex announced that the official march was cancelled due to unspecified "new tensions in the international and regional context." The office urged people to respect the official calls for unity.

Cuban police on Saturday broke up an unauthorised pro-LGBT rights march in Havana, held as an alternative to the government-sanctioned Gay Rights parade that authorities cancelled earlier in the week.

Cuban police on Saturday broke up an unauthorised pro-LGBT rights march in Havana, held as an alternative to the government-sanctioned Gay Rights parade that authorities cancelled earlier in the week. To the cries of "Yes we can!" the demonstrators, several waving rainbow flags and carrying signs with slogans like "Diverse Cuba," managed to march a mere 400 meters along Havana's downtown Paseo del Prado before being dispersed by police. The lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender activists, numbering around 100, were protesting the cancellation of the parade against homophobia organised by the government's National Center for Sexual Education (Cenesex), an office under the Ministry of Health, and held for the past ten years. The colourful parade, or "conga," used to kick off activities educating people about homophobia and transphobia that is nevertheless taking place. At least three protesters who refused to obey orders to leave were arrested, according to AFP journalists. Laydel Alfonso, a 31-year-old restaurant waiter who marched with his face concealed by a silver mask and waving a rainbow flag, was upset that police had broken up the march. "I don't believe this is right because we're doing nothing wrong," he told AFP. In a first for Cuba, where there is tight government control, the march was organised on social media. Cenesex is led by lawmaker Mariela Castro, the daughter of former president Raul Castro, who at the age of 87 is still the first secretary of the island's ruling Communist Party. Earlier in the week, Cenesex announced that the official march was cancelled due to unspecified "new tensions in the international and regional context." The office urged people to respect the official calls for unity.

Cuban police break up unauthorised LGBT rights march in Havana

Cuban gay rights activists are planning to hold an unprecedented independent march against homophobia on Saturday despite several reporting they had received warnings not to attend and the Communist government saying it was an attempt at subversion.

Whether they manage to hold it could be a sign of Cubans` growing ability - or not - to mobilize for certain causes even in the face of resistance from the one-party state that has for decades tightly controlled public spaces.

The state-run National Center for Sex Education (CENESEX), headed by Mariela Castro, the daughter of Communist Party leader Raul Castro, earlier this week abruptly cancelled its 12th annual conga, which is Cuba`s equivalent of gay pride.

CENESEX said in a statement that certain groups were planning to use the event to undermine the government, emboldened by the escalation of aggression by the Trump administration against Cuba and its leftist ally Venezuela.

The United States has for decades financed often covert programs to promote democracy on the island and undermine the Communist government.

Activists who say the conga is an important and rare space to advocate for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights quickly organized an alternative event and spread the word on social media.&nbsp;

CENESEX denounced this as a 'provocation' and several activists say they received threats either anonymously on social media or from state security in person not to attend it.

The expansion of the internet in Cuba over the past year has seen increasing numbers of Cubans mobilize online over certain issues, sometimes apparently managing to influence policy.

The government, for example, postponed the full implementation of a decree clamping down on the arts after an online campaign protesting the law and stepped back on regulations governing the private sector after entrepreneurs and experts complained.

So far, however, the government has retained tight control over physical public spaces, mostly restricting marches to expressions of support for the government, like the recent Labor Day parade.

The conga in Havana was an exception that became a regular occurrence and a reminder that the government, which once sent gays to work camps in the early days of Fidel Castro`s 1959 revolution, had made considerable advances in LGBT rights in recent years.

The country guarantees rights such as free sex-change operations and forbids discrimination on the basis of sexuality, in a region where some countries still have anti-sodomy laws.

Some LGBT activists feel like the cancellation of the conga was a sign those rights are being eroded, possibly because a recent public consultation over a new constitution revealed that there was more opposition to the community than previously thought.

Many Cubans expressed their opposition to a change in the draft constitution that would have explicitly opened the door to gay marriage.

