Cuba Says Maduro Must Be At Negotiating Table

(Bloomberg( Cuba is willing to help negotiate a peaceful end to Venezuelas political crisis if President Nicolas Maduro requests it one of Havanas top diplomats said. The so-called Lima Group of nations sought to enlist the communist-run Caribbean island in brokering a solution to the standoff last week after opposition leader Juan Guaidos attempt to overthrow the embattled president failed. Any role Cuba plays will be scrutinized by Maduros foes due to the countrys close ties with Chavismo over the past two decades. We are ready to help" Carlos Fernandez de Cossio head of the U.S. section at Cubas Foreign Ministry said during an interview at Bloombergs headquarters in New York. Maduro however would have to be at the table. Its not Cuba as its not the Lima Group who should say whos the leader of Venezuela." The diplomats comments come two days after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reached out to Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel and as the administration of President Donald Trump tightens sanctions on Havana while refusing to rule out military options in Venezuela.