Canada, US Hold Constructive Trade Talks as Tariff Negotiations Continue 
Russian Strikes on Ukraine Kill Six, Wound Dozens in Balakliia and Sumy 
US-Backed Venezuela Government, Opposition Talks Begin 
Trump Administration Plans $1 Billion Security Aid Package for Colombia 
Zelensky Urges Faster NATO Action on Air Defense Missiles 
New Zealand MMP Electoral System Faces Fresh Referendum Debate 
US Expects Iran-Oman Hormuz Shipping Deal Soon 
U.S. Unseals Charges Against Five Alleged CJNG Leaders, Raises Reward for New Cartel Chief 
Senate Majority Leader John Thune Moves to Advance Crypto Clarity Act 
Abdul El-Sayed Wins Michigan Democratic Senate Primary, Sets Up Key Midterm Showdown 
Colombia President Abelardo De La Espriella Pledges Drug Crackdown, Economic Reforms 
SEC Moves to Dismiss Insider Trading Case Against Trump-Pardoned Terren Peizer 
Taiwan President Lai Oversees Coastal Strike Drills in Han Kuang War Games 
Germany Warns of Daily Hybrid Warfare Threats 
US Expands Social Media Vetting to Foreign Journalists Seeking Visas 
Along with a few other nations as of late, Cuba is now facing a political crisis as the public engaged in an anti-government protest against its communist leadership. US President Joe Biden joins their voices in opposing the country’s authoritarian regime.
Washington said it was concerned by the forced dispersal of the protesters by Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez. The protests over the weekend were the largest it has been since the 1990s. The residents of Cuba have reached a breaking point in their frustration with the government, paired with an economic crisis, the pandemic, and food shortage.
“The Cuban people are demanding their freedom from an authoritarian regime. I don’t think we’ve seen anything like these protests in a long time if, quite frankly, ever,” Biden said to reporters at the White House Monday. “The US stands firmly with the people of Cuba as they assert their universal rights. And we call on the government of Cuba to refrain from violence in their attempt to silence the voices of the people of Cuba.”
Prior to his remarks, Biden released a statement, calling on the Cuban government to listen to the needs of its people.
The Washington Post reported that Diaz-Canel Bermudez said during a national address that his regime was prepared to take necessary action to dissolve the ongoing protests. Diaz-Canel Bermudez added that the US was partly to blame for the country’s current situation. The Cuban leader added that the trade sanctions imposed on Cuba by the US were also what caused the economic crisis that the country faces today.
Meanwhile, German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed skepticism that the dispute between the US and Germany over a gas pipeline from Russia would be completely resolved in her upcoming meeting with Biden this week. Merkel said she would be discussing the issue with Biden when they meet at the White House on Thursday.
“I don’t know whether the papers will be fully finalized, so to speak. I believe rather not,” said Merkel. “But these will be important talks for developing a common position.”
This comes as the US waived sanctions against the German companies involved in the project despite Washington having already argued that the Nord Stream 2 pipeline would endanger the energy security of Europe and harm allies like Ukraine.
