Washington DC, May 15 -- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio sharply criticised Cuba's political and economic system, saying the current model on the island "is broken" and warning that meaningful progress will remain impossible under the present leadership.

In an interview with NBC on Thursday (local time), Rubio said Cubans have demonstrated success globally but are being held back at home by the country's governing system.

"So, how do you have a prosperous state where people can succeed? Understand Cubans, you know this, you understand this as well as I do because of where we come from. Cubans are successful everywhere in the world except one place: Cuba," Rubio said.

He added that the United States wants Cubans to be able to thrive w...