According to Cuba's foreign ministry, police have discovered a human trafficking ring that has forced Cuban people to fight for Russia in the conflict in Ukraine. They are now attempting to "neutralize and dismantle" the network. In a brief statement released on Monday, the ministry highlighted that the trafficking organization was active both in Russia and the Caribbean island nation.

Cuba uncovers network trafficking Cubans to fight for Russia in Ukraine

Brazil wishes to re-establish its trade and political ties with Cuba, said a top foreign aide to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Friday (August 18), after a meeting with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel in Havana.&nbsp;

"We want to make the relationship between Brazil and Cuba one of great friendships," Lula's adviser Celso Amorim said during the trip to Havana.

"That will contribute to peace in our region, and that's the greatest goal of diplomacy, alongside economic growth," said Amorim, who previously served as foreign minister under both Lula and former President Itamar Franco.

He also said that health expert groups and representatives from Brazil's agricultural sector will soon travel to Cuba.&nbsp;

The relations between Brazil and Cuba were strong during Lula's leftist Workers Party's regime, which was between the years 2003 and 2016. The ties were strained when far-right former President Jair Bolsonaro came to power.

In 2019, which was the first year of Bolsonaro's administration, for the very first time Brazil had voted against an annual United Nations resolution where it denounced and called for an end to the US economic embargo on Communist-ruled Cuba.

However, after Lula resumed office in January this year to serve his third non-consecutive term, Latin America's largest economy has been looking to once again bolster its ties with the Caribbean island nation. &nbsp;

Cuba played a significant role in Brazil's "More Doctors" which was an initiative taken by the government that recruited foreign doctors to work primarily in remote areas of the country.

Bolsonaro was a critic of the program and ended it when he came to power, a decision that led to tension with the Cuban government.

Lula and Diaz-Canel had already held talks in June in Paris, in a meeting the Cuban leader described as "fraternal."

(With inputs from the agencies) 
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Brazil wishes to re-establish its trade and political ties with Cuba, said a top foreign aide to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Friday (August 18), after a meeting with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel in Havana.

Brazil wishes to re-establish its trade and political ties with Cuba, said a top foreign aide to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Friday (August 18), after a meeting with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel in Havana. "We want to make the relationship between Brazil and Cuba one of great friendships," Lula's adviser Celso Amorim said during the trip to Havana. "That will contribute to peace in our region, and that's the greatest goal of diplomacy, alongside economic growth," said Amorim, who previously served as foreign minister under both Lula and former President Itamar Franco. He also said that health expert groups and representatives from Brazil's agricultural sector will soon travel to Cuba. The relations between Brazil and Cuba were strong during Lula's leftist Workers Party's regime, which was between the years 2003 and 2016. The ties were strained when far-right former President Jair Bolsonaro came to power. In 2019, which was the first year of Bolsonaro's administration, for the very first time Brazil had voted against an annual United Nations resolution where it denounced and called for an end to the US economic embargo on Communist-ruled Cuba. However, after Lula resumed office in January this year to serve his third non-consecutive term, Latin America's largest economy has been looking to once again bolster its ties with the Caribbean island nation. Cuba played a significant role in Brazil's "More Doctors" which was an initiative taken by the government that recruited foreign doctors to work primarily in remote areas of the country. Bolsonaro was a critic of the program and ended it when he came to power, a decision that led to tension with the Cuban government. Lula and Diaz-Canel had already held talks in June in Paris, in a meeting the Cuban leader described as "fraternal." (With inputs from the agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Brazil intends to restore trade and political ties with Cuba

Cigars have been a strong part of our popular culture. There is a certain mystique associated with cigars. An image that has rubbed off on Cuba as well. But now Cuba has been dethroned as the cigar capital of the world. Both in terms of sheer numbers, and also in terms of manufacturing the finest quality cigars. Cuba has now been left behind by its near neighbour the Dominican Republic. Mohammed Saleh gets you the details.

Gravitas: Why is Cuba no longer the King of Cigars?

Cuba, once known for some of the finest cigars across the world, may have been overtaken by its near neighbour, the Dominican Republic. This was after the world’s largest cigar producer, the Dominican Republic, during the COVID-19 pandemic crossed the $1 billion mark in revenues.&nbsp;

<h2>The revenue</h2>

Earlier this year, Habanos SA – the Havana-based business that oversees all Cuban cigar sales – saw a two per cent rise in revenue when compared to the previous recording-breaking sale in 2021.

In 2022, Cuban cigar maker Habanos reported sales of $545 million following the COVID-19 pandemic and the havoc caused by a major hurricane.