Evangelical churches, which have become increasingly vocal and have growing followings, also ran unprecedented campaigns against the change, which was eventually watered down.

Cuban gay rights activists are planning to hold an unprecedented independent march against homophobia on Saturday despite several reporting they had received warnings not to attend and the Communist government saying it was an attempt at subversion.

Cuban gay rights activists are planning to hold an unprecedented independent march against homophobia on Saturday despite several reporting they had received warnings not to attend and the Communist government saying it was an attempt at subversion. Whether they manage to hold it could be a sign of Cubans` growing ability - or not - to mobilize for certain causes even in the face of resistance from the one-party state that has for decades tightly controlled public spaces. The state-run National Center for Sex Education (CENESEX), headed by Mariela Castro, the daughter of Communist Party leader Raul Castro, earlier this week abruptly cancelled its 12th annual conga, which is Cuba`s equivalent of gay pride. CENESEX said in a statement that certain groups were planning to use the event to undermine the government, emboldened by the escalation of aggression by the Trump administration against Cuba and its leftist ally Venezuela. The United States has for decades financed often covert programs to promote democracy on the island and undermine the Communist government. Activists who say the conga is an important and rare space to advocate for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights quickly organized an alternative event and spread the word on social media. CENESEX denounced this as a 'provocation' and several activists say they received threats either anonymously on social media or from state security in person not to attend it. The expansion of the internet in Cuba over the past year has seen increasing numbers of Cubans mobilize online over certain issues, sometimes apparently managing to influence policy. The government, for example, postponed the full implementation of a decree clamping down on the arts after an online campaign protesting the law and stepped back on regulations governing the private sector after entrepreneurs and experts complained. So far, however, the government has retained tight control over physical public spaces, mostly restricting marches to expressions of support for the government, like the recent Labor Day parade. The conga in Havana was an exception that became a regular occurrence and a reminder that the government, which once sent gays to work camps in the early days of Fidel Castro`s 1959 revolution, had made considerable advances in LGBT rights in recent years. The country guarantees rights such as free sex-change operations and forbids discrimination on the basis of sexuality, in a region where some countries still have anti-sodomy laws. Some LGBT activists feel like the cancellation of the conga was a sign those rights are being eroded, possibly because a recent public consultation over a new constitution revealed that there was more opposition to the community than previously thought. Many Cubans expressed their opposition to a change in the draft constitution that would have explicitly opened the door to gay marriage. Evangelical churches, which have become increasingly vocal and have growing followings, also ran unprecedented campaigns against the change, which was eventually watered down.

Cuban LGBT activists plan alternate parade in defiance of government

Cuban authorities on Tuesday announced that the most important event of the gay community in Cuba will be suspended and will not take place this year.

Cuba suspends gay parade

Russia is stirring the ghosts of Cuba's Cold War past as it looks to re-establish its influence in the Communist-run island nation, although this time analysts say Moscow has no intention of bankrolling Havana.

Whereas once the Soviet Union and Cuba were linked by an ideological bond, now pragmatism and a shared rejection of US foreign policy are drawing them together again.

At Havana's colourful May Day parade Wednesday, Raul Castro, the first secretary of Cuba's Communist Party, received the highest distinction from the Communist Party of the Russian Federation,&nbsp;the Order of Lenin.

The former Cuba president said the prize -- first presented in 1930 by the Soviet Union -- pointed to the "historic relations" between the two countries that "have endured different scenarios and today are being reinforced and renewed."&nbsp;

This rapprochement is not new but has been consolidated by a shared opposition to sanctions imposed on Cuba by Washington, which accuses the Caribbean nation of providing military support to Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro, another Moscow ally.

"The effect of this policy is that it isolates the United States on Cuba and we're opening the door for greater Chinese and Russian presence on the island," said Ric Herrero, executive director of the Cuba Study Group, which connects Cuban-Americans advocating economic and political freedom on the island.

Relations between Havana and Washington had thawed under former president Barack Obama, but have chilled considerably since Donald Trump's administration took over.

