Congressman Carlos Giménez has emphatically denied, on two separate occasions, that any discussions are taking place between Marco Rubio and Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, the grandson of Raúl Castro.
The Cuban-American representative asserted this as a fact during an appearance on Ninoska Pérez's show on Radio Martí.
Speculation about alleged communications between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Rodríguez Castro, often referred to as "El Cangrejo," has sparked debate within the Cuban exile community regarding the boundaries of political transition in Cuba.
A report from Axios suggested that Rubio has recently engaged in contact with Rodríguez Castro. These dialogues are ongoing but do not involve leader Miguel Díaz-Canel, instead targeting the circle perceived by Washington as the true power in Havana.
Meanwhile, last Wednesday, Ernesto Soberón Guzmán, Cuba's permanent representative to the United Nations, dismissed the rumors of these supposed contacts as "speculation."
"Those same media outlets later admit they have no confirmation of what they are publishing. To me, it sounds speculative. I rely on facts," the Cuban diplomat told EFE.
The diplomat reiterated Cuba's openness to dialogue based on mutual respect, equal terms, sovereignty, independence, and non-interference in internal affairs.
"We don't impose conditions on anyone, nor do we accept conditions imposed on us," he stated. "History has shown us that dialogue works when it is founded on equality and mutual respect, not when there are pressures or impositions," he added.
Soberón's remarks were the first official response from the Cuban government regarding this sensitive issue. The Presidency of the Republic of Cuba has yet to make an official statement concerning the alleged ongoing talks between Rubio and the general's grandson.
Insight into Marco Rubio and Cuba Relations
Are there confirmed talks between Marco Rubio and Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro?
Carlos Giménez has firmly denied any ongoing conversations between Marco Rubio and Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, and Cuban officials have labeled such reports as speculative.
What has been the reaction of Cuban officials to these rumors?
Cuban officials, including Ernesto Soberón Guzmán, have described the reports of talks as speculative and affirmed Cuba's readiness for dialogue based on mutual respect and non-interference.