However, in 2021, it posted a 15 per cent rise in revenue with $507 million. Meanwhile, the Dominican Republic, which was expected to surpass the $1 billion mark nearly three years ago, has since reportedly crossed that threshold.&nbsp;

Even today, a report by the British weekly magazine, The Spectator, says that the exports are still growing, making cigars the country’s fifth-largest export after gold, electrical products, textiles and medical equipment.&nbsp;

<h2>What is driving this rise?</h2>

While Cuba’s hand-rolled cigars, which include brands such as Cohiba, Montecristo and Partagas, are considered by many the best in the world, the Dominican Republic’s success has mostly been driven by a significant increase in the production of machine-made cigars.

According to the British media report, the Dominican Republic is now home to more than 50 factories in the country employing more than 120,000 people. However, the Caribbean nation also leads the ‘luxury’, hand-made cigars which once helped Cuba’s Santiago achieve the title of ‘cigar capital of the world’.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Cigar boom’ of 1990s&nbsp;</h2>

It is also worth noting that the Dominican Republic’s billion-dollar success did not take place overnight as the country has been slowly inching towards the title since the so-called ‘cigar boom’ of the early 1990s.&nbsp;

During this time, a series of events took place which drove the Caribbean nation to its world’s largest cigar producer title. An 18-year-old named Eduardo León Jimenes started the country’s oldest factory, La Aurora, which has recently become the biggest commercial organisation, in the Dominican Republic. La Aurora prides itself on its ‘perfecto’ cigars and only 100 are made per day.&nbsp;

While the factory has played a significant role, the Dominican Republic’s cigar-producing boom would have been less likely if it weren’t for the revolution in Cuba.&nbsp;

Notably, Cuba at the time was the world’s leading cigar exporter which led to the industry’s nationalisation. This reportedly prompted many top growers in the country to shift their operations to a less restrictive Dominican Republic.&nbsp;

Not to mention an American ban on all Cuban imports. Even today Cuban cigars still can’t be legally sold in the United States which is the world’s biggest market for cigar sales. In global comparison, most revenue in cigars is generated in the US, amounting to a whopping $22 billion, as of 2023, according to Statista.&nbsp;

The Dominican Republic’s lead over Cuba has also been driven by the decades of global shortage in cigars while Havana has suffered a combination of natural disasters and the loss of veteran rollers, who have either died or retired, according to the British media report.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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Cuba, once known for some of the finest cigars across the world, may have been overtaken by its near neighbour, the Dominican Republic. This was after the world’s largest cigar producer, the Dominican Republic, during the COVID-19 pandemic crossed the $1 billion mark in revenues.

Cuba, once known for some of the finest cigars across the world, may have been overtaken by its near neighbour, the Dominican Republic. This was after the world’s largest cigar producer, the Dominican Republic, during the COVID-19 pandemic crossed the $1 billion mark in revenues. The revenue Earlier this year, Habanos SA – the Havana-based business that oversees all Cuban cigar sales – saw a two per cent rise in revenue when compared to the previous recording-breaking sale in 2021. In 2022, Cuban cigar maker Habanos reported sales of $545 million following the COVID-19 pandemic and the havoc caused by a major hurricane. However, in 2021, it posted a 15 per cent rise in revenue with $507 million. Meanwhile, the Dominican Republic, which was expected to surpass the $1 billion mark nearly three years ago, has since reportedly crossed that threshold. Even today, a report by the British weekly magazine, The Spectator, says that the exports are still growing, making cigars the country’s fifth-largest export after gold, electrical products, textiles and medical equipment. What is driving this rise? While Cuba’s hand-rolled cigars, which include brands such as Cohiba, Montecristo and Partagas, are considered by many the best in the world, the Dominican Republic’s success has mostly been driven by a significant increase in the production of machine-made cigars. According to the British media report, the Dominican Republic is now home to more than 50 factories in the country employing more than 120,000 people. However, the Caribbean nation also leads the ‘luxury’, hand-made cigars which once helped Cuba’s Santiago achieve the title of ‘cigar capital of the world’. ‘Cigar boom’ of 1990s It is also worth noting that the Dominican Republic’s billion-dollar success did not take place overnight as the country has been slowly inching towards the title since the so-called ‘cigar boom’ of the early 1990s. During this time, a series of events took place which drove the Caribbean nation to its world’s largest cigar producer title. An 18-year-old named Eduardo León Jimenes started the country’s oldest factory, La Aurora, which has recently become the biggest commercial organisation, in the Dominican Republic. La Aurora prides itself on its ‘perfecto’ cigars and only 100 are made per day. While the factory has played a significant role, the Dominican Republic’s cigar-producing boom would have been less likely if it weren’t for the revolution in Cuba. Notably, Cuba at the time was the world’s leading cigar exporter which led to the industry’s nationalisation. This reportedly prompted many top growers in the country to shift their operations to a less restrictive Dominican Republic. Not to mention an American ban on all Cuban imports. Even today Cuban cigars still can’t be legally sold in the United States which is the world’s biggest market for cigar sales. In global comparison, most revenue in cigars is generated in the US, amounting to a whopping $22 billion, as of 2023, according to Statista. The Dominican Republic’s lead over Cuba has also been driven by the decades of global shortage in cigars while Havana has suffered a combination of natural disasters and the loss of veteran rollers, who have either died or retired, according to the British media report. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Cuba overthrown as cigar capital of the world by this country: Here’s how

Among the classic cars, mopeds, and rickshaws which Cubans use to get around the capital city of Havana, a new kind of ride is hitting the streets, bamboo bicycles made by a local workshop. Velo Cuba, a bike shop and tour company produces lightweight, eco-friendly transportation options.