'Lovers triangle'

The Soviet era may have been confined to history, but it hasn't been forgotten.

"In Cuba, we've always had fond memories of Russia," said 82-year-old Luis Corredera Rodriguez as he played dominos with friends on a Havana sidewalk. "They supported us in everything."

"They're friends for life," added Julio Garcia, 59, although he noted that "the Russians have changed." In effect, he said, the Cubans have become more Russian than the Russians themselves.

"They're no longer Soviet, they're capitalist like everyone."

Behind the dominos table -- Cuba's national pastime -- a parked Russian Lada is passed by a revving classic 1950s American car.

"It's almost like a lovers triangle between the US, Cuba and Russia: it's an old relationship, there's a lot of emotion here," said Scott B. MacDonald, senior associate of the Americas program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

He said the last two years have seen Cuba slide into "a new Cold War," although with a different dynamic this time.

"At the end of the Soviet Union, it was about $4 billion a year that went to prop up the Cuban economy."

That came to an end when the Soviet Union dissolved in 1990.

Now, Russia is only Cuba's third largest commercial partner, after the European Union and China.

"Russia likes the idea of warming up this relationship, but does Russia want to spend $4 billion a year to keep Cuba alive economically?" asked MacDonald.

The US may be wary of Russia sidling up to Cuba but the EU seems to have no issue with it.

The EU ambassadors in Cuba invited their Russian counterpart to their monthly meeting, where Andrei Guskov talked about the collaboration between Moscow and Havana and his desire to increase it, several participants said.

After agreeing to business deals worth $350 million in 2018, Russian investments will allow Cuba to increase its energy production by 20 per cent and renew the 14-strong fleet of the national airline, Guskov said.

'No ideological dimension'

On top of that, Russia has agreed a 38 million euro ($42 million) loan to modernise Cuba's military, $1 billion to refurbish its railway lines and agreements in civilian nuclear power and cybersecurity.

This "is part of a larger effort by Russia to destabilise the United States, rather than" a bid "to form a Soviet satellite 90 miles off the (US) shores like during the Cold War," said Herrero.

However, the friendship between the two countries today is "built on a pragmatic base, without the ideological dimension there was during the Soviet era," said Nikolai Kalashnikov, deputy director of the Institute of Latin American Studies at the Russian Academy of Sciences.

While Russia is no longer communist, socialist Cuba is driven in part by the threat it will lose its oil aid from crisis-wracked Venezuela -- itself creaking under the strain of US sanctions -- and its need for cash.

"Cuba needs to export and Russia is a market of 143 million" people, said Santiago Perez, deputy director of the Cuban Research Center for International Policy.

There may no longer be a common ideology, but there are "mutual interests."

"The relationship with Russia is crucial for us right now, and I think it's the same for them too."

Russia is stirring the ghosts of Cuba's Cold War past as it looks to re-establish its influence in the Communist-run island nation, although this time analysts say Moscow has no intention of bankrolling Havana.

