Costa Rica orders the closure of Cuba’s embassy, citing the island’s government as illegitimate, while Havana blames US pressure for the diplomatic rupture.

SAN JOSE: Costa Rica has ordered the closure of Cuba’s embassy in a significant diplomatic rupture. President Rodrigo Chaves declared his government does not recognise the legitimacy of Cuba’s Communist regime.

He announced the decision at an event attended by the US ambassador, linking it to protesting living conditions in Cuba. “We must cleanse the hemisphere of Communists,” Chaves stated.

Foreign Minister Arnoldo Andre said Cuba could maintain consular services in the country. The move follows similar action by Ecuador, which closed its Cuban embassy this month.

Cuba’s foreign ministry said it was informed of the order for diplomatic staff to withdraw by April 1. It accused Costa Rica of acting under US pressure without justification.

“The Costa Rican government, which displays a history of subordination to United States policy against Cuba, once again joins the offensive by the US government,” the ministry said. It blamed a longstanding US economic embargo for Cuba’s ongoing crisis.

The diplomatic shift comes amid escalating rhetoric from US President Donald Trump. He recently said he expected the “honor” of “taking Cuba in some form.”

Both Costa Rica and Ecuador’s presidents attended an anti-crime summit hosted by Trump in Florida this month. Cuba’s economic troubles have been exacerbated by recent US oil sanctions.

These contributed to widespread blackouts affecting homes and hospitals across the island. Over 1 million people have left Cuba amid the deepening crisis.

Cuba has also seen its doctors programme cut in several Central American and Caribbean nations. The US accuses the programme of exploiting workers and has threatened sanctions.

 The Sun Malaysia