Eco-friendly bamboo bikes hit the streets in Cuba

Law enforcement agencies from five countries disrupted an intercontinental criminal network involved in smuggling migrants from Cuba to the European Union, said Europol, in a statement, on Monday (July 24). The investigation coordinated by Europol and Interpol also led to the arrest of 62 people, out of which 25 were Cuban nationals.

<h2>About the operation</h2>

The operation was conducted by Germany’s Bundespolizei (Federal Police); Hellenic Police and Coast Guard (Greece); Interior Ministry of North Macedonia; Policía Nacional (Spain); and Serbian Interior Ministry and Criminal Police Directorate, Service for Combating Organized Crime.&nbsp;

The investigation began back in October 2021 when the Serbian, Greek, North Macedonian and Finnish authorities reported a rise in the number of Cuban citizens trying to enter Europe with “falsified documentation”. In January 2023, multiple European agencies, including Europol, issued a joint intelligence notification on the trend.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-hosts-migration-conference-as-pm-meloni-eu-hope-to-extend-tunisia-deal-to-other-nations-618682">Italy hosts migration conference as PM Meloni, EU hope to extend Tunisia deal to other nations</a>

The investigation revealed a “complex criminal infrastructure” which was set up in Spain, Greece and Serbia. The operation also led to the seizure of 18 pieces of real estate, 33 vehicles and 144 bank accounts, alongside vast sums of cash in various currencies, said Europol.&nbsp;

Law enforcement agencies believe that the criminal network has successfully smuggled around 5,000 Cuban nationals into the EU and generated a profit of $49 million (45 million euros).&nbsp;

<h2>Modus operandi of smugglers</h2>

According to the European intelligence agency, the alleged smugglers used a “well-known messaging application”, which was not named, to advertise their “illicit services” to Cubans in vulnerable situations. The members of the migrant smuggling network would charge $9,969 (9,000 euros) and organise the trip, and transfers, and provide false documentation, said Europol.&nbsp;

The European agencies in their notification, issued earlier this year, also noted the effect of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on the criminal network’s operations.&nbsp;

Previously, Cuban nationals would fly to Russia on commercial flights and from there they could either cross the Finnish-Russian border to enter the EU or fly to Serbia and travel through central or southern Europe.&nbsp;

However, since the conflict began back in February 2022, Cuban nationals have been flown to Serbia via Germany and upon their arrival in Belgrade the smugglers would facilitate their “irregular entry” into North Macedonia and Greece by land.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-willfully-ignoring-deaths-of-nearly-300-children-this-year-trying-to-cross-mediterranean-un-615785">Nearly 300 children died this year trying to cross Mediterranean Sea: UN</a>

Once the migrants reached Greece they would either apply for asylum or travel to other EU countries organised by the criminal network, like flights to Spain or sea transport to Italy. They would also provide forged documents to travel within the EU.

<h2>Risks of the journey</h2>

According to the European intelligence agency, during land journeys smugglers would direct large groups of migrants and make them walk in the dark without supplies for hours.&nbsp;

“In addition to these arduous conditions, the criminals would take advantage of the most vulnerable migrants, including minors, and subject them to scams, robberies, and extortion,” said Europol, in a statement. &nbsp;

It added, “In some cases, women were transferred to other criminal groups for sexual exploitation.” 
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Law enforcement agencies from five countries disrupted an intercontinental criminal network involved in smuggling migrants from Cuba to the European Union, said Europol, in a statement, on Monday (July 24).