Russia is stirring the ghosts of Cuba's Cold War past as it looks to re-establish its influence in the Communist-run island nation, although this time analysts say Moscow has no intention of bankrolling Havana. Whereas once the Soviet Union and Cuba were linked by an ideological bond, now pragmatism and a shared rejection of US foreign policy are drawing them together again. At Havana's colourful May Day parade Wednesday, Raul Castro, the first secretary of Cuba's Communist Party, received the highest distinction from the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, the Order of Lenin. The former Cuba president said the prize -- first presented in 1930 by the Soviet Union -- pointed to the "historic relations" between the two countries that "have endured different scenarios and today are being reinforced and renewed." This rapprochement is not new but has been consolidated by a shared opposition to sanctions imposed on Cuba by Washington, which accuses the Caribbean nation of providing military support to Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro, another Moscow ally. "The effect of this policy is that it isolates the United States on Cuba and we're opening the door for greater Chinese and Russian presence on the island," said Ric Herrero, executive director of the Cuba Study Group, which connects Cuban-Americans advocating economic and political freedom on the island. Relations between Havana and Washington had thawed under former president Barack Obama, but have chilled considerably since Donald Trump's administration took over. 'Lovers triangle' The Soviet era may have been confined to history, but it hasn't been forgotten. "In Cuba, we've always had fond memories of Russia," said 82-year-old Luis Corredera Rodriguez as he played dominos with friends on a Havana sidewalk. "They supported us in everything." "They're friends for life," added Julio Garcia, 59, although he noted that "the Russians have changed." In effect, he said, the Cubans have become more Russian than the Russians themselves. "They're no longer Soviet, they're capitalist like everyone." Behind the dominos table -- Cuba's national pastime -- a parked Russian Lada is passed by a revving classic 1950s American car. "It's almost like a lovers triangle between the US, Cuba and Russia: it's an old relationship, there's a lot of emotion here," said Scott B. MacDonald, senior associate of the Americas program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. He said the last two years have seen Cuba slide into "a new Cold War," although with a different dynamic this time. "At the end of the Soviet Union, it was about $4 billion a year that went to prop up the Cuban economy." That came to an end when the Soviet Union dissolved in 1990. Now, Russia is only Cuba's third largest commercial partner, after the European Union and China. "Russia likes the idea of warming up this relationship, but does Russia want to spend $4 billion a year to keep Cuba alive economically?" asked MacDonald. The US may be wary of Russia sidling up to Cuba but the EU seems to have no issue with it. The EU ambassadors in Cuba invited their Russian counterpart to their monthly meeting, where Andrei Guskov talked about the collaboration between Moscow and Havana and his desire to increase it, several participants said. After agreeing to business deals worth $350 million in 2018, Russian investments will allow Cuba to increase its energy production by 20 per cent and renew the 14-strong fleet of the national airline, Guskov said. 'No ideological dimension' On top of that, Russia has agreed a 38 million euro ($42 million) loan to modernise Cuba's military, $1 billion to refurbish its railway lines and agreements in civilian nuclear power and cybersecurity. This "is part of a larger effort by Russia to destabilise the United States, rather than" a bid "to form a Soviet satellite 90 miles off the (US) shores like during the Cold War," said Herrero. However, the friendship between the two countries today is "built on a pragmatic base, without the ideological dimension there was during the Soviet era," said Nikolai Kalashnikov, deputy director of the Institute of Latin American Studies at the Russian Academy of Sciences. While Russia is no longer communist, socialist Cuba is driven in part by the threat it will lose its oil aid from crisis-wracked Venezuela -- itself creaking under the strain of US sanctions -- and its need for cash. "Cuba needs to export and Russia is a market of 143 million" people, said Santiago Perez, deputy director of the Cuban Research Center for International Policy. There may no longer be a common ideology, but there are "mutual interests." "The relationship with Russia is crucial for us right now, and I think it's the same for them too."

Russia's increasing influence in Cuba stirs ghost of Cold War

President Donald Trump threatened on Tuesday to impose a "full and complete embargo" and further sanctions on Cuba if its Communist leadership does not immediately end its military support for Venezuela`s socialist president, Nicolas Maduro.

Trump issued his ultimatum to Havana in a message on Twitter as his administration threw its support behind opposition leader Juan Guaido`s strongest call yet for the military to help him oust Maduro during a day of upheaval in the South American country.

Also on Tuesday, US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Maduro had been prepared to leave the country on Tuesday morning, headed for Havana in the face of anti-government protests, but reversed his plan after Russia intervened.

"They had an airplane on the tarmac. He was ready to leave this morning, as we understand it. Russians indicated he should stay," Pompeo said in an interview with CNN.

Several dozen armed troops accompanying Guaido clashed with soldiers supporting Maduro at a rally outside the La Carlota air base in Caracas early on Tuesday, but the incident fizzled out and did not appear to be part of an immediate attempt by the opposition to take power through military force.

