Secretary of State Rubio Addresses Cuban People on Independence Day

Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a Spanish-language video message on Wednesday marking Cuban Independence Day. The message addressed the people of Cuba and attributed shortages of electricity, fuel, and food to the actions of the country's leadership.

Rubio stated that the real reason for shortages is that those who control the country have taken billions of dollars without using the funds to help the population. He identified the Cuban military business conglomerate GAESA as the main controller of the economy, with an estimated $18 billion in assets and ownership of 70 percent of Cuba's economy through hotels, construction, banks, stores, and cash remittances.

' Cuba is controlled by GAESA," Rubio said. He added that the only role of the so-called government is to demand continued sacrifices while repressing complaints.

Later on Wednesday, the Justice Department plans to unveil an indictment of Raúl Castro for allegedly ordering the 1996 shootdown of two Miami-based rescue planes. Rubio offered $100 million in food and medicine to be distributed through the Catholic Church or other charitable groups rather than through GAESA.

U.S. officials told Axios that Cuba has purchased at least 300 attack drones from Russia and China. The officials also stated that Cuba hosts military and intelligence personnel from Iran, Russia, and China.

20 marks the anniversary of Cuba's establishment as a republic in 1902. The holiday is not observed on the island following its discontinuation after the 1959 revolution. Rubio stated that a new relationship between the United States and Cuba must be with the Cuban people rather than with GAESA.

The message included an offer for Cubans to own businesses and to vote on government officials without fear of reprisal. Rubio noted that these conditions exist in neighboring countries including the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Florida.