Havana, October 26 (RHC)-- In 2015, the U.S. government tightened its blockade policy towards Cuba, inflicting even more damage on the Cuban economy and people.

In just one example of the damage caused by Washington's blockade over the past 12 months, U.S. company Gen Tech Scientific refused to sell its Agilent 5975C Gas Chromatograph to Cuba, alleging the existing sale prohibition under the blockade policy. The Agilent 5975C Gas Chromatograph is amply used for research and diagnosis in such areas as biochemistry, the pharmaceutical and medical sectors.

The refusal was announced just days after the U.S. and Cuba confirmed their decision to re-establish diplomatic relations on December 17, 2014.

Also on March 12, 2015, the German bank Commerzbank agreed to pay a fine worth millions to the U.S. Treasury and Justice Departments, the U.S. Federal Reserve and the New York City Department of Financial Services, for doing business with Cuba.

According to the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control, between September 2005 and December 2007, Commerzbank processed 56 Cuba-related financial transactions, amounting to nearly 2.3 billion dollars.