Last Friday, the United States government summoned Cuban Ambassador to Washington, Lianys Torres Rivera, to express its disapproval of the Castro regime's harassment of U.S. mission chief in Havana, Mike Hammer, and other American diplomats. This meeting, confirmed by Martí Noticias, highlights a further decline in bilateral relations.
According to the source, the U.S. Department of State emphasized that Hammer's actions are part of his legitimate diplomatic duties protected under the Vienna Convention, and condemned Cuba's attempt to portray his interactions with civil society as "misconduct." A State Department spokesperson stated, "We oppose the Cuban regime's harassment of mission chief Mike Hammer," pointing out that the Cuban embassy in the U.S. operates freely, even meeting with American opposition figures without interference. "The principle of reciprocity is evident," the spokesperson added.
Cuba's Accusations Against Hammer
On the same day, May 30, the Cuban Foreign Ministry (MINREX) summoned Hammer in Havana, presenting him with a formal protest note, accusing him of "provocative and irresponsible conduct." The official statement alleged that Hammer incited Cuban citizens to commit "serious crimes" and act "against the constitutional order." The regime also criticized his increasing public profile on the island, including meetings with dissidents, religious figures, and families of political prisoners, labeling these engagements as part of a "political interference" strategy.
Washington's Strong Support for Hammer
According to Martí Noticias, sources close to the situation reported that Washington staunchly defended the diplomat's work, asserting full institutional backing for Hammer to continue his mission in Cuba. "They can travel throughout the country, and our ambassador can as well," was one of the messages conveyed to the Cuban ambassador.
Furthermore, during the Washington meeting, the United States reiterated its demand for the release of Cuban political prisoners like José Daniel Ferrer and Félix Navarro, highlighting the repression and deteriorating human rights conditions on the island as a major concern. The Department of State also clarified that the source of unrest in Cuba is not U.S. diplomacy, but rather the regime's oppressive and corrupt policies.
Escalating Diplomatic Tensions
This incident underscores the escalating diplomatic tensions between Washington and Havana. Recently, the Cuban regime has ramped up its media attacks against Mike Hammer, whose activities have visibly upset the Cuban political apparatus. Instead of backing down, Hammer has increased his presence and engagement with various sectors of Cuban civil society, creating a highly charged political atmosphere on the island.
Meanwhile, Cuba's official narrative accuses him of inciting disorder, while the U.S. insists that his work is aligned with the diplomatic mandate to "amplify the voices of the Cuban people in the face of repression."
Understanding the U.S.-Cuba Diplomatic Conflict
What actions did the U.S. take against the Cuban ambassador?
The U.S. summoned the Cuban ambassador to express disapproval of harassment against American diplomats in Cuba.
Why is Mike Hammer's presence in Cuba controversial?
Hammer's engagement with civil society and political prisoners' families has been labeled by Cuba as interference, though the U.S. views it as part of his diplomatic duties.
How does the U.S. view the Cuban regime's actions?
The U.S. sees the Cuban regime's actions as oppressive and corrupt, worsening human rights conditions on the island.
What is the U.S. demand regarding Cuban political prisoners?
The U.S. calls for the release of Cuban political prisoners, such as José Daniel Ferrer and Félix Navarro, as part of its human rights advocacy.