Law enforcement agencies from five countries disrupted an intercontinental criminal network involved in smuggling migrants from Cuba to the European Union, said Europol, in a statement, on Monday (July 24). The investigation coordinated by Europol and Interpol also led to the arrest of 62 people, out of which 25 were Cuban nationals. About the operation The operation was conducted by Germany’s Bundespolizei (Federal Police); Hellenic Police and Coast Guard (Greece); Interior Ministry of North Macedonia; Policía Nacional (Spain); and Serbian Interior Ministry and Criminal Police Directorate, Service for Combating Organized Crime. The investigation began back in October 2021 when the Serbian, Greek, North Macedonian and Finnish authorities reported a rise in the number of Cuban citizens trying to enter Europe with “falsified documentation”. In January 2023, multiple European agencies, including Europol, issued a joint intelligence notification on the trend. ALSO READ | Italy hosts migration conference as PM Meloni, EU hope to extend Tunisia deal to other nations The investigation revealed a “complex criminal infrastructure” which was set up in Spain, Greece and Serbia. The operation also led to the seizure of 18 pieces of real estate, 33 vehicles and 144 bank accounts, alongside vast sums of cash in various currencies, said Europol. Law enforcement agencies believe that the criminal network has successfully smuggled around 5,000 Cuban nationals into the EU and generated a profit of $49 million (45 million euros). Modus operandi of smugglers According to the European intelligence agency, the alleged smugglers used a “well-known messaging application”, which was not named, to advertise their “illicit services” to Cubans in vulnerable situations. The members of the migrant smuggling network would charge $9,969 (9,000 euros) and organise the trip, and transfers, and provide false documentation, said Europol. The European agencies in their notification, issued earlier this year, also noted the effect of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on the criminal network’s operations. Previously, Cuban nationals would fly to Russia on commercial flights and from there they could either cross the Finnish-Russian border to enter the EU or fly to Serbia and travel through central or southern Europe. However, since the conflict began back in February 2022, Cuban nationals have been flown to Serbia via Germany and upon their arrival in Belgrade the smugglers would facilitate their “irregular entry” into North Macedonia and Greece by land. ALSO READ | Nearly 300 children died this year trying to cross Mediterranean Sea: UN Once the migrants reached Greece they would either apply for asylum or travel to other EU countries organised by the criminal network, like flights to Spain or sea transport to Italy. They would also provide forged documents to travel within the EU. Risks of the journey According to the European intelligence agency, during land journeys smugglers would direct large groups of migrants and make them walk in the dark without supplies for hours. “In addition to these arduous conditions, the criminals would take advantage of the most vulnerable migrants, including minors, and subject them to scams, robberies, and extortion,” said Europol, in a statement. It added, “In some cases, women were transferred to other criminal groups for sexual exploitation.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

62 alleged migrant smugglers arrested in Europol-Interpol human trafficking crackdown

Fionnuala Ní Aoláin, the first UN special rapporteur granted access to Cuba's Guantanamo Bay detention facility has called on the US government to provide rehabilitation treatment to the men it detained in the aftermath of 9/11.

Fionnuala Ní Aoláin, the first UN special rapporteur granted access to Cuba's Guantanamo Bay detention facility has called on the US government to provide rehabilitation treatment to the men it detained in the aftermath of 9/11. In an interview with The Guardian, Ní Aoláin said the US, which operated the inhumane facility, had the responsibility to redress the harms it inflicted on its Muslim torture victims. He said the Biden administration needs to repair the detainees' severe physical and psychological injuries and meet commitments under the international law. She said existing medical treatment was inefficient to deal with multiple problems such as traumatic brain injuries, permanent disabilities, sleep disorders, flashbacks and untreated post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). “These men are all survivors of torture, a unique crime under international law, and in urgent need of care," she told the publication. “Torture breaks a person, it is intended to render them helpless and powerless so that they cease to function psychologically, and in my conversations both with current and former detainees I observed the harms it caused.” Ní Aoláin said the failure of the US authorities to provide medical care had a cruel, inhuman and other long-term impact on the prisoners. “Without exception, each individual I met exhibits medical conditions relating to the physical harm they experienced from rendition and torture, or profound psychological distress such as anxiety, depression, extreme trauma and suicidal ideation,” she added. “The US has some of the best torture treatment facilities and capability in the world, it exports it to others. But regrettably that hasn’t been used for the men currently detained at Guantánamo, and not a single man who has been released from the detention facility has had adequate rehabilitation.” Also watch | 20 years since the opening of Guantanamo Bay, the infamous US prison × Sorry details emerge from the report Notably, it was in February that Ní Aoláin was granted access to the detention centre where 30 men are still held today. Based on her four-day visit, she filed a comprehensive 23-page report and submitted it to the UN Human Rights Council. In the report, Ní Aoláin emphasised that while the 2001 attacks were indeed crimes against humanity, the subsequent use of torture and rendition by the US against alleged perpetrators and their associates constituted a grave breach of international human rights law Also read | First UN investigator at US detention facility Guantanamo exposes cruel treatment of detainees The report says that in every meeting the UN Special Rapporteur (SR) held with a detainee or a former detainee, she was told "with great regret" that she had arrived "too late" while referring to the systemic torture, "cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment inflicted over time". "The US government is under a continued obligation to ensure accountability, make full reparation for the injuries caused, and offer appropriate guarantees of non-repetition for violations committed post-9/ 11," the UN report said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Treat men tortured at Guantanamo, first UN investigator to detention facility tells US

Ageing and dilapidated infrastructure has led to intense water shortage in Havana, the capital of Cuba. Cubans are already going through a tough period -- waning tourism, the aftermath of the pandemic, US sanctions and one of the worst economic crises in the nation's history. but now, with something as essential as drinking water becoming inaccessible, tensions run high on the streets of the Cuban capital.

