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Gloria and Emilio Estefan, two of the most significant figures of the Cuban exile community in Florida, participated on Monday in a virtual session with White House officials regarding the United States' response to the protests in Cuba and the regime's repression.
The artist couple, who have supported the people of the Island in their fight for their rights since the beginning of the protests on July 11, spoke out in support, discussed with Cedric Richmond and Juan González the stance of the U.S. government regarding SOS Cuba.
Richmond is the principal advisor and director of the public engagement office at the White House, and González is the director of the National Security Council (NSC) for the Western Hemisphere. Both discussed their concerns and policy recommendations with various leaders of the Cuban American community following recent events in the Caribbean nation.
According to information obtained from CiberCuba, in addition to the Estefans, several others participated, including actor Andy García; Carlos Saladrigas and Rick Herrero, executives of the Cuba Study Group; investor and businessman Mike Fernández; businessman and arts patron Carlos de la Cruz; Manny Díaz, former mayor of Miami and president of the Florida Democratic Party; former congressman Joe García; and María Carla Chicuén, executive director of Casa Cuba at Florida International University, among others.
On Tuesday, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki stated that the Joe Biden administration is implementing measures to support the Cuban people, such as exploring ways to improve Internet access on the Island.
"We are also looking to leverage our partners from international organizations to increase the flows of humanitarian assistance to Cuba," said Psaki at a press conference.
The Democratic government is also working to identify the agents who used violence against peaceful protesters and will form a task force to find the most effective way to ensure remittances reach the people directly.
"That money or funding does not reach the regime's hands nor allow them to line their pockets," Psaki emphasized.
After the protests by thousands of people who took to the streets in Cuba demanding freedom, and the violent crackdown by the regime's forces, the United States government changed its strategy and began to prioritize the issue of Cuba.
"The White House is closely monitoring the situation in Cuba and [...] addressing the current moment and situation in Cuba is an absolute priority for the Administration," stated an official statement from the White House.
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