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The Head of the United States Diplomatic Mission in Cuba, Mike Hammer, held a meeting with Cuban activist Amelia Calzadilla, known for her denunciations regarding the socioeconomic crisis on the island, along with Magdiel Jorge Castro and Aneth Hernández Agrelo, members of Citizenship and Freedom.
After the meeting, Calzadilla shared a message on his social media expressing gratitude for the invitation from Hammer and the Citizenship and Freedom team to discuss issues of "a deeply humanitarian and democratic nature."
Likewise, it highlighted the value and the space given to activists and opponents, both inside and outside the island, in their struggle for the common good of the nation.
For its part, Citizenship and Freedom, an independent organization focused on defending rights to association and political participation in Cuba, reported that members of their organization met with Hammer to discuss the reality of the country and the challenges in the fight for democracy.
In their brief statement, they expressed gratitude for the diplomat's support, highlighting his meetings with both opposition leaders on the island and with Cuban exiles.
"Your willingness to listen to us and to understand firsthand the situation of Cubans both inside and outside the country is a gesture that we deeply appreciate", they stated.
Citizenship and Freedom was established in 2023. Its objective is to promote an active and informed society regarding civil and political rights, fostering civic participation in public affairs without fear of persecution or criminalization.
They recognize the challenges involved in defending these rights in the current Cuban context and advocate for a democratic transition as a way to achieve significant progress.
An image taken during the meeting shows a relaxed atmosphere, yet with a serious and committed tone, where human rights and freedom of expression in Cuba were the central themes.
Since his arrival in Havana in November 2024 as Chief of Mission of the United States Embassy in Cuba, Mike Hammer has held meetings with various Cuban opposition members and activists, reinforcing his country's commitment to the promotion of human rights on the island.
Among the figures he has met with are Berta Soler, leader of the Ladies in White, and Martha Beatriz Roque, a prominent dissident and economist. These meetings have addressed issues such as the release of political prisoners and the overall human rights situation in Cuba.
Additionally, Hammer visited José Daniel Ferrer, leader of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), at the organization's headquarters in Santiago de Cuba. During this meeting, they discussed the political and social reality of the country, as well as the importance of international solidarity with the Cuban people in their struggle for democracy.
Furthermore, the American diplomat met with the intellectual Alina Bárbara López Hernández, with whom he discussed the situation of political prisoners and the need for a respectful dialogue to address the social and political challenges facing the island.
These interactions reflect the interest of the United States 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 the meeting between Mike Hammer and Amelia Calzadilla in Cuba
Who is Amelia Calzadilla and what role does she play in Cuba?
Amelia Calzadilla is a Cuban activist known for her denunciations of the socioeconomic crises in Cuba. Her work focuses on promoting human rights and democracy on the island, actively participating in meetings that aim to raise awareness of the Cuban reality before international figures.
What was the purpose of the meeting between Mike Hammer and Amelia Calzadilla?
The meeting aimed to discuss deeply humanitarian and democratic issues in Cuba. It sought to emphasize the importance of human rights and support for activists in their struggle for the common good of the Cuban nation.
What is the organization Ciudadanía y Libertad and what is its mission in Cuba?
Citizenship and Freedom is an independent organization in Cuba that focuses on defending the rights of association and political participation. Its mission is to foster an active and informed society regarding civil and political rights, promoting citizen participation without fear of persecution or criminalization.
What role does Mike Hammer play in promoting human rights in Cuba?
Mike Hammer is the Chargé d'Affaires of the United States Embassy in Cuba and since his arrival, he has held meetings with various Cuban opponents and activists. His role focuses on reinforcing the commitment of the United States to the promotion of human rights and supporting open dialogue with Cuban civil society.
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