The U.S. Department of State firmly dismissed recent remarks made by Cuba's Deputy Foreign Minister, Carlos Fernández de Cossío, against the American Chargé d'Affaires in Havana, Mike Hammer. The rebuttal followed an interview given by the Cuban official to agency EFE, where he accused the diplomat of "interfering behavior" and hinted at the possibility of declaring him persona non grata.
Exclusive sources from the State Department told CiberCuba that these accusations are part of "another baseless attack by a member of the corrupt and oppressive Cuban regime." According to these sources, "there is nothing the Cuban dictatorship fears more than truly free and fair elections through a democratic process on the island."
The U.S. statement emphasizes that "the Cuban people are fed up with the regime's incompetence and failed communist policies, which have resulted in blackouts, food shortages, and a lack of medicines and essential services." Furthermore, it reaffirms the Trump administration's support for "the Cuban people's desire for a nation where human rights and fundamental freedoms are respected."
In this context, the entity led by Cuban American Marco Rubio demanded the "immediate release of all political prisoners unjustly detained on the island." During his interview with EFE, Fernández de Cossío criticized Hammer's role on the island, accusing him of seeking media attention and acting as a "scarecrow" that, in his words, "drives people away."
Hammer has faced several accusations in recent weeks for visiting various Cuban families, activists, and dissidents throughout the island. This time, the diplomat was criticized for traveling with an audiovisual production team and a motorcade that, according to the Cuban official, aims to "impress the population."
The deputy minister also suggested that Hammer's actions are driven by instructions from sectors in the United States with a "very aggressive policy," specifically pointing to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. "He has been tasked with being a kind of scarecrow in Cuba," he asserted.
From Washington, support for the Mission Chief in Cuba remains steadfast. Diplomatic sources consulted view the Cuban regime’s allegations as another attempt to undermine U.S. efforts advocating for the rights and freedoms of the Cuban people.
Key Questions Regarding U.S.-Cuba Diplomatic Relations
What are the main accusations against Mike Hammer in Cuba?
Mike Hammer has been accused of "interfering behavior" and acting to impress the Cuban population with his visits to families, activists, and dissidents, accompanied by a production team and motorcade.
How has the U.S. Department of State responded to these accusations?
The U.S. Department of State has dismissed the accusations as baseless attacks from the Cuban regime and reiterated its support for the Cuban people's desire for human rights and freedoms.