Why Is the US Denying Visas to Cuban Athletes and Officials?
Q1: Which Cuban officials were denied travel documents?
A: The COC's president, vice-president, and secretary general were excluded from meetings in Miami and Puerto Rico due to visa refusals.
Q2: How has this visa denial affected Cuban athletes?
A: Fourteen Cuban athletes missed an athletics championship in Florida, and the men's basketball team missed the FIBA AmeriCup in Puerto Rico.
Q3: What reasons does the Cuban Olympic Committee give for the visa refusals?
A: The committee blames an 'arbitrary and politically-motivated' US policy against Cuba, linked to Washington's aggressive stance towards the island.
Q4: How have US-Cuba relations evolved under President Trump?
A: Relations worsened, with Cuba re-listed as a 'terrorism' sponsor, increased deportations, and stricter visa policies citing alleged anti-Semitism or hostility towards the US.
Q5: Has the US government addressed concerns about future sporting events?
A: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio assured that visa policies will not affect the 2026 FIFA World Cup or 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
(With inputs from AFP)
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