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The Chargé d'Affaires of the United States in Havana, Mike Hammer, expressed gratitude this Thursday for the support shown by the U.S. government following the recent acts of repudiation against him during visits to various provinces in Cuba.
“Thank you @DeputySecState Landau, also known as Quitavisas – our team at @USEmbCuba greatly appreciates your support. We will not be intimidated! #WithCubanPeopleStandingUp,” wrote Hammer on February 13 on his official account on X, in a message available on his public profile.
The message was a direct response to the statement made by the Under Secretary of State, Christopher Landau, who denounced the harassment of the American diplomat. “Small groups of agents from the Cuban regime have been harassing our esteemed Chargé d'Affaires in Havana, Ambassador @MikeHammerUSA, as he travels throughout the island in carrying out his diplomatic duties. I want those individuals to understand that we know who they are and that we will respond accordingly,” Landau stated on social media.
In that same statement, the official warned that Washington has identified the individuals involved and that there could be consequences, including visa sanctions. He also added that, in accordance with international law, “diplomats must be free to carry out their functions without being harassed by thugs.”
The incidents have occurred during Hammer's tours across the country, where he has met with citizens as part of his work agenda. In some of those trips, hostile actions have been reported involving groups aligned with the regime.
In an interview with Telemundo, Hammer also expressed expectations about the overall situation on the island, stating that “I believe that there will be a change in 2026. There will be a change. It’s just not sustainable,” referring to the impact of the economic and energy crisis in Cuba and the social climate he has observed during his travels throughout the country.
He also described a profound deterioration of the energy infrastructure, a decline in tourism, and a general worsening of living conditions, stating that "the Cuban revolution has failed" and advocating for the need to intensify efforts in light of the serious crisis the island is facing.
It has recently been reported that the State Department is considering measures such as permanent inadmissibility for entering the United States, the cancellation of existing visas, and the revocation of ongoing immigration processes against individuals linked to acts of repudiation and organized protests against U.S. diplomats in Cuba.
Despite the recorded incidents, the U.S. mission has maintained its agenda of outreach in various locations, while Washington reiterates that its diplomatic personnel must be able to perform their duties without intimidation.
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