Trump Calls Cuba a Failed State, Ready to Take Control

JAKARTA - US President Donald Trump claimed he could "take over" Cuba without explaining the concrete steps he would take.

"I can't tell you. I can say they [Cuba] are talking to us. It's a failed state. They have no money, they have no oil, they have nothing," Trump said.

"They have good land. They have beautiful views. It's a beautiful island. I think they have great people," he added.

"All my life, I've heard about the United States and Cuba. When will the United States do it? I'm sure it would be an honor to take over Cuba. It's a great honor," Trump said.

"Taking over Cuba, in some form, yes. I mean, whether I free it or take it over, I can do whatever I want with it," he said.

In late February, the Cuban Ministry of the Interior reported that a US-flagged ship entered Cuban territorial waters and fired shots.

Cuban border guards returned fire, killing four people on board, while the other six were detained.

The Permanent Representative of Cuba to the United Nations Office in Geneva, Rodolfo Benitez Verson, said Cuba was obliged to defend its territorial waters and the actions taken were in accordance with international law.