The United Nations (UN) Secretary General Antonio Guterres has warned that there could be a humanitarian collapse in Cuba, a warning that comes amid United States (US) threats to impose tariffs on any country that supplies oil to the Caribbean island nation. 

US President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order on January 29, in which he determined that the policies, practices and actions of the Cuban government constituted an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the US. 

The order threatens to add an additional levy on countries that provide oil to Cuba, while the UN urged dialogue.

Guterres has expressed concern about the deteriorating situation in Cuba, warning that there could be a humanitarian collapse if the country’s oil needs remain unmet.

He is extremely concerned about the humanitarian situation in Cuba, which will worsen, if not collapse, if its oil needs go unmet.

He notes that for more than three decades, the General Assembly has consistently called for an end to the embargo imposed by the US on Cuba. 

Guterres urges all parties to pursue dialogue and respect for international law.

–SABC–