The United States government has firmly stood behind its Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Havana, Mike Hammer, following a formal complaint lodged by the Cuban regime. The protest was delivered through a Verbal Note by Alejandro García del Toro, Director of Bilateral Affairs at Cuba's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to the Chargé d'Affaires at the U.S. Embassy.
In response, the U.S. underscored Hammer's dedication to promoting human rights and freedom on the island. An official from the State Department, in a statement to Martí Noticias, emphasized that "Chief of Mission, Mike Hammer, and the U.S. Embassy proudly represent President Trump, implementing an 'America First' policy and holding the Cuban regime accountable for its malevolent influence in the Americas."
The regime accused Hammer of having a "meddlesome and disrespectful attitude towards the Cuban people" by engaging with civil society members and opposition figures. The MINREX accused him of "inciting citizens to criminal acts, undermining the constitutional order, and supporting the interests of a hostile foreign power."
Moreover, the Cuban government alleged that Hammer violated the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and the bilateral agreement that restored diplomatic ties between the two nations in 2015. However, Washington's response was resolute: "It is not the United States that has turned the Cuban people against the regime, but rather the regime's own corrupt, inept, and failed policies," declared the State Department.
The U.S. Department of State reiterated its commitment to "continue meeting with Cuban patriots, religious leaders, and those fighting for the fundamental freedoms of the Cuban people." Since his arrival on the island, Hammer has pursued an active agenda of meetings with dissidents, activists, entrepreneurs, journalists, and artists across the country.
These actions have led to a smear campaign by Cuban official media and constant surveillance by security authorities. On Friday, several tweets emerged where the regime attempted to ridicule Hammer. In recent statements from Miami, the diplomat criticized the state surveillance of his activities: "We are being constantly filmed. What concerns me is that the authorities and cyber trolls are encouraging militants to disrupt my activities."
Despite the regime’s criticisms, support for Hammer extends beyond the State Department. This week, the diplomat was welcomed in Washington by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who reaffirmed his commitment to the Cuban people. The Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs shared images of the meeting and praised the diplomat's work in Havana.
"Hammer maintains his steadfast diplomatic commitment in Cuba, supporting the courageous Cuban people facing repression and economic hardships caused by the regime," stated the Department.
Understanding U.S.-Cuba Diplomatic Relations
What was the response of the U.S. to the Cuban regime’s accusations against Mike Hammer?
The U.S. firmly supported Mike Hammer, emphasizing his role in promoting human rights and holding the Cuban regime accountable for its harmful influence in the Americas.
Why did the Cuban regime lodge a complaint against the U.S. Chief of Mission?
The Cuban regime accused Hammer of interfering in internal affairs by meeting with civil society members and opposition figures, and alleged he violated diplomatic conventions.
How did the U.S. State Department respond to the accusations?
The State Department responded by criticizing the Cuban regime’s policies and reiterated its commitment to engage with those fighting for Cuban freedoms.