80,000 barrels of Mexican oil sent to Cuba: Havana drawn into the USMexico clash

"While Mexico was calling for a peaceful solution to the crisis between the United States and Venezuela at the United Nations, two oil tankers flying the Liberian flag were sailing near Cuba. Both vessels had departed from the port of Coatzacoalcos in the Mexican state of Veracruz, specifically from the Pajaritos terminal owned by the Mexican state oil company Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex),"

"The United States quickly viewed the shipment as a sign of support for the Cuban regime, intensifying the already strained and complex relations between Mexico and the U.S. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has defended the shipment of crude to Cuba, arguing that it was sent for humanitarian reasons and that Mexico has historically supported the island in the face of the U.S. economic blockade."

"Regardless of political party, there has been a Mexico-Cuba relationship. This is nothing new, it is not a new situation. And everything is done within the law and also for humanitarian reasons for the people of Cuba, the president said last week during one of her morning press conferences. Sheinbaum listed the Mexican presidents who have provided assistance to Cuba at different points in history, as well as energy-related contributions dating back to the administration of Carlos Salinas de Gortari (19881994)."

Pemex shipped crude oil to Cuba via tankers that departed from the Pajaritos terminal in Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz. Two Liberian-flagged tankers were sailing near Cuba after leaving that port. The United States viewed the shipments as a sign of support for the Cuban regime, increasing tensions between Mexico and the U.S. amid the Venezuela crisis. President Claudia Sheinbaum defended the deliveries as humanitarian, legal and consistent with Mexico’s historical support for Cuba. Energy assistance dates to Carlos Salinas de Gortari (19881994). Pemex shipments across the Gulf to Cuba have been common for years, though volumes declined earlier this year. The latest reported cargo totaled 80,000 barrels.

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