Cuba-U.S. tensions mount over pending protests on Communist-run island

FILE PHOTO: A vintage car passes by the U.S. Embassy carrying a Cuban flag during a motorcade in protest against the trade embargo on Cuba by the U.S. in Havana, Cuba, March 28, 2021. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini/File Photo

HAVANA (Reuters) - Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel warned the U.S. embassy in Havana against fomenting protests by dissidents on the Communist-run island, the latest flashpoint between the longtime rivals ahead of fresh rallies slated for Nov. 15.

Cuba has said the planned demonstrations - scheduled for the same day the Caribbean island will reopen its borders to tourism - are illegal and blames the United States for underwriting them. The United States has threatened Cuba with further sanctions should the government jail protesters.