Cuba implements economic reforms amid crippling US siege

CUBA eased up on restrictions on private vendors and imports on Wednesday. The reforms would allow for the import and resale of some goods and medicines from other countries, loosen restrictions on oil extraction for foreign companies and implement other changes at a time when the country is plagued by medical and energy shortages. The measures, which were approved by the parliament last month and went into effect on Wednesday, come as Cuba has been pushed to the brink by an illegal oil…