Trump`s threat against Cuba marked an intensification of a US&nbsp;campaign in recent weeks to pressure Cuba over its role in Venezuela, although some experts and former US&nbsp;officials say Trump and his aides have overstated Cuban involvement in the Venezuelan crisis.

"If Cuban Troops and Militia do not immediately CEASE military and other operations for the purpose of causing death and destruction to the Constitution of Venezuela, a full and complete embargo, together with highest-level sanctions, will be placed on the island of Cuba," Trump said on Twitter.

"Hopefully, all Cuban soldiers will promptly and peacefully return to their island!", Trump&nbsp;wrote.

Cuba has stood by its ally Maduro and has denied US&nbsp;accusations that it has military and intelligence operatives, which Washington estimates at 20,000 to 25,000 personnel in Venezuela propping him up.

Trump has rolled back parts of predecessor Barack Obama`s historic rapprochement with Cuba and returned to Cold War-style rhetoric.

But he has not broken off diplomatic relations, which Obama restored in 2015 after decades of enmity.

A six-decade US&nbsp;economic embargo on Cuba has also remained officially intact, even though Obama chipped away at many of the US&nbsp;trade and travel restrictions.

President Donald Trump threatened on Tuesday to impose a "full and complete embargo" and further sanctions on Cuba if its Communist leadership does not immediately end its military support for Venezuela`s socialist president, Nicolas Maduro.

President Donald Trump threatened on Tuesday to impose a "full and complete embargo" and further sanctions on Cuba if its Communist leadership does not immediately end its military support for Venezuela`s socialist president, Nicolas Maduro. Trump issued his ultimatum to Havana in a message on Twitter as his administration threw its support behind opposition leader Juan Guaido`s strongest call yet for the military to help him oust Maduro during a day of upheaval in the South American country. Also on Tuesday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Maduro had been prepared to leave the country on Tuesday morning, headed for Havana in the face of anti-government protests, but reversed his plan after Russia intervened. "They had an airplane on the tarmac. He was ready to leave this morning, as we understand it. Russians indicated he should stay," Pompeo said in an interview with CNN. Several dozen armed troops accompanying Guaido clashed with soldiers supporting Maduro at a rally outside the La Carlota air base in Caracas early on Tuesday, but the incident fizzled out and did not appear to be part of an immediate attempt by the opposition to take power through military force. Trump`s threat against Cuba marked an intensification of a US campaign in recent weeks to pressure Cuba over its role in Venezuela, although some experts and former US officials say Trump and his aides have overstated Cuban involvement in the Venezuelan crisis. "If Cuban Troops and Militia do not immediately CEASE military and other operations for the purpose of causing death and destruction to the Constitution of Venezuela, a full and complete embargo, together with highest-level sanctions, will be placed on the island of Cuba," Trump said on Twitter. "Hopefully, all Cuban soldiers will promptly and peacefully return to their island!", Trump wrote. Cuba has stood by its ally Maduro and has denied US accusations that it has military and intelligence operatives, which Washington estimates at 20,000 to 25,000 personnel in Venezuela propping him up. Trump has rolled back parts of predecessor Barack Obama`s historic rapprochement with Cuba and returned to Cold War-style rhetoric. But he has not broken off diplomatic relations, which Obama restored in 2015 after decades of enmity. A six-decade US economic embargo on Cuba has also remained officially intact, even though Obama chipped away at many of the US trade and travel restrictions.

Trump threatens 'full' embargo on Cuba over Venezuela security support

The United States announced on Friday it would replace a five-year, multiple-entry tourist visa offered to Cubans with a single-entry visa valid for just three months, to match the island nation's own visa rules for US visitors.

The move marks the latest deterioration in relations between Washington and Havana since US President Donald Trump entered office in 2017.

Washington's Deputy Chief of Mission at its embassy in Havana, Mara Tekach, said in a video published on social media that the measure was taken because "US immigration law requires that US visa fees and validity periods be reciprocal."

