U.S. diplomat Mike Hammer stated this Wednesday in Madrid that the future of the island must be decided by the Cubans themselves "in freedom, in tranquility, and with the opportunity to prosper economically.”
In a first intervention, Hammer conveyed —as he stated— the message from the administration of President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio: “The United States is committed to the Cuban people.”
The change in Cuba "is not something that can be achieved, it is something that will be achieved," he affirmed during a meeting with more than 100 Cubans living in Europe, members of civil society and exile organizations.
The diplomat explained that, both during his tours in Cuba and in meetings abroad, his intention is to listen to the citizens. "We are not here to tell you how to do things. You are capable and will determine the eventual future of a free Cuba," he stated.
Hammer highlighted that President Trump has made Latin America and the Caribbean a strategic priority of his foreign policy, with Cuba holding a central position due to its geographic proximity and its relevance to the national security of the United States.
"It is 90 miles off our coast and is a matter of national security," he recalled, citing public statements from both Trump and Rubio.
According to reports, Washington supports the aspirations of the Cuban people for economic and political openness and is encouraging European and Latin American countries to join this effort. After his visit to Spain, he announced that he would travel to Italy to continue diplomatic contacts in this regard.
Hammer pointed out that part of his role is to inform the international community about the reality within the island. He denounced that in Cuba "there is daily and absolute repression" and that there are no freedoms of expression, press, or religion. "Many journalists cannot exercise their profession," he stated in front of several communicators present at the meeting.
The diplomat also revealed that, in a meeting held on January 9 at the White House, Marco Rubio specifically inquired about the situation of the Cuban people and expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis. "He does not want to see the Cuban people suffer or go hungry," he confirmed.
In that context, he recalled that the United States channeled humanitarian aid after Hurricane Melissa through Caritas Cuba and not through the regime, with an initial package of three million dollars. An additional allocation of six million was later announced, bringing the total to nine million dedicated to direct assistance for those affected in provinces such as Holguín, Granma, Santiago de Cuba, and Guantánamo.
"As long as we can, we will continue to send aid," he stated, explaining that the goal is to directly support the citizens affected by the crisis.
With 37 years of diplomatic career, Hammer stated that he had never seen such a pronounced approach from a U.S. president towards Latin America and, in particular, towards Cuba. “This is a historic moment,” he concluded.
Filed under: