Fresh US sanctions against Cuba for backing Maduro

Washington: The US has announced a series of fresh sanctions against Cuba in retaliation over Havana’s support for Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
The announcement of new sanctions, which will come into effect on October 21, was made by the US Department of Commerce on Friday through the Federal Register, the government’s official journal, reports Efe news.
This move “supports the Administration’s earlier decision to hold the Cuban regime accountable for repressing its own people as well as continuing to provide support to the illegitimate (President Nicolas) Maduro regime”, said the Commerce Department.
The agency’s statement claimed that the Cuban regime “denies its citizens their fundamental rights” while supporting Maduro’s government by providing it with Cuban troops and intelligence.
According to the document, starting on October 21, Washington will restrict Cuba’s access to international goods containing 10 per cent of US-made components, a substantial reduction compared to the current 25-per cent cut-off.
The sanctions will prevent US companies and citizens from buying goods promoting Cuba’s political system, though they do not limit purchases from the private sector.