US issues new Cuba sanctions as UN experts warn of ‘energy starvation’

The United States has imposed new sanctions on Cuba, targeting Grupo de Administracion Empresarial SA (GAESA) and its executive president, Ania Guillermina Lastres Morera, as well as Moa Nickel SA. The sanctions also affect a joint venture between Sherritt International Corp and Cuba's state-owned nickel company. The US Secretary of State has stated that the sanctions demonstrate the country's commitment to taking action against Cuba's communist regime until it takes necessary reforms. Cuba's government has condemned the sanctions as "unilateral coercive measures" and "collective punishment".