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The United States Embassy in Havana announced this Thursday that all visa interviews scheduled for this Friday, December 20, will be rescheduled for a later date.
"This decision is due to the protest march called by the president of Cuba, which will take place in front of the Embassy, limiting access to it. The affected applicants will be contacted directly to reschedule their appointments," the consular entity specified in X.
A decade after the "thaw" initiated by Obama and following the announcement of the "March of the Fighting People" by Miguel Díaz-Canel, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Brian Nichols recently made it clear to the Cuban leader that the only solution for Cuba remains "democracy."
However, completely unaware of what the term "democracy" truly entails, the Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel remains enthusiastic about organizing a "March of the Combatant People."
"On December 20, together with the heroic Cuban people, we will march in combat to demand an end to the blockade and the removal of #Cuba from the illegitimate list of countries supposedly sponsoring terrorism. Just as we have often accompanied #Fidel, we will meet in the streets," wrote the leader on X last Tuesday.
The march in question has been met with a wave of criticism among Cubans and widespread ridicule, with the phrase "let Sandro go" being used, referring to Fidel Castro's grandson.
Numerous outraged citizens have questioned the usefulness of this mobilization amid a deep economic crisis characterized by blackouts, food shortages, and widespread hardship, which foreshadow a grim end to the year, worse than the troubled start of 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions about Appointment Extensions at the U.S. Embassy in Cuba Due to Protests
Why did the U.S. Embassy in Cuba postpone the visa interviews scheduled for December 20th?
The U.S. Embassy in Havana has decided to postpone the visa interviews scheduled for December 20 due to a protest march called by Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, which will take place in front of the diplomatic mission. This limits access to the embassy, so appointments will be rescheduled for a later date.
What does the "March of the Fighting People" called by Díaz-Canel involve?
The "March of the Combatant People" is a rally organized by the Cuban government to protest against the U.S. blockade and Cuba’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism. This march is seen as a propaganda strategy to divert attention from the economic crisis facing the country.
How does this situation affect visa applicants at the U.S. Embassy in Cuba?
Visa applicants who had interviews scheduled for December 20 will be contacted directly by the embassy to reschedule their appointments. This means there will be a delay in the visa application process, which may impact the travel plans of many individuals.
What is the United States' stance on the current political situation in Cuba?
The United States has made it clear that the only solution to the problems facing Cuba is democracy. Deputy Secretary of State Brian Nichols has stated that a political change is necessary to improve the economic and social situation on the island, and that the regime's repression has been an obstacle to the country's development.
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