U.S. makes staff cuts permanent at embassy in Cuba

[DonViejo]

Source: USA Today




Doug Stanglin and Jessica Durando, USA TODAY Published 1:22 p.m. ET March 2, 2018 | Updated 1:58 p.m. ET March 2, 2018

he U.S. is making permanent its decision last year to withdraw 60% of its diplomats from Cuba.

The severely reduced staffing at the U.S. Embassy is because of unexplained "health attacks" on some employees, the U.S. State Department said Friday. The State Department said the embassy "will operate as an unaccompanied post, defined as a post at which no family members are permitted to reside."

The move stems from late 2016 when a series of U.S. diplomats in Havana began suffering unexplained losses of hearing and the beginnings of neurological symptoms.

The statement said the department still does not have "definitive answers" on the source or cause of the attacks and that an investigation continues.


Read more: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2018/03/02/u-s-makes-staff-cuts-embassy-cuba-permanent/389532002/

[n2doc]

1. Lots of things to fix once this Republican disease is removed from office

I hope people are keeping track.

[mainer]

2. Just what Putin wanted.

More Russian mischief.

[McCamy Taylor]

3. Because there is lots of money to be made in Cuba, and Putin wants Russia to make it all.

Seriously. Not being sarcastic. Lots of educated folks in Cuba. Lots of doctors. The US should be courting Cuba big time. However, Putin wants the US economy in the toilet so that the Russia nuclear arsenal will make it the world's premiere power. They are hoping to make us so poor that we will be forced to sell/disable our nukes to keep from dying----so take away our Social Security, or Medicare and then, when we are destitute, someone with money will offer to step in to help us out of the financial mess that Putin/Trump have made--and all we will have to do is shut down our nukes, which those then in power (liberals) will say "Sure. Our old folks cant eat those." If I was Putin (with his limited smarts) that would be my game plan. But the Pentagon is way too smart for that.

Sit on it, Putin. I have known slime mold with better long range plans than you.

[Judi Lynn]

4. Hump has intended to destroy Pres. Obama's opening to Cuba from the beginning.

This move was sincerely welcomed and appreciated by both US citizens, and Cuban residents from the first rumors it could happen.

The pResident couldn't wait to shut it all down and end everyone's anticipation of a respectful relationship with over 11,000,000 people who've been the target of over 60 years of unwarranted bullying and hostilities.

[Judi Lynn]

5. U.S. decision to permanently reduce Cuba embassy staff draws swift reaction

U.S. decision to permanently reduce Cuba embassy staff draws swift reaction
“While Cuba is going through the most historic transition in almost 60 years, the United States is going to be blind on the island."
by Carmen Sesin / Mar.02.2018 / 3:23 PM ET

The State Department announced Friday it will permanently maintain a skeletal staff at the U.S. embassy in Cuba citing the “health attacks” on its personnel that have baffled experts to this day.

The decision to maintain the staff at 60 per cent will have a sweeping impact across U.S. intelligence, small business owners, Cuban migration, and human rights advocates. The reaction by many who support engagement with Cuba has been swift.

James Williams, President of Engage Cuba, a group that advocates for engagement with the island, laments the decision, particularly because Cuba will soon go through one of the biggest political transitions in recent history when Raul Castro steps down on April 19.

“While Cuba is going through the most historic transition in almost 60 years, the United States is going to be blind on the island,” Williams said.

More:
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/u-s-decision-permanently-reduce-cuba-embassy-staff-draws-swift-n852791