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The head of U.S. diplomacy in Cuba Mike Hammer met on Friday in Washington with Under Secretary of State Chris Landau to discuss the energy crisis and the situation of political prisoners on the Island.
“our Mission Chief Mike Hammer met again with Chris Landau in Washington D.C. They discussed the serious deterioration of the energy situation in Cuba,” wrote the United States Embassy in Cuba on X.
"In addition, it is necessary for the regime to release all political prisoners and respect human rights. The United States supports the Cuban people and their right to live in freedom and decide their future," they added.
The week witnessed a new total disconnection of the Electric Power System in Cuba, another event added to its ongoing crisis. Temporary measures and quick fixes fail to ensure stability, while authorities have not yet announced concrete plans to restore generation capacity and prevent new widespread blackouts.
The perception is also strengthened that constant blackouts are now a structural consequence of the Cuban electrical system, with direct impacts on the daily lives of the population, while the authorities continue to manage the crisis with limited official information and temporary solutions that do not address the underlying problem.
For many, the electrical issue is not viewed as a temporary situation, but rather as the result of decades of negligence, mismanagement, and lack of investment.
Landau, for his part, has remained active in supporting Cuban political prisoners. At the end of July, the official publicly honored the young Cuban political prisoner Duannis Dabel León Taboada and his mother, Jenni Taboada, for their bravery in the face of repression by the Cuban regime.
"I honor the brave Cubans like Duannis and Jenni, who risk everything to raise their voices in defense of human rights in their country," wrote the diplomat on his official X account after participating in a virtual meeting with Cuban citizens convened at the U.S. Embassy in Havana on July 8.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Situation in Cuba and the Actions of the United States
What is the current situation of the energy crisis in Cuba?
The energy situation in Cuba is in serious decline, with constant blackouts affecting the daily lives of the population. The temporary measures implemented so far have not been effective in ensuring stability in the electricity supply, and no concrete plans have been announced to address the underlying problem.
What actions is the United States taking regarding political prisoners in Cuba?
The United States is calling for the release of all political prisoners in Cuba and has maintained an active dialogue with representatives of civil society and families of the detainees. The head of the diplomatic mission, Mike Hammer, has expressed support for human rights and freedom of expression on the island, and has denounced the repression by the Cuban regime.
How has popular discontent manifested in Cuba?
According to the head of the U.S. diplomatic mission in Cuba, Mike Hammer, citizen discontent on the island is widespread. Most Cubans believe that "the Revolution has failed" due to the lack of electricity, shortages of fuel, food, and medicine, issues they attribute to the Cuban regime rather than U.S. policies.
What measures is the United States taking against the Cuban regime?
The United States has intensified its critical stance towards the Cuban regime, implementing sanctions against Cuban officials linked to human rights violations. Furthermore, it has reaffirmed its commitment to fundamental freedoms and support for the Cuban people in their struggle for a better future.
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