Marco Rubio, the U.S. Secretary of State, emphasized on Monday that the United States remains committed to fostering political and economic change in Cuba. He described this mission as a top priority for the Donald Trump administration, despite the ongoing resistance from the island's regime leaders.
These statements emerged from the State Department during Rubio's visit to Paris, France, where he is attending the Group of Seven (G7) Foreign Ministers' meeting.
"They are a very stubborn group of people, but this remains a priority for us," Rubio declared at the conclusion of his remarks concerning the situation in Cuba.
Rubio stressed that the ultimate goal for Washington is to aid Cuba in achieving a brighter future, although any transformation will also hinge on the decisions made by the current ruling powers in Cuba.
"We'll do everything we can to help guide them towards that future, but ultimately, they need to wake up and realize there's no future in the path they're following now," he asserted.
The Secretary clarified that U.S. policy towards Cuba extends beyond demanding political change. It also aims to enable Cuban citizens to participate in economic activities independently, without state reliance.
"We want Cubans to have what people throughout the Western Hemisphere enjoy: the chance to earn a living independently, without relying on the government," he added.
Rubio accused the Cuban regime of deliberately limiting economic freedoms, arguing that increased autonomy could weaken their grip on society.
He explained that while authorities allow limited economic activity to prevent further economic decline, they block changes that would reduce the population's dependence on the government.
"They don't care if people have little; they just want to ensure that whatever people have, they are one hundred percent reliant on the regime to get it," he stated.
Rubio also linked Cuba's political and economic model to the mass exodus of citizens seeking better lives in other countries, particularly the United States.
"That model doesn't work, and it has only led millions to leave Cuba, many heading to the United States," he remarked.
He characterized the instability in Cuba and what he perceives as a failed state as a threat to both national security and U.S. interests.
This situation, he noted, underscores why Washington continues to closely monitor developments in Cuba.
Regarding bilateral relations, Rubio pointed out that the U.S. embargo is legally mandated and its removal depends on political changes within Cuba.
He also directed harsh criticism at the ruling elite and the Business Administration Group S.A. (GAESA), a conglomerate controlled by the Cuban military.
Rubio alleged that while the general population suffers economically, individuals connected to the regime maintain substantial amounts of money in international bank accounts.
During the same briefing, Rubio refrained from disclosing whether his earlier call for Cubans to collaborate with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) had yielded any results.
In response to media inquiries, he explained that releasing such information could endanger potential collaborators.
The stance Rubio expressed on Monday aligns with his earlier position in September, affirming the U.S.'s willingness to assist Cuba in transitioning, while labeling regime representatives as intransigent.
Understanding U.S. Policy on Cuba
What is the U.S. government's current stance on Cuba?
The U.S. government, under the leadership of Marco Rubio, is focused on promoting both political and economic change in Cuba, viewing it as a high priority despite resistance from the Cuban regime.
How does the U.S. plan to assist Cuba?
The U.S. aims to support Cuba in achieving a better future by encouraging political reforms and enabling citizens to engage in independent economic activities without relying on the state.
What are the economic restrictions currently imposed by the Cuban regime?
The Cuban regime is accused of limiting economic freedoms to maintain control over society, allowing only restricted economic activities to avoid further economic degradation.