She said Cuba allows US tourists a single entry visa valid for up to three months.

The new US rules apply to Cubans seeking to visit the US for family visits and medical treatment as well as vacations.

The measure comes into effect on March 18 but won't affect existing visas, a Department of State official said.

Under Obama, US-Cuba relations thawed after decades of tension, with the two countries reopening embassies in each other's capitals.

But under Trump, Washington has ramped up sanctions, first applied in 1962, against Cuba's communist regime.

Trump has hit out at Cuba over its support for its socialist ally, Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro, while he also claimed last month that leftist ideologies in the region were "dying."

The US evacuated diplomatic staff and their families in 2017 after at least two dozen people suffered brain injuries that resembled concussion, but with no exterior signs of trauma.

The US accused Cuba of carrying out "health attacks" using some sort of acoustic or microwave device, a charge Havana angrily rejected.

Cuba insisted the move was "politically motivated."

Friday's announcement will make it even harder for Cubans to gain US visas: they already have to travel abroad to apply due to the lack of US consular services on the island nation.

Even so, of the two million Cubans living outside the country, most reside in the US.

The US government does not allow its citizens to travel to Cuba as tourists, likewise meaning that travelers must leave the country before applying for a visa to visit the Caribbean island.

The United States announced on Friday it would replace a five-year, multiple-entry tourist visa offered to Cubans with a single-entry visa valid for just three months, to match the island nation's own visa rules for US visitors.

The United States announced on Friday it would replace a five-year, multiple-entry tourist visa offered to Cubans with a single-entry visa valid for just three months, to match the island nation's own visa rules for US visitors. The move marks the latest deterioration in relations between Washington and Havana since US President Donald Trump entered office in 2017. Washington's Deputy Chief of Mission at its embassy in Havana, Mara Tekach, said in a video published on social media that the measure was taken because "US immigration law requires that US visa fees and validity periods be reciprocal." She said Cuba allows US tourists a single entry visa valid for up to three months. The new US rules apply to Cubans seeking to visit the US for family visits and medical treatment as well as vacations. The measure comes into effect on March 18 but won't affect existing visas, a Department of State official said. Under Obama, US-Cuba relations thawed after decades of tension, with the two countries reopening embassies in each other's capitals. But under Trump, Washington has ramped up sanctions, first applied in 1962, against Cuba's communist regime. Trump has hit out at Cuba over its support for its socialist ally, Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro, while he also claimed last month that leftist ideologies in the region were "dying." The US evacuated diplomatic staff and their families in 2017 after at least two dozen people suffered brain injuries that resembled concussion, but with no exterior signs of trauma. The US accused Cuba of carrying out "health attacks" using some sort of acoustic or microwave device, a charge Havana angrily rejected. Cuba insisted the move was "politically motivated." Friday's announcement will make it even harder for Cubans to gain US visas: they already have to travel abroad to apply due to the lack of US consular services on the island nation. Even so, of the two million Cubans living outside the country, most reside in the US. The US government does not allow its citizens to travel to Cuba as tourists, likewise meaning that travelers must leave the country before applying for a visa to visit the Caribbean island.

US slashes visa duration for Cubans in 'reciprocal' move

Cubans began voting in a referendum on a new constitution Sunday with the backdrop of mounting pressure from the United States and continued support for the socialist regime of Venezuela.

"We Cubans are voting for our new constitution, we're voting for Latin America and the Caribbean," said President Miguel Diaz-Canel said when placing his vote.

"We're also voting for Venezuela, we're defending Venezuela because in Venezuela the continent's dignity is in play."

More than eight million Cubans are registered to vote in a referendum the government has turned into a plebiscite on the "irrevocable" role of socialism in the island nation.

Some 25,000 electoral colleges opened their doors at 7:00 am on a calm day. Results are expected on Monday afternoon.

Diaz-Canel hit out at the presidents of Colombia, Chile and Paraguay for joining Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido Saturday when he led an attempt to force humanitarian aid across the Colombian border into Venezuela.

