The Miami-Dade County Commissioner, Natalie Milian Orbis, publicly denounced any potential agreement between the United States and the Cuban government that would leave the island's political system unchanged.
In a message shared on her X account, the commissioner emphasized that "any negotiation preserving a single-party communist dictatorship while ignoring the fundamental requirements of the Libertad Act is unacceptable."
Milian Orbis made these remarks following an announcement by Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel, who earlier confirmed discussions with U.S. officials, allegedly initiated by Raúl Castro.
According to the commissioner, this development highlights the mounting pressure on the regime amid the ongoing economic and political crisis plaguing the nation.
U.S. Legislation and Sanctions
She stressed that U.S. law clearly states that sanctions can only be lifted when Cuba begins an irreversible transition to a multiparty democracy, fully respects human rights and civil liberties, and takes concrete steps to return or compensate for properties confiscated from Cuban and Cuban American families.
Support for Trump's Policies
In this context, she defended the pressure policy implemented by President Donald Trump's administration towards Havana, arguing that tightening sanctions has helped compel the Cuban government to come to the negotiating table.
In her view, "firmness, not concessions," is what drives authoritarian regimes to respond.
The Need for Political Transformation
However, the commissioner cautioned that international pressure must lead to concrete political transformations.
She pointed out that as long as the regime continues to refuse free and competitive elections, persecutes dissidents, and denies property rights, the United States should not legitimize or finance its stay in power.
The Voice of the Exile Community
Milian Orbis also declared that the Cuban exile community has made tremendous sacrifices to ensure a deal does not leave the island's people without democracy, human rights, or the restitution of confiscated property—principles outlined in the Helms-Burton Act, signed by President William Clinton on March 12, 1996.
The commissioner's statements come amid a growing political debate in the United States, following the Cuban government's acknowledgment of contacts with Washington—a situation many exile political actors interpret as a sign of the regime's vulnerability in the face of the island's internal crisis.
Understanding U.S.–Cuba Relations
What are the fundamental requirements of the Libertad Act?
The Libertad Act requires that sanctions on Cuba can only be lifted when the country transitions to a multiparty democracy, respects human rights and civil liberties, and addresses the issue of confiscated properties.
Why does Commissioner Milian Orbis oppose negotiations with Cuba?
Commissioner Milian Orbis opposes negotiations that would maintain the current communist regime in Cuba without addressing the requirements of democracy, human rights, and restitution of confiscated properties.
How does Milian Orbis view the policies of Donald Trump's administration towards Cuba?
Milian Orbis supports the pressure policies of the Trump administration, believing that sanctions have forced the Cuban government to consider negotiations.