Cuba rejects U.S. President Trump’s decision to activate Title III of the Helms-Burton Law for 45 days as the newest threat to Cuba’s economic, commercial, financial stability.

“We strongly reject this new interventionist provocation, threatening, arrogant, violating international law. The US government shows its contempt for the rest of the world...Political blackmail and irresponsible hostility just to harden a blockade against #Cuba.” said Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez on his personal Twitter account.

The Helms-Burton Law was introduced in 1996 under the Bill Clinton Administration and essentially enabled Cuban-Americans to sue companies profiting from properties confiscated by federal officials during the post-revolution era. Hundreds of lawsuits could potentially be filed against international companies stationed in the Caribbean country.

For that reason, since being approved, Title III- the most dangerous clause- has revolved around an endless six-month-suspension due to the potential damage it could cause for Cuban-U.S. immigration and international affairs with U.S. allies.

“All US Presidents since 1996, including the current, have suspended Title III due to flagrant extraterritoriality & harm it would cause to US corporate interests. It would arbitrarily put third country companies under US Courts,” Rodriguez tweeted, denouncing the motion as a violation of international law.

“The Helms-Burton Act is illegal, inapplicable and is void of any value or legal effect. Consequently, any claim filed under this law by a natural or juridical person, regardless of their citizenship or nationality, will be rendered null,” the minister said.

The strategic move is expected to merit at least a few lawsuits which will ultimately discourage foreign investment in Cuba, activists promoting the betterment of U.S.-Cuba relations say.

Over the last year, Cuba has suffered a loss of at least US$4 billion due to the 1960’s blockade which attacks the economic, commercial, and financial well being of the island and which has been denounced by multiple international groups as an act of war and a violation of human rights.