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The Head of Mission at the United States Embassy in Cuba, Mike Hammer, visited the headquarters of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU) in Altamira, Santiago de Cuba, where he met with opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer.
"Today we received a visit from the Head of Mission of the United States Embassy in Cuba, Mike Hammer. For almost five hours, we discussed various topics regarding the current reality of our homeland and the importance of solidarity from all of the West with the Cuban people who are fighting for their rights and for democracy," Ferrer stated.
In the meeting, Hammer listened to the testimonies of the recently released evangelical pastor Lorenzo Rosales and Ferrer himself, who shared their experiences during the time they were in prison due to their political ideals.
Additionally, the U.S. diplomat held a meeting with the mother of the political prisoner Iam Gámez Gell, Estrella Gell, who is currently under house arrest.
"We appreciate the important solidarity of the current U.S. government; of Secretary of State Marco Rubio; and the interest in the political prisoners who continue to endure terrible conditions in prisons throughout our country," Ferrer emphasized.
Who is Mike Hammer?
Mike Hammer assumed his position as Chief of Mission at the United States Embassy in Cuba in November 2024, succeeding Benjamin G. Ziff.
He has a distinguished career of over 35 years in the diplomatic service. Hammer arrives in Havana after playing a key role as Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa.
The U.S. Embassy highlighted that its arrival strengthens the commitment to promoting human rights in Cuba and improving bilateral relations, particularly in key areas of mutual interest such as security and the well-being of the Cuban people.
Throughout his career, Hammer has held high-responsibility positions, including that of U.S. Ambassador to Chile and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
In Washington, he was Under Secretary of State for Public Affairs, spokesperson for the National Security Council, and director of Andean Affairs at the State Department.
Hammer grew up in Latin America and has lived in countries like Honduras, El Salvador, Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil, making him a deep connoisseur of the region. He speaks Spanish fluently and is also proficient in French and Icelandic.
Meetings with other Cuban opposition members
Since his arrival in Havana, Hammer has personally met with well-known Cuban dissidents, including the intellectual Alina Bárbara López Hernández. Additionally, he held meetings with Berta Soler and Martha Beatriz Roque, two of the most prominent figures in the Cuban dissidence.
These meetings reflect the U.S. government's interest in maintaining an open dialogue with Cuban civil society and supporting those who advocate for human rights and democracy on the island.
Frequently asked questions about Mike Hammer's visit to José Daniel Ferrer in Cuba
Who is José Daniel Ferrer?
José Daniel Ferrer is a Cuban opposition leader and the general coordinator of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU). He has been a critical voice against the Cuban government and has faced multiple arrests due to his activism in favor of human rights and democracy in Cuba.
Why did the U.S. Mission Chief in Cuba visit José Daniel Ferrer?
Mike Hammer, Head of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Cuba, visited José Daniel Ferrer to discuss the current reality in Cuba and express solidarity with the Cuban people who are fighting for their rights. This visit reinforces the United States' commitment to promoting human rights in Cuba.
What is the United States' position on the situation of political prisoners in Cuba?
The United States has maintained a critical stance regarding the situation of human rights in Cuba and has demanded the release of all political prisoners. The U.S. government has expressed its concern over the repression and inhumane conditions in Cuban prisons.
What was discussed in the meeting between Mike Hammer and José Daniel Ferrer?
During the meeting, topics were discussed regarding the current reality in Cuba, the importance of international solidarity, and testimonies from political prisoners. Ferrer expressed gratitude for the solidarity of the U.S. government and emphasized the interest in human rights on the island.
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