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The regime in Havana acknowledged this Wednesday that it is in contact with the government of the United States "at the highest level," marking an official confirmation of direct communication between the two countries since Donald Trump has increased pressure on the island.
In statements to CNN, Cuba's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carlos Fernández de Cossío, stated that “a formal bilateral dialogue has not been established,” but confirmed that “there have indeed been some exchanges of messages linked to the highest levels of the Cuban government.”
The official added that Cuba is willing to engage in a "meaningful" dialogue with the United States, although he made it clear that the regime is not prepared to discuss its system of government or its political model.
"We are not ready to discuss our constitutional system, just as we assume that the United States is not ready to discuss its constitutional system, its political system, or its economic reality," said Fernández de Cossío.
His statements come as the Trump administration intensifies pressure on the Cuban regime, both economically and diplomatically.
Washington has hardened sanctions and threatened to impose tariffs on countries that export oil to Cuba, while labeling the island as an "extraordinary threat" due to its collaboration with "hostile actors" and "intelligence capabilities."
The Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister denied that his country poses any risk to the United States: "Cuba does not represent any threat. It is not aggressive towards the United States. It does not harbor terrorism nor does it sponsor terrorism," he stated.
Fernández de Cossío pointed out that the measures from Washington have worsened the energy crisis the island is facing, characterized by prolonged blackouts, fuel shortages, and long lines at gas stations, although he attributed this to the U.S. economic sanctions.
The diplomat admitted that the Cuban government might be forced to implement austerity measures to preserve its fuel reserves and argued that dialogue would be a more productive alternative for both countries.
"If the United States wants cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking, Cuba can help," he added.
The statements from the Cuban regime come just days after Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated that the United States "would love to see a regime change in Cuba," albeit without direct intervention.
The confirmation of contacts "at the highest level" represents an acknowledgment that Havana is seeking to alleviate the growing pressure from the Trump administration without compromising on domestic political issues.
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