Mexico shuts down U.S. hotel

MEXCIO CITY, Mexico, Feb. 9 (UPI) -- Mexican officials have ordered the closing of a U.S.-owned hotel in Mexico City at the center of a diplomatic face-off with Cuba.

Officials said the Sheraton in the capital was closed for building violations and other irregularities, El Universal reported Thursday.

However, the hotel has been the scene of protests since Washington last week asked the hotel to expel the Cuban diplomats due to the U.S. embargo against Cuba.

U.S. law forbids American companies from doing business with Cuba.

However the Mexican Foreign Ministry said the laws of the United States regarding Cuba could not be applied in a third country.