US imposes new Cuba sanctions as UN experts warn of 'energy starvation'

The United States has announced new sanctions targeting Cuba's military-linked conglomerate GAESA and related entities, in the latest step in its pressure campaign against the island.

The measures were announced on Thursday, hours after UN experts criticised Washington's effective fuel blockade of Cuba.

The sanctions target Grupo de Administracion Empresarial SA, known as GAESA, which is controlled by the military and has ties across much of the Cuban economy.

They also target Ania Guillermina Lastres Morera, the executive president of GAESA, and Moa Nickel SA, a joint venture involving Toronto-based Sherritt International Corp and Cuba's state-owned nickel company.

Sherritt said it had suspended its direct participation in joint venture activities in Cuba following the sanctions.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the measures showed the administration would not stand by while Cuba's government threatened US national security in the hemisphere.

The announcement comes amid growing concern over the impact of fuel restrictions on daily life in Cuba.

Three UN special rapporteurs said on Thursday that the blockade was unlawful and was undermining a wide range of human rights.

They described the situation as "energy starvation", saying the lack of fuel was crippling essential services.

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