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The Center for the Opening and Development of Latin America (CADAL) formally requested on Tuesday that President Javier Milei eliminate the visa requirement for Cuban citizens wishing to enter Argentina, as a concrete gesture of support for freedom and human rights.
The request was sent through a letter signed by Gabriel C. Salvia, representative and general director of CADAL, and published on the official site of the organization.
In the document, Salvia argues that "the Cuban regime has maintained an authoritarian system for more than six decades that severely restricts fundamental freedoms."
The letter highlights that citizens of Cuba do not enjoy freedom of expression, association, or mobility, and denounces the systematic repression against activists, independent journalists, and human rights defenders, as well as the state control over everyday life.
"They have created a situation of physical and mental confinement, a true collective punishment," emphasizes the text.
In this regard, CADAL urged the Argentine leader to "take a significant step on the international stage by eliminating the visa requirement, as a concrete act of defending the freedom of those who suffer repression and forced exile."
The organization also warned that the visa requirements imposed by democratic countries, such as Argentina, end up being—though unintentionally—an additional obstacle for those seeking to escape totalitarianism and rebuild their lives.
Finally, the letter refers to recent statements made by Milei himself, in which he claimed that "the most important vote of all is the one made with your feet," and asked him to be consistent with that stance.
"Offer the people of Cuba the option to seek a future of freedom in Argentina," concluded the letter.
The United States and Argentina recently reaffirmed their joint commitment to confront authoritarianism in the region, with special emphasis on the regimes of Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, according to a statement issued by the Department of State.
The U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, held an official meeting with the Argentine Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gerardo Werthein, during which they emphasized the need to continue countering the regimes that — according to Washington — threaten the national security of the United States and the stability of the western hemisphere.
"Both leaders emphasized their support for the brave people of Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, who continue to defend their fundamental freedoms and confront the oppression of authoritarian regimes and the malign influence of external actors," the text released by State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce notes.
In September 2024, Argentine President Javier Milei generated significant international attention after his speech at the 79th United Nations General Assembly, where he referred to the governments of Cuba, Venezuela, and Iran as "bloodthirsty dictatorships."
In his speech, he harshly criticized the inclusion of these countries in the organization's Human Rights Council, questioning their legitimacy and denouncing the contradiction of their participation in bodies that claim to defend fundamental freedoms.
Milei's stance marked a break with his country's traditional diplomacy and was met with divided opinions both in Argentina and abroad.
Subsequently, in November of the same year, the Argentine president announced the expulsion of all diplomats from the Foreign Ministry who supported the vote in favor of lifting the U.S. embargo against Cuba at the UN.
Frequently Asked Questions about CADAL's Request to Javier Milei to Exempt Cubans from Visa Requirements
What does CADAL request from President Javier Milei?
CADAL has formally requested Argentine President Javier Milei to eliminate the visa requirement for Cubans wishing to enter Argentina. This request is presented as a gesture of support for freedom and human rights, in light of the restrictions and repression faced by the Cuban people under their current regime.
Why does CADAL consider it important to eliminate the visa requirement for Cubans?
CADAL argues that the Cuban regime has imposed an authoritarian system that severely limits the fundamental freedoms of its citizens. The removal of the visa requirement by Argentina could be a concrete act of defense for those who suffer repression and seek to escape Cuban totalitarianism.
How does this request align with Javier Milei's foreign policy?
The request from CADAL aligns with Javier Milei's critical stance against authoritarian regimes, as he has stated in international forums. Milei has described the governments of Cuba, Venezuela, and Iran as "bloody dictatorships" and has criticized their inclusion in human rights organizations, reinforcing his foreign policy of supporting freedom and human rights.
What is the stance of the United States and Argentina regarding Cuba?
The United States and Argentina have reaffirmed their joint commitment to confront authoritarianism in the region, particularly in Cuba. Both countries have emphasized the need to counter regimes that threaten the national security of the U.S. and the stability of the Western Hemisphere, supporting the Cuban people in their struggle for fundamental freedoms.
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