Marco Rubio Sends Heartfelt Message to the Cuban People on July 11: "You Have Our Support"

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a heartfelt message to the Cuban people on Wednesday, marking the fourth anniversary of the widespread protests that took place on July 11, 2021. In a video shared by journalist Mario J. Pentón on social media, Rubio reiterated the U.S. government's commitment to the cause of freedom and issued a strong condemnation of the Cuban regime.

"I want to strongly express our support," Rubio stated at the beginning of his message, recorded in English and subtitled in Spanish. He also thanked Mike Hammer, the chief of mission in Havana, for organizing a symbolic meeting with activists and members of Cuban civil society, on a day that Rubio described as a turning point in the island's recent history. "July 11, 2021, is a day that, for us, marked a change, a new era in what's happening inside Cuba," he emphasized.

Rubio recalled how the images of people in the streets demanding freedom and an end to the dictatorship served as an "enormous inspiration" for everyone dreaming of a free Cuba, both within and outside the island. He devoted a significant portion of his message to praising the courage of those who have remained in Cuba despite the oppressive regime. "I know it's not easy to stand up to this regime that does everything possible to punish you, your families, and make your life impossible," he expressed.

While acknowledging that many have chosen exile, Rubio commended those who continue to resist from within: "It's a huge risk, we know." He criticized the living conditions forced upon the majority of the Cuban population. "We know you are suffering shortages of everything: medicine, electricity, and more. And all of this is the result of a regime that simply doesn't know how to govern, doesn't know how to run a country, and is only interested in clinging to power," he stated harshly.

Rubio assured the Cuban people that they are not alone. "You have our support, the support of our embassy, and a community in the United States that watches over you every day," he affirmed. He reinforced that in every possible space, both diplomatic and institutional, the Cuban cause is defended, and the sacrifices of those fighting inside the island are honored. "We pray every day for God to bless you all, and for Cuba to soon be free, sovereign, and independent, with its destiny in the hands of its people," he concluded.

This message from Rubio is part of a series of recent actions taken by his office and the U.S. government in support of Cuban dissidents. On the eve of the anniversary, diplomat Mike Hammer hosted a reception in Havana with activists and independent journalists, despite harassment from State Security. During this event, a previous message from Rubio was also shown, reaffirming a policy of "zero tolerance" towards regime repression.

Cuban-American Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar also reaffirmed her commitment to Cuban liberty on this Wednesday, just days before the July 11 anniversary, when thousands of Cubans took to the streets in 2021 demanding systemic change. "Thank you, Secretary Rubio, for standing firm with the Cuban people and once again affirming our unwavering commitment to their freedom," she wrote on Facebook.

"As the July 11 anniversary approaches, the United States makes it clear to the regime: we will never turn our back on the Cuban people. The fight for a free, sovereign, and democratic Cuba remains alive. And we will not rest until it becomes a reality," she added. Her statement directly responds to Marco Rubio's participation, via the Internet, in the meeting at Mike Hammer's residence in Havana.