Drinking water shortage brings Havana's tense citizens to the street | WION Climate Tracker

China and Cuba are negotiating to establish a new joint military training facility on the island, sparking alarm in Washington that it could lead to the stationing of Chinese troops and other security and intelligence operations just 100 miles off Florida's coast, according to reports.

China plans a new training facility in Cuba: Report

Beijing has refuted a report by Wall Street Journal that claimed China and Cuba are negotiating to establish a new joint military training facility on the island located in United States' backyard. This had sparked concerns in the oval office.

Reports: Talks on China's military facility in Cuba underway

The key question is whether the United States is facing a local crisis as a result of Thursday's meeting between Cuban counterpart Miguel Dias Canal and Iranian President Brian Rice in Havana. Bryce's visit coincides with Cuba's efforts to strengthen ties with important but far-off allies like Russia and China.

Iranian President Raisi meets Cuban counterpart Miguel Diaz-Canel

China is Cuba's largest trading partner. The reported deal may be more of the same: "This is basically Chinese pay-to-play," one analyst told the Wall Street Journal. "China gives money to Cuba it desperately needs, and China gets access to the listening facility."

The China-Cuba connection, explained

Russia, China and Iran are in America's backyard. The three adversaries of the United States of America are cozying up with Havana. First there was a controversy over alleged Chinese spy base in Cuba and now the Iranian President has visited Cuba and both the leaders have vowed to confront quote-unquote 'Yankee imperialism'.

Cuba bolstering ties with Russia & China | WION Newspoint

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has met with Cuban leader Miguel Diaz-Canel in Havana. Both leaders have vowed to jointly confront the "aggressive imperial policy" of the United States, which has sanctions in place against both countries.

Iranian President Raisi meets Cuban counterpart Diaz, vow to confront US policy

Iran, Cuba vow to confront US 'aggressive imperial policy'

China has been spying on the United States from a base in Cuba, a Biden administration official said on Saturday, claiming that “this is an issue that this administration inherited.”

China using secret base in Cuba to spy on U.S., Biden admin official confirms

China has reached a secret deal with Cuba to establish an electronic eavesdropping facility on the island roughly 100 miles from Florida, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, citing U.S. officials familiar with classified intelligence. Such a facility would allow Beijing to gather electronic communications from the southeastern United States, which houses many U.S. military bases, as well as monitor ship traffic, the newspaper reported. With this, Cuba entered the power tussle between U.S. and China. Is the new cold war in the making?

Cuba enters the US-China power tussle

China has reached reportedly a secret deal with Cuba, under the deal China would be allowed to install an electronic eavesdropping facility on the island nation. This has surely become a matter for Washington.

China paying billions of dollars to Cuba for electronic spy facility: Report | World News | WION

The White House and Cuba independently&nbsp;rejected a media report that said that China was planning to build a spy base on the island nation just 90 miles away from the continental USA. The initial report, published by&nbsp;The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), said that China and Cuba had entered into a secret agreement that would let Beijing set up an electronic eavesdropping facility in Cuba. This, said the report, would enable China to monitor communications across the southeastern United States. The WSJ report further said that China had paid "several billion dollars" to Cuba for this.

However, White House national security spokesman John Kirby has denied the story.

"I've seen that press report. It's not accurate," Kirby told MSNBC.&nbsp;

"What I can tell you is that we have been concerned since day one of this administration about China's influence activities around the world, certainly in this hemisphere and in this region," Kirby said.&nbsp;

"We are watching this very closely," he added.

Watch | China paying billions of dollars to Cuba for electronic spy facility: Report | World News | WION

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Additionally, Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder also called the Journal report inaccurate.

"We are not aware of China and Cuba developing any type of spy station," Ryder said, adding: "The relationship that those two countries share is something that we continuously monitor."

<h2>Cuba also denies report</h2>

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Cuba's Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio addressed a press conference in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Havana and denied that there were any plans underway for building a Chinese spy base on its territory.&nbsp;

He said Cuba rejects all foreign military presence in Latin America, "including the many US bases and troops."

"Slander of this kind is often fabricated by US officials," he added.

<h2>US lawmakers raise alarm</h2>

The WSJ report, however, has led several US lawmakers to raise alarm.

Democratic Senator Mark Warner and Republican Marco Rubio, who head the Senate Intelligence Committee said that they were "deeply disturbed" by the WSJ report.

"The United States must respond to China's ongoing and brazen attacks on our nation's security," they said.

