CUBA/FOREIGN POLICY/TRUMP AS PRESIDENT: “President Donald Trump said Monday [10-16-17] he believes Cuba ‘is responsible’ for the mysterious ailments that have left at least 22 American government employees and family members in Cuba with hearing loss, cognitive problems and other symptoms.
But it was unclear if he meant to formally blame Havana for what the U.S. has termed health attacks.
Washington’s position until now has been that the U.S. holds Cuba responsible for protecting the safety of American diplomats and to stop the spread of the ailments, but has stopped short of blaming Cuba for making Americans ill.
‘I think Cuba knew about it,’ Mr. Trump said at an impromptu news conference at the White House. ‘I do believe Cuba is responsible. I dobelieve that, and it’s a very unusual attack, as you know, but I do believe Cuba is responsible.’
Officials said later Monday that the U.S. still hasn’t yet determined the cause of the health attacks, which began in November, or who is responsible for them. But the Trump administration believes that Cuba has a responsibility to protect American diplomats and prevent the attacks.
Cuba has denied culpability in the illnesses, saying it has worked to find out what has sickened the Americans.”
-Felicia Schwartz, “Trump Says ‘Cuba is Responsible’ for Mysterious Health Ailments in Havana,” The Wall Street Journal online, Oct. 16, 2017 04:10pm