U.S. announces visa restrictions for certain Central American gov't officials

LOS ANGELES, June 3 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday announced that "several" unnamed Central American government officials would face visa restrictions due to their links to Cuba's medical mission programs.

The officials were connected to those programs that include elements of forced labor and the exploitation of Cuban workers, according to Rubio. "These steps promote accountability for those who support and perpetuate these exploitative practices," he said in a statement.

For decades, Havana has denied such accusations.

The restrictions also apply to the family members of these officials.

The State Department rolled out additional visa restrictions in late February on any current or former Cuban government official responsible for involvement in the country's labor program that sends workers, particularly those in healthcare, overseas.