U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has issued a warning to El Salvador's President, Nayib Bukele, indicating that the Cuban regime is unlikely to implement the necessary reforms for its people as long as it believes it has backing from the international community.
This warning came during a phone conversation between the two leaders on Tuesday, as reported by a State Department press release.
Rubio's caution highlights the perceived international support that, in his view, the authorities in Havana believe they have.
In the call, the top U.S. diplomat also encouraged El Salvador to join the United States and other like-minded nations in advancing shared priorities at the United Nations.
Washington noted that both leaders reaffirmed the close bilateral relationship and discussed the importance of safeguarding El Salvador's critical infrastructure, including its ports, from what the State Department described as "malign foreign influences."
The conversation with Bukele brings to light an element in Rubio's discourse: the significance he places on the international community's stance towards the Cuban government and its potential impact on Havana's willingness to undertake reforms.
This statement about Cuba aligns with Rubio's previous remarks. In July, he asserted that Washington was open to dialogue with Havana but questioned the regime's willingness to change.
"We want a better future for Cuba, and we are prepared to do what's necessary. However, those currently in power must decide to move in that direction. Unfortunately, at this moment, they are unwilling," the Secretary of State declared.
More recently, in September, Rubio stated that the United States was ready to aid in a transition in Cuba, though he noted that regime representatives remained unyielding.
"The Cuban revolution has failed. It has been failing for over sixty years. It is a failure now. I believe there is an acknowledgment within the Cuban system itself that the revolution has failed," Rubio commented.
Key Insights on U.S. and Cuba Relations
Why does Marco Rubio believe the Cuban regime won't reform?
Rubio believes that the Cuban regime is unlikely to reform as long as it perceives it has support from the international community.
What did Rubio discuss with President Bukele regarding U.S.-El Salvador relations?
Rubio and Bukele discussed the importance of maintaining secure El Salvador's critical infrastructure and protecting it from malign foreign influences, while also reaffirming the close bilateral relationship.
What has been Rubio's stance on U.S. dialogue with Cuba?
Rubio has stated that the U.S. is open to dialogue with Cuba but has expressed doubts about the current regime's willingness to enact meaningful change.