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The U.S. government expressed its full support this Friday for the Chief of Mission at the Washington Embassy in Havana, Mike Hammer, following the regime's formal protest against him.
The protest was delivered through a Note Verbale by the Director of Bilateral Affairs of the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Alejandro García del Toro, to the Chargé d'Affaires of the U.S. Embassy.
In response, the U.S. highlighted Hammer's work in favor of human rights and freedom on the island.
In a statement sent to Martí Noticias, an official from the State Department stated that “the Chief of Mission, Mike Hammer, and the U.S. Embassy proudly represent President Trump, implementing a 'America First' policy and demanding accountability from the Cuban regime for its malign influence on the American continent.”
The regime accused Hammer of adopting an "interventionist and disrespectful attitude toward the Cuban people" by meeting with members of civil society and opposition figures.
The MINREX pointed it out for "inciting citizens to commit criminal acts, undermining the constitutional order, and supporting the interests of a hostile foreign power."
Additionally, the Cuban government denounced that Hammer allegedly violated the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and the bilateral agreement that resumed diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2015.
From Washington, the response was firm: "It is not the United States that has turned the Cuban people against the regime, but rather its own corrupt, inept, and failed policies," stated the State Department.
In its message, the U.S. State Department emphasized that it will continue "meeting with Cuban patriots, religious leaders, and those fighting for the fundamental freedoms of the Cuban people."
Since his arrival on the island, Mike Hammer has actively engaged in a series of meetings with opponents, activists, entrepreneurs, journalists, and artists across the country.
These actions have generated a discrediting campaign by the official Cuban media and constant monitoring by security authorities.
This Friday, several tweets appeared in which the regime targets Hammer and attempts to ridicule him.
In recent statements from Miami, the diplomat denounced state surveillance of his movements: “We are being filmed constantly. What worries me is that the authorities and the cyber-clerics are encouraging activists to disrupt my activities.”
Despite the regime's criticisms, support for Hammer is not limited to the State Department.
This week, the diplomat was received in Washington by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who reaffirmed his commitment to the Cuban people.
The Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs shared images from the meeting and praised the diplomat's work in Havana.
"Hammer maintains its firm diplomatic commitment in Cuba, supporting the brave Cuban people who face repression and the economic challenges caused by the regime," stated the Department.
Frequently asked questions about the diplomatic relationship between the United States and Cuba
Why did the Cuban regime protest against the U.S. Mission Chief in Havana, Mike Hammer?
The Cuban regime accused Mike Hammer of adopting an interventionist and disrespectful attitude for meeting with members of civil society and opponents, allegedly inciting citizens to commit criminal acts and undermine the constitutional order. Additionally, he was accused of violating the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and the bilateral agreements established in 2015.
What has been the response of the United States to the accusations against Mike Hammer?
The United States has strongly backed Mike Hammer, emphasizing its commitment to human rights and freedoms in Cuba. The Department of State has stated that it is the corrupt and ineffective policies of the Cuban regime, and not the actions of the U.S., that have turned the Cuban people against the regime.
What measures has Mike Hammer taken during his stay in Cuba?
Mike Hammer has maintained an active schedule of meetings with opponents, activists, entrepreneurs, and figures of civil society in Cuba. He has denounced state surveillance of his movements and has received support from the State Department, reaffirming his commitment to the Cuban people in the face of the regime's repression.
How has the Cuban regime reacted to Mike Hammer's diplomatic actions?
The Cuban regime has intensified its rhetorical attacks against Mike Hammer, accusing him of promoting the destabilization of the country and being an imperial emissary, in addition to violating diplomatic protocols. It has launched media campaigns to undermine his reputation and divert attention from the economic crisis and social discontent on the island.
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