The head of the U.S. diplomatic mission in Cuba, Mike Hammer, traveled to Varadero with his family, where he became the target of another alleged setup by the regime.
“I continue exploring Cuba, this time in Varadero, where I want to keep meeting everyday Cubans, but it turns out that, like the Ladas, this place is filled with Russians everywhere,” joked Hammer in a video shared on the Facebook account of the diplomatic mission.
The official reported a new attempt of "set-up" by the Cuban regime.
"Well, in any case, I’ll tell you that an older couple approached wanting to criticize U.S. policies, which, well, is their right, right? What’s curious is that someone immediately came up to film everything. So, I don’t know if it was staged. You all would know better than I do," he explained.
In recent weeks, Hammer has visited several locations in the country, including Bejucal, Artemisa, and San Antonio de los Baños, the cradle of 11J.
There, he has spent time with seniors in homes run by the Catholic Church, with volunteers providing food to those in need, and with youth in Catholic temples.
The U.S. official has faced several accusations from the government for visiting Cuban families, activists, and opponents throughout the Island.
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carlos Fernández de Cossío, accused Hammer of "interfering behavior" and even suggested that he could be declared a persona non grata.
During an interview with EFE, Fernández de Cossío questioned Hammer's role, accusing him of seeking media attention and acting as a "scarecrow" that "pushes people away."
The American diplomat, for his part, continues with his visits despite the threats, asserting his right to maintain direct contact with citizens and promote democratic, religious, and humanitarian values.
"Pleasant and valuable encounters that reaffirm the importance I place on connecting directly with people," he/she stated on one occasion.
From Washington, the State Department strongly supports its work on the Island and dismisses the Cuban government's allegations as attempts to silence any efforts to highlight the reality of the country.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mike Hammer's Visit to Cuba and the Political Context
Why does the Cuban regime accuse Mike Hammer of interfering behavior?
The Cuban regime accuses Mike Hammer of interventionist behavior due to his visits to communities, families, activists, and opponents on the island. According to the Cuban government, these actions aim for media impact and are deemed provocative. Hammer has been accused of attempting to influence politically and of violating the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which has led the regime to label him as exhibiting "provocative and irresponsible behavior."
What kind of setups has Mike Hammer reported during his visit to Cuba?
Mike Hammer reported a setup in Varadero when an older couple criticized him for U.S. policies, and someone began filming the incident. These acts seem to be orchestrated to discredit his visits and present his interactions as provocations. Hammer has mentioned similar incidents where his presence has been used to try to create scenes of confrontation for propaganda purposes.
How has Mike Hammer responded to the accusations from the Cuban regime?
Despite the accusations from the Cuban regime, Mike Hammer has continued his visits and has defended his right to maintain direct contact with Cuban citizens. The diplomat has stated that his mission is to bring visibility to the realities of the country and promote democratic values. Furthermore, Washington has strongly supported his work, rejecting the government's claims as attempts to silence his efforts.
What has been the U.S. government's reaction to the criticisms of the mission chief in Cuba?
The United States government has strongly rejected the criticisms from the Cuban regime against Mike Hammer. Washington believes that these accusations are baseless attacks and has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Cuban people's desire for human rights and fundamental freedoms. The United States has summoned the Cuban ambassador in Washington to express its disapproval of the harassment against Hammer and other diplomats.
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