Donald Trump warns US will 'do what we have to' over Cuba days after rare riot
The US President told reporters that they are looking to make a deal with their neighbouring island, which is facing the effects of an oil blockade
Donald Trump has warned the US could do "whatever we have to do" as he threatens a "friendly takeover" of Cuba, just days after a rare riot in the island nation.
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The US President told reporters that they are looking to make a deal with their neighbour, which is facing the effects of an oil blockade.
There have been blackouts throughout the country due to a lack of power after critical oil shipments from Venezuela were halted when the US arrested the leader of Venezuela.
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said that no petroleum shipments have arrived on the island in the past three months, which he blamed on a US energy blockade.
Trump told reporters on Air Force One: "Cuba also wants to make a deal, and I think we will pretty soon either make a deal or do whatever we have to do.
"We're talking to Cuba, but we're going to do Iran before Cuba."
It follows suggestions from Mr Trump last week that Cuba may be the target of a "friendly takeover" before adding it "may not be a friendly takeover".
On Saturday, a group of residents in the city of Moron took to the streets and partially destroyed the local headquarters of the ruling communist party.
Authorities said five people were arrested during the demonstration, which was linked to the island's energy supply issues and access to food.
The Cuban government said the "vandalism acts" were directed at the building, while a smaller group also threw stones and set the reception furniture on fire.
Videos published on social media show that a pharmacy and a shop were also affected.
President Diaz-Canel said on Friday his government has held recent talks with the US, marking the first time the Caribbean country has confirmed such speculation.
He said the talks "were aimed at finding solutions through dialogue to the bilateral differences between our two nations" and that "international factors facilitated these exchanges".
He said that Cuba, which produces 40 per cent of its petroleum, has been generating its own power but that it has not been sufficient to meet demand.
Mr Diaz-Canel said the lack of power has affected communications, education and transportation, and that the government has had to postpone surgeries for tens of thousands of people as a result.
"The impact is tremendous," he said.
Mr Diaz-Canel said that the purpose of the talks was to identify "bilateral problems that require solutions based on their severity and impact" and find solutions to them.
The president added that the aim was "to determine the willingness of both parties to take concrete actions for the benefit of the people of both countries".
"And in addition, to identify areas of cooperation to confront threats and guarantee the security and peace of both nations, as well as in the region," he said.
Mr Diaz-Canel called it a "highly sensitive process" because it affects bilateral relations of both countries and "demands enormous and significant efforts to find solutions and create spaces for understanding that will allow us to move away from confrontation".
He noted that Cuba is willing to carry out the process on the basis of equality and respect for the countries' political systems and for Cuba's "sovereignty and self-determination".