"We must be clear that it would be unacceptable for China to establish an intelligence facility within 100 miles (160 kilometres) of Florida and the United States."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senate-panel-passes-legislation-to-strip-china-of-developing-status-602509">US Senate panel passes legislation to strip China of 'developing' status</a>

<h2>Strained relations</h2>

The report in the Wall Street Journal has come amid strains in relations between the US and China. There has been friction between the countries over a number of issues, including Taiwan. China considers Taiwan as its own territory and has not ruled out use of force to someday capture the island. The US is among the biggest backers of Taiwan and carries out navigation exercises in Taiwan Strait.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The White House and Cuba independently rejected a media report that said that China was planning to build a spy base on the island nation just 90 miles away from the continental USA.

The White House and Cuba independently rejected a media report that said that China was planning to build a spy base on the island nation just 90 miles away from the continental USA. The initial report, published by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), said that China and Cuba had entered into a secret agreement that would let Beijing set up an electronic eavesdropping facility in Cuba. This, said the report, would enable China to monitor communications across the southeastern United States. The WSJ report further said that China had paid "several billion dollars" to Cuba for this. However, White House national security spokesman John Kirby has denied the story. "I've seen that press report. It's not accurate," Kirby told MSNBC. "What I can tell you is that we have been concerned since day one of this administration about China's influence activities around the world, certainly in this hemisphere and in this region," Kirby said. "We are watching this very closely," he added. Watch | China paying billions of dollars to Cuba for electronic spy facility: Report | World News | WION × Additionally, Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder also called the Journal report inaccurate. "We are not aware of China and Cuba developing any type of spy station," Ryder said, adding: "The relationship that those two countries share is something that we continuously monitor." Cuba also denies report Cuba's Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio addressed a press conference in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Havana and denied that there were any plans underway for building a Chinese spy base on its territory. He said Cuba rejects all foreign military presence in Latin America, "including the many US bases and troops." "Slander of this kind is often fabricated by US officials," he added. US lawmakers raise alarm The WSJ report, however, has led several US lawmakers to raise alarm. Democratic Senator Mark Warner and Republican Marco Rubio, who head the Senate Intelligence Committee said that they were "deeply disturbed" by the WSJ report. "The United States must respond to China's ongoing and brazen attacks on our nation's security," they said. "We must be clear that it would be unacceptable for China to establish an intelligence facility within 100 miles (160 kilometres) of Florida and the United States." Also Read | US Senate panel passes legislation to strip China of 'developing' status Strained relations The report in the Wall Street Journal has come amid strains in relations between the US and China. There has been friction between the countries over a number of issues, including Taiwan. China considers Taiwan as its own territory and has not ruled out use of force to someday capture the island. The US is among the biggest backers of Taiwan and carries out navigation exercises in Taiwan Strait. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

White House, Cuba reject report of China building spy base on the island

China eavesdropping facility in Cuba, says report | Cuba declines to comment on report | WION

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi will travel to Nicaragua, Cuba, and Venezuela this weekend, according to state media. Raising Iran's "level of economic, political, and scientific cooperation" with the three US-designated Latin American countries is the goal of Raisi's tour of "friendly countries," according to the Iranian state news agency IRNA, which starts on Sunday.

Iran's President Raisi set to visit Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all latest news and top headlines from all across the globe - Tensions high in West Bank amid Ramadan, huge fire in Indiana, Cuba allows dollar deposits, new weather record in Arizona, dead stingray wash ashore on a beach.

Tensions high in West Bank amid Ramadan; Huge fire in Indiana | WION Speed News

Cuban firefighters worked to extinguish a large-scale forest fire east of the island. The blaze, which began on Feb 18, caused extensive damage to forest plantations.

Cuban firefighters combat raging forest fire I WION Shorts

A major wildfire in Cuba's Holguin province has been inching closer to a national park, threatening hundreds of residents in its path.

Cuba wildfire approaches national park

Elian Gonzalez, 29, is set to become a lawmaker in Cuba this week. On Monday (February 6), state newspaper Granma released the list of 470 candidates running for a spot in the upcoming session of the National Assembly of People's Power which includes Gonzalez, a report by news agency AFP on Wednesday (February 8) said.

