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The Cuban opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer held a "very positive and cordial" conversation with the head of the United States diplomatic mission in Cuba, Mike Hammer.
The recently released leader of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU) shared details of the meeting through his social media, expressing his optimism about a future in which both nations will maintain "friendly governments and deep and respectful political and economic relationships."
"I just had a very positive and cordial conversation with the Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy in Cuba, Mike Hammer. The peoples of Cuba and the U.S. are brotherly nations, and in the increasingly near future, we will have friendly governments and deep, respectful political and economic relations," Ferrer expressed on his social media.
The activist emphasized that the main obstacle to this rapprochement is the lack of democracy in Cuba and the constant violations of human rights on the island. He stated that the people of both countries desire closer relations, but the repression imposed by the Cuban regime continues to be a hindrance to the development of stronger ties.
Ferrer has been one of the most critical voices against the Cuban government, repeatedly denouncing the repression faced by activists on the island. Following his release, the opposition member has been involved in discussions with various political figures and international media, seeking support for the cause of democratizing Cuba.
The conversation with Hammer takes place against a backdrop of rising tension between Washington and Havana, where the United States has condemned arbitrary detentions and the lack of civil liberties in the Caribbean nation on several occasions.
However, Ferrer expressed his hope that, with the support of the international community and the will of the Cuban people, a shift towards a freer and more democratic country could be achieved.
Hammer, head of the United States Embassy in Cuba, celebrated the release of Ferrer after three and a half years in prison, a request that the diplomatic mission repeatedly emphasized in his case and in that of all political prisoners of the Cuban regime, spreading the messages of the State Department's campaign "Why Prisoners?".
"José Daniel Ferrer has finally been released! I'm happy for him and his family. I hope to meet with him soon," celebrated the diplomat on January 16 on social media platform X.
Additionally, he expressed great confidence that there would be more releases in the coming hours: "We are awaiting more good news regarding the other political prisoners."
However, the Cuban regime seems to have suspended or slowed down the process of releasing political prisoners, as warned by the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights (OCDH) this Tuesday.
The organization expressed its "utmost concern" after noting that, by 1 p.m. on Tuesday, no new prisoners of conscience had been released, despite the expectations created by this measure, which the regime announced as an agreement between the Vatican and Havana, rather than a negotiation with the United States.
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