Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez, subscribed on Twitter that it is ‘an offense to the international community and a mockery to the peoples’.

He considered this is even more offensive for peoples like Cuba, suffering from the abuse represented by the blockade accompanied by unilateral coercive measures.

The White House released a report on modifications, to make them more effective, to punishments against countries like Venezuela, Iran, China and Cuba, among others.

Authorities indicated that penalties will be more rigorous.

The key for us is to make sure we are in a place where sanctions can be as effective as possible, a senior Treasury official told reporters.

He stressed that sanctions will continue to be a crucial part of US foreign policy.

pgh/lcr