"A group of presidents on the Colombian border, they look like clowns," said Diaz-Canel.

Cuba has been trying to galvanize international support for its ally and against "United States military aggression."

Maduro claims the humanitarian aid, mostly supplied by Washington, is a smokescreen for a US invasion.

"Today we're going to have a victory that is ours, that is Latin America's and Caribbean's and also a victory for Venezuela, important support for Venezuela," said Diaz-Canel.

Cuba's vote comes after the latest attack on socialism by US President Donald Trump, who last week said socialist ideology is "dying."

But analyst Carlos Alzugaray told AFP that Trump's words served only to boost those voting in favour of the new constitution, which reiterates the central role of socialism and communism in the country.

"Many people, seeing his quotes, will vote yes because they want to defend their independence against the US threat," said Alzugaray.

The new constitution, replacing the 1976 version, recognizes a limited role for the free market and private investment, but only under the control of the Communist Party.

It enshrines socialism as the country's only ideology, something that has been criticized by the Catholic church.

Cuba's banned opposition, which normally calls for the abstention at elections or spoiling of ballot sheets, has this time campaigned for a no vote.

"It is obvious that this goes beyond a no to a constitution, it's a no to a regime which aims to perpetuate itself in power," dissident Jose Daniel Ferrer told AFP.

The referendum contains only two options: yes or no to the new constitution.

"Two options, one which favours the regime and the other which represents the only opportunity the people have had in years to say no," added Ferrer.

Cubans began voting in a referendum on a new constitution Sunday with the backdrop of mounting pressure from the United States and continued support for the socialist regime of Venezuela.

Cubans began voting in a referendum on a new constitution Sunday with the backdrop of mounting pressure from the United States and continued support for the socialist regime of Venezuela. "We Cubans are voting for our new constitution, we're voting for Latin America and the Caribbean," said President Miguel Diaz-Canel said when placing his vote. "We're also voting for Venezuela, we're defending Venezuela because in Venezuela the continent's dignity is in play." More than eight million Cubans are registered to vote in a referendum the government has turned into a plebiscite on the "irrevocable" role of socialism in the island nation. Some 25,000 electoral colleges opened their doors at 7:00 am on a calm day. Results are expected on Monday afternoon. Diaz-Canel hit out at the presidents of Colombia, Chile and Paraguay for joining Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido Saturday when he led an attempt to force humanitarian aid across the Colombian border into Venezuela. "A group of presidents on the Colombian border, they look like clowns," said Diaz-Canel. Cuba has been trying to galvanize international support for its ally and against "United States military aggression." Maduro claims the humanitarian aid, mostly supplied by Washington, is a smokescreen for a US invasion. "Today we're going to have a victory that is ours, that is Latin America's and Caribbean's and also a victory for Venezuela, important support for Venezuela," said Diaz-Canel. Cuba's vote comes after the latest attack on socialism by US President Donald Trump, who last week said socialist ideology is "dying." But analyst Carlos Alzugaray told AFP that Trump's words served only to boost those voting in favour of the new constitution, which reiterates the central role of socialism and communism in the country. "Many people, seeing his quotes, will vote yes because they want to defend their independence against the US threat," said Alzugaray. The new constitution, replacing the 1976 version, recognizes a limited role for the free market and private investment, but only under the control of the Communist Party. It enshrines socialism as the country's only ideology, something that has been criticized by the Catholic church. Cuba's banned opposition, which normally calls for the abstention at elections or spoiling of ballot sheets, has this time campaigned for a no vote. "It is obvious that this goes beyond a no to a constitution, it's a no to a regime which aims to perpetuate itself in power," dissident Jose Daniel Ferrer told AFP. The referendum contains only two options: yes or no to the new constitution. "Two options, one which favours the regime and the other which represents the only opportunity the people have had in years to say no," added Ferrer.

Cuba votes in referendum on new constitution

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