The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cuba, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, hurled harsh insults at the Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, and several Cuban-American congress members, whom he accused of being "fiercely anti-Cuban," "corrupt," and "blackmailers."
During his speech at the ALBA-TCP Political Council, held in Venezuela, Rodríguez asserted this Saturday that "the anti-Cuban politicians who are members of the U.S. Congress and the Secretary of State, with some exceptions, were not born in Cuba nor have they visited the country, but they have been fiercely anti-Cuban and corrupt, and have profited from the aggression against the Cuban nation."
Bruno Rodríguez's words were particularly aimed at Marco Rubio, whom he accused of orchestrating the persecution of Cuban migrants recently arrived in the United States, despite them being individuals who entered legally, work, pay taxes, and are awaiting the application of the Cuban Adjustment Act.
"The corrupt, bland, and extortionist Secretary of State is, to the disgrace of Our America, the main responsible party and promoter of the persecution and attempt at mass deportation of Cuban residents or temporary residents in the United States," said the chancellor.
He also referred to the Cuban-American congressmen as "hypocrites and cynics" who "do not defend even those who voted for them," and questioned why they do not speak out against the mass deportations of Cubans.
Despite the aggressive rhetoric, the chancellor reiterated the regime's willingness to maintain bilateral dialogue with the United States on migration issues and law enforcement cooperation.
He also emphasized the official commitment to "regular, safe, and orderly migration," as well as addressing crimes such as human trafficking and the illegal smuggling of migrants
Double standards in the face of the migration crisis
The chancellor's words come at a time of rising tension due to the increased number of deportation flights of Cubans from the United States. On March 27, a plane arrived in Havana with 60 repatriated migrants.
The regime has described these flights as acts of "cruel cynicism." It continues to blame the embargo and external factors for the mass exodus, ignoring internal causes such as political repression, lack of freedoms, censorship, the energy crisis, and the economic collapse that the Cuban populace is experiencing
Human rights organizations have warned about the risks faced by deported migrants upon their return to the island, including interrogations, surveillance, social marginalization, and reprisals from the state apparatus
The concern of the Cuban regime regarding the mass deportation of migrants may also be related to the economic impact it would have on the decrease of remittances and the challenge of the social reintegration of repatriates in the complex political and economic context currently faced in Cuba.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bruno Rodríguez's Statements and the Cuban Migration Crisis
Why does Bruno Rodríguez blame Marco Rubio for the deportations of Cubans?
Bruno Rodríguez accuses Marco Rubio of being the main promoter of the mass deportations of Cubans from the United States. According to Rodríguez, Rubio orchestrates a persecution against Cuban migrants, despite the fact that many of them entered legally and are waiting to benefit from the Cuban Adjustment Act.
What consequences do deported Cubans face upon returning to the island?
Deported Cubans returning to the island face interrogations, surveillance, and social marginalization, as well as possible reprisals from the Cuban government. Human rights organizations have warned about these risks, which also include the potential for detention due to prior criminal charges.
How does the Cuban regime respond to accusations regarding the migration crisis?
The Cuban regime blames the embargo and external policies of the United States for the mass exodus of Cubans, denying internal causes such as political repression and economic collapse. Despite this stance, the government continues to receive deportees as part of bilateral agreements with the U.S.
What is the position of the United States regarding Cuban migration?
United States, under the leadership of Marco Rubio as Secretary of State, maintains a critical and restrictive stance towards the Cuban regime, which includes expanding visa restrictions and promoting deportations. Rubio defends these measures as necessary to hold the regime accountable for oppressing its people.
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