Elian Gonzalez, 29, is set to become a lawmaker in Cuba this week. On Monday (February 6), state newspaper Granma released the list of 470 candidates running for a spot in the upcoming session of the National Assembly of People's Power which includes Gonzalez, a report by news agency AFP on Wednesday (February 8) said. Seen by many people as the youth candidate, Gonzalez is running for Parliament to represent Cardenas city, which is 135 kilometres east of the capital Havana. Being a part of the National Assembly would be the highest profile position for the 29-year-old since the agonising custody battle between his father and relatives in Miami that led to his return to the communist-run island in 2000, according to a report by CNN on Tuesday. Who is Elian Gonzalez? Gonzalez, who is currently working as an executive in a public company, first gained international notoriety back in 1999 on Thanksgiving Day when fishermen rescued him, then aged five, from a flimsy boat floating between Cuba and Florida after his mother and 10 others had died while trying to reach the United States. After his rescue, a dramatic and widely watched dispute ensued. A few relatives of Gonzalez argued that he belonged to Miami, while his father Juan Miguel, fought to bring his son back to Cuba. The dispute became a global flashpoint and provoked fascination within the two countries- sparking a debate over the immigration policy in the United States and mass protests in Cuba calling for Gonzalez's return, the AFP report on Wednesday said. Gonzalez put in custody of his father; relatives raided in Miami American immigration officials decided to place Gonzalez in his father's custody which was refused by the boy's family in Miami. In 2000, armed US federal agents raided the home of the boy's relatives in Miami to retrieve him and send him back to live with his father in Cuba. What has happened since his return to Cuba? Gonzalez's return to Cuba was celebrated with fervour by the government. For years to follow, he was surrounded by bodyguards, the CNN report on Tuesday said, adding his father was appointed to the National Assembly but later stepped down without an official explanation. Since his return, Elian Gonzalez has taken on a visible position in pro-revolution politics in Cuba. The 29-year-old also said that he has plans to reconnect with his relatives in Miami. "We have been separated by laws, by the embargo, by the sea. We don't have to continue to separate ourselves as a family," he told CNN in 2017 but pointed out he planned to continue vocally supporting the government that brought him home. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Who is Elian Gonzalez? The 29-year-old running for Cuba's parliament

The US declared to send a delegation to Cuba in the upcoming week to revive discussions between the two administrations over law enforcement problems.&nbsp;

The United States delegation will discuss bilateral interest in international law enforcement and more cooperation from both sides, according to the US State Department. "It is an opportunity for the US to protect its citizens and bring transnational criminals to justice," the US State Department stated. 
&nbsp; 
The trip is the most recent action by US President Joe Biden's administration to improve ties with the Caribbean country, as it deals with a severe financial crisis and unprecedented emigration.

Also Read|&nbsp;<a href="www.wionews.com/world/us-lawmaker-strongly-objects-to-f-16-sale-to-turkiye-552499">US lawmaker strongly objects to F-16 sale to Turkiye</a>

The Cold War of the 1960s between the Western democracies and left-inclined nations backed by the former Soviet Union left a stain on US-Cuba relations after the Caribbean nation sacked Fulgencio Batista, the US-backed leader in 1959.&nbsp;

Following the strenuous events, former President John F Kennedy declared an absolute economic sanction against Cuba in February 1962, which still prevails.&nbsp;

However, under President Barack Obama, tensions eased for a while between the two nations. He became the first US President in 88 years to visit Cuba. Later, the two nations opened their embassies.&nbsp;

Watch|&nbsp;Climate Activists Greta Thunberg backs anti-coal demonstration in Germany

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In 2015, the US removed Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism. But under Obama's successor and Republican President Donald Trump, the country made it back on the list, and Trump imposed the restrictions again.

The recent US delegation to Cuba will include US Departments of State, Justice, and Homeland Security members. They plan to examine the problems of drug trafficking, migration, and the retrieval of US Citizens imprisoned in Cuba.&nbsp;

In January, for the first time since 2017, President Joe Biden restarted the visa and consular service in Cuba. The US embassy closed after the staff reported several strange health events, later known as 'Havana syndrome.'

Biden also proposed Cuba $2 million in assistance after the country made a rare request for aid in the wake of Hurricane Ian, which crashed the entire island's power.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The US declared to send a delegation to Cuba in the upcoming week to revive discussions between the two administrations over law enforcement problems. The United States delegation will discuss bilateral interest in international law enforcement and more cooperation from both sides, according to the US State Department.

The US declared to send a delegation to Cuba in the upcoming week to revive discussions between the two administrations over law enforcement problems. The United States delegation will discuss bilateral interest in international law enforcement and more cooperation from both sides, according to the US State Department. "It is an opportunity for the US to protect its citizens and bring transnational criminals to justice," the US State Department stated. The trip is the most recent action by US President Joe Biden's administration to improve ties with the Caribbean country, as it deals with a severe financial crisis and unprecedented emigration. Also Read| US lawmaker strongly objects to F-16 sale to Turkiye The Cold War of the 1960s between the Western democracies and left-inclined nations backed by the former Soviet Union left a stain on US-Cuba relations after the Caribbean nation sacked Fulgencio Batista, the US-backed leader in 1959. Following the strenuous events, former President John F Kennedy declared an absolute economic sanction against Cuba in February 1962, which still prevails. However, under President Barack Obama, tensions eased for a while between the two nations. He became the first US President in 88 years to visit Cuba. Later, the two nations opened their embassies. Watch| Climate Activists Greta Thunberg backs anti-coal demonstration in Germany In 2015, the US removed Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism. But under Obama's successor and Republican President Donald Trump, the country made it back on the list, and Trump imposed the restrictions again. The recent US delegation to Cuba will include US Departments of State, Justice, and Homeland Security members. They plan to examine the problems of drug trafficking, migration, and the retrieval of US Citizens imprisoned in Cuba. In January, for the first time since 2017, President Joe Biden restarted the visa and consular service in Cuba. The US embassy closed after the staff reported several strange health events, later known as 'Havana syndrome.' Biden also proposed Cuba $2 million in assistance after the country made a rare request for aid in the wake of Hurricane Ian, which crashed the entire island's power. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US delegation to visit Cuba to discuss 'international law enforcement'

