Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez says negotiations between Cuba and the United States are at a standstill. He makes the statement despite Cuba recently approving a package of free-market reforms. Rodríguez says the reforms were not raised or discussed in earlier bilateral talks, and he presents them as separate from the current lack of progress. The announcement also comes as the United States has taken new steps affecting Cuba’s leadership and economy. PBS reports that earlier this month the U.S. imposed fresh sanctions on Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, other officials, and companies tied to Cuba’s strained economic conditions. In response to the broader dispute, Rodríguez announces that Cuba will push for a United Nations debate on the U.S. oil embargo. The announced UN action is intended to address the sanctions and restrictions that Cuba says hinder its ability to secure energy and sustain economic activity. Overall, the reporting describes continued diplomatic friction and emphasizes that the newly announced market-oriented measures have not translated into renewed momentum in talks with Washington.