Venezuela's ruling party condemns US arrest warrant for Raul Castro

The ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) on Wednesday condemned an arrest warrant in the US state of Florida against former Cuban President Raul Castro as an attempt to intimidate the Cuban leader.

The party expressed solidarity with Cuba and rejected the warrant, arguing that it lacked a legal basis and violated international law and Cuban sovereignty.

The PSUV urged Latin American and Caribbean countries to take action in support of the island nation, linking the case to broader US pressure on Havana.

It said the US economic embargo against Cuba has intensified since January, placing additional pressure on the Cuban population.

The PSUV reaffirmed its support for Cuba's independence and its people's right to self-determination.

The arrest warrant concerns the 1996 downing of two civilian aircraft operated by Brothers to the Rescue, a Miami-based Cuban exile group. Four people were killed in the downing.

Castro was Cuba's Defense Minister at the time. US authorities allege that he played a role in authorizing the attack.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said the state would pursue accountability for the deaths.

The warrant could expose Castro to arrest in jurisdictions willing to extradite him to Florida.

Cuba has maintained that the aircraft entered its airspace, while the International Civil Aviation Organization concluded that they were above international waters when they were shot down.

The situation has further strained relations between Washington and Havana.

The new Florida case adds to longstanding US legal action on the dowing and comes amid continued tensions between the two governments concerning sanctions and pressure on Cuba.