A severe economic downturn in Cuba has driven a massive spike in migration. This exodus is this largest in the Island's history. Watch further to know more.

Cuban exodus to U.S. is the largest in the Island's history

Illegal migration from Cuba to US has hit an all-time high. Within a period between December 2021 and 2022 there were 227,000 instances of Cubans illegally entering US territory. The figure logged by US border authorities far exceeds two previous figures the Mariel boatlift, when 125,000 Cubans left for the United States in 1980, and the 1994 departure of 34,000 people to US shores within a month, said Jorge Duany, a Cuba expert at Florida International University. Duany was quoted by news agency AFP.

There has always been an exodus of people from Cuba to the United States. Cuba, an impoverished nation, is a Communist state.

"In Cuba, you lose hope," said 34-year-old David Gonzalez. He was quoted by AFP. Gonzalez is an illegal migrant.

Gonzalez's journey started with a flight to Nicaragua.&nbsp;

The government of the Central American country, an ally of the Havana regime, removed visa requirements for Cubans in November 2021, making Managua the first stop on the road to the United States for most migrants from the island.&nbsp;

The journey cost Gonzalez some $7,000&nbsp;for the airfare and another $3,500 for smugglers to take him overland from Nicaragua to the United States -- a huge sum for the average Cuban salary of 3,768 pesos a month, about $157. &nbsp;

Gonzalez scrounged half the money by selling his motorcycle and other belongings. A friend sent him the rest from Miami.&nbsp;

From his 30-day trip through Central America and Mexico, he remembers above all the long rides with dozens of people crammed on a bus or in the back of a truck.&nbsp;

But it wasn't the prospect of thirst, lack of air, unbearable heat during the day and biting cold at night that scared him the most on the journey. &nbsp;

"My biggest fear was that I would be deported to Cuba," he said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Illegal migration from Cuba to US has hit an all-time high. Within a period between December 2021 and 2022 there were 227,000 instances of Cubans illegally entering US territory.

Illegal migration from Cuba to US has hit an all-time high. Within a period between December 2021 and 2022 there were 227,000 instances of Cubans illegally entering US territory. The figure logged by US border authorities far exceeds two previous figures the Mariel boatlift, when 125,000 Cubans left for the United States in 1980, and the 1994 departure of 34,000 people to US shores within a month, said Jorge Duany, a Cuba expert at Florida International University. Duany was quoted by news agency AFP. There has always been an exodus of people from Cuba to the United States. Cuba, an impoverished nation, is a Communist state. "In Cuba, you lose hope," said 34-year-old David Gonzalez. He was quoted by AFP. Gonzalez is an illegal migrant. Gonzalez's journey started with a flight to Nicaragua. The government of the Central American country, an ally of the Havana regime, removed visa requirements for Cubans in November 2021, making Managua the first stop on the road to the United States for most migrants from the island. The journey cost Gonzalez some $7,000 for the airfare and another $3,500 for smugglers to take him overland from Nicaragua to the United States -- a huge sum for the average Cuban salary of 3,768 pesos a month, about $157.  Gonzalez scrounged half the money by selling his motorcycle and other belongings. A friend sent him the rest from Miami. From his 30-day trip through Central America and Mexico, he remembers above all the long rides with dozens of people crammed on a bus or in the back of a truck. But it wasn't the prospect of thirst, lack of air, unbearable heat during the day and biting cold at night that scared him the most on the journey.  "My biggest fear was that I would be deported to Cuba," he said.  (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Illegal migration from Cuba to the United States hits an all-time high

Cuba is a country recognized for its boxing prowess. It's allowing the country's female boxers to compete officially after decades of restrictions. In a historic move, the government gave the green light to legalize participation of women in the sport.

Cuba: Female boxers to compete after six decades, women's boxing approved

China has donated $100 million to Cuba to help it survive a crippling economic crisis. The donation came as President of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel concluded a visit to China, part of a rare foreign trip.

China donated $100 million to help Cuba cope with economic crisis

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