Duval Times

Mexico's state-run oil company, Pemex, is risking U.S. sanctions by selling oil to the Cuban regime, according to U.S. Senator Marco Rubio. In an article published on Medium, Rubio highlights the concerns over Mexico's oil shipments to Cuba and calls for President Joe Biden to take action.

Rubio points out that Mexico has surpassed Russia as a key provider of oil to Cuba, as observed by Reuters analysts studying shipping data. President Obrador has admitted that these shipments are transactional in nature. However, Rubio believes that this move strengthens the grip of an "inhumane and unjust regime" on power.

"The people of Cuba are actually suffering from six decades of illegitimate rule by an inhumane and unjust regime, whose brutal grip on power will only be strengthened by Mexican oil," Rubio states, dismissing the Cuban regime's claim of suffering from an unjust blockade as communist propaganda.

Rubio emphasizes that U.S. sanctions on the Cuban regime and its state-owned enterprises do not apply to independent businesses and allow for humanitarian shipments of food, fuel, and medicine. He also highlights that Cuba engages in billions of dollars of trade with other countries, including Venezuela, China, Russia, Spain, and Germany.

The senator argues that the reason for Cuba's fuel shortage lies in its main oil providers choosing to cut off their supply voluntarily, not due to U.S. involvement. However, Rubio raises concerns about Mexico's involvement in this trade.

Rubio draws attention to the fact that Pemex, Mexico's state-run oil company, relies on loans from the U.S. Export and Import Bank (EXIM) for its international operations. Although EXIM claims to be uninvolved in Mexico's oil sales to Cuba, Rubio warns that if any U.S. entity were found to be involved, Mexico would be violating U.S. law.

In light of these concerns, Rubio urges President Biden to make it clear to President Obrador that the United States will not support an "anti-American, communist dictatorship" at its doorstep. He also calls for the communication of potential targeted sanctions on the sectors responsible for any attempt by Mexico to circumvent U.S. policy.

Rubio's article concludes with a call for action, urging readers to read the full article to understand the gravity of the situation and the need for the United States to uphold its principles.

In summary, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio has raised concerns about Mexico's state-run oil company, Pemex, selling oil to the Cuban regime, risking U.S. sanctions. Rubio argues that this move strengthens the grip of an unjust regime and calls for President Biden to take action to prevent Mexico from circumventing U.S. policy.

To find out more, go to this link: https://www.rubio.senate.gov/icymi-rubio-mexicos-oil-giant-risks-u-s-sanctions-by-selling-to-cuban-regime/