On Monday, Michael "Mike" Hammer, the U.S. Embassy's Chargé d'Affaires in Cuba, visited the headquarters of the United Anti-Totalitarian Forum (FANTU) in Santa Clara, where he engaged in discussions with opposition figure Guillermo "Coco" Fariñas. According to an official statement from FANTU, Hammer was joined by Leslie Núñez Goodman, the Head of Public Diplomacy at the U.S. Embassy in Havana. The meeting, described as a "frank and productive exchange of views," took place at 2:50 p.m. at the national headquarters of the opposition group.
During the conversation, Fariñas outlined to the diplomats three potential paths the party sees for resolving what he termed "the disaster" caused by the Cuban regime: a widespread social uprising, a military coup by officers without repressive backgrounds, or a naval and air blockade forcing the current "neoraulist military junta" to relinquish power.
Furthermore, FANTU leaders explained that much of their political work involves anti-government advocacy in the long lines for acquiring food, medicine, and other essential goods. They also highlighted to Hammer and Núñez Goodman the dire situation of political prisoners in Cuban jails, a result of over six decades of communist rule.
Before concluding the meeting, Fariñas requested the diplomatic representatives to convey his regards to U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, and expressed his belief that negotiations should not occur "behind the backs of the internal opposition and anti-Castro exile community." Additionally, he urged for continued punitive measures against the Cuban regime.
After the meeting, Hammer posted on social media, stating, "It was an honor to meet with Guillermo ‘Coco’ Fariñas, FANTU leader and Sakharov Prize laureate, in Santa Clara yesterday. We discussed his long-standing commitment to defending human rights in Cuba."
A History of Engaging with Cuban Opposition
Since arriving in Havana in November 2024, Mike Hammer has held numerous meetings with Cuban dissidents and activists, demonstrating his country's commitment to promoting human rights on the island. Among those he has met are Berta Soler, leader of the Ladies in White; Martha Beatriz Roque, a well-known dissident and economist; and José Daniel Ferrer, leader of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), whom he met at their headquarters in Santiago de Cuba to discuss the nation's political and social situation.
Hammer has also conversed with intellectual Alina Bárbara López Hernández, focusing on the plight of political prisoners and the necessity of a respectful dialogue to address Cuba's social and political challenges. These visits underscore Washington's interest in maintaining an open dialogue with Cuban civil society and supporting those who advocate for human rights and democracy in the country.
Guillermo Fariñas, a trained psychologist, has been imprisoned as a political prisoner three times and was awarded the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought by the European Parliament in 2010, establishing himself as a prominent figure in the Cuban opposition.
Understanding the U.S. Diplomatic Mission in Cuba
Who is Michael "Mike" Hammer?
Michael "Mike" Hammer is the Chargé d'Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Cuba, engaging in diplomatic efforts to promote human rights and democracy on the island.
What is the significance of FANTU?
FANTU, or the United Anti-Totalitarian Forum, is an opposition group in Cuba advocating for democratic change and human rights, often engaging in anti-government activities.
Why is Guillermo "Coco" Fariñas a notable figure?
Guillermo "Coco" Fariñas is a renowned Cuban opposition leader and psychologist who has been a political prisoner multiple times. He won the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought in 2010.