The Republican senator from Florida, Rick Scott, has urged the Trump administration to tighten sanctions against the Cuban regime.
In an interview with journalist Mario J. Pentón for Martí Noticias, Scott stated that “Cuba is the root of instability in Latin America”, and that he is working in Washington to promote democratic change on the island.
“It is important to restore sanctions against the regime and all the thugs in Cuba. Do not grant visas to the United States to those who have fought against freedom and democracy, and cut off their flow of money”, declared the legislator.
Scott believes that “the regime is a threat to the national security of the United States” and has insisted on the need to keep Cuba on the List of State Sponsors of Terrorism.
"I spoke with President Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz about the importance of keeping Cuba on the list," he added.
During the interview, the senator also emphasized the importance of the testimony and work of Cuban political prisoners. He particularly highlighted the voice of José Daniel Ferrer and that of other dissidents whom he considers very important in the fight for Cuba's freedom.
Ferrer, leader of the Patriotic Union of Cuba, was one of more than 100 political prisoners released by the regime following an agreement with the Vatican. However, hundreds of political prisoners remain on the island, incarcerated for critical social media posts or for peacefully protesting against the government.
"We hope for a new day of freedom for Cuba thanks to the efforts of these individuals," said Scott.
The statements made by the Florida senator align with those of other Cuban-American lawmakers who have expressed similar views regarding the situation in Cuba.
The congressman Mario Díaz-Balart, in statements to Martí Noticias during the annual retreat of Republican lawmakers in Doral, warned: “The days of concessions, unilateral gifts, and policies aimed at strengthening the regime are over.”
The congresswoman María Elvira Salazar emphasized that the Cuban regime "has its days numbered."
"They have no water, no electricity, no medicine, no hope, and the Cuban people have already lost their fear. We know that during the four years of President Trump, they won't last," he stated.
Salazar believes that the Republican leadership in Congress, along with the appointment of Marco Rubio as Secretary of State, will strengthen efforts for political change on the island.
Frequently asked questions about the proposed measures against the Cuban regime
What measures does Senator Rick Scott propose against the Cuban regime?
Rick Scott proposes to tighten sanctions against the Cuban regime and keep Cuba on the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism. He also suggests restricting visas for those who have fought against freedom and democracy, along with cutting the flow of money to the regime.
Why does Rick Scott consider Cuba a threat to the national security of the United States?
According to Rick Scott, the Cuban regime hosts terrorists and collaborates with authoritarian regimes such as Nicolás Maduro's in Venezuela, which poses a threat to the national security of the United States. Furthermore, the existence of a Chinese Communist Party espionage station in Cuba is mentioned.
What is José Daniel Ferrer's role in the fight against the Cuban regime?
José Daniel Ferrer is a Cuban opposition leader and founder of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU). He has been a critical voice against the Cuban regime and has endured imprisonment and repression. His testimony and activism are regarded as significant in the struggle for freedom in Cuba.
What impact has U.S. policy towards Cuba had in recent years?
The policies of the United States, especially during Donald Trump's administration, have tightened sanctions against the Cuban regime. This has included travel restrictions, a reduction in remittances, and the inclusion of Cuba on the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism, which has impacted the island's economy and its relations with other countries.
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