More than a hundred Cubans residing in various European countries gathered this Wednesday in Madrid with the United States ambassador to Cuba, Mike Hammer, in a meeting focused on the political future of the Island and the role of the diaspora in a potential process of transformation for the country.
Attendees at the meeting included members of civil society and exile organizations, who spoke directly with the official and presented proposals to promote changes in the Caribbean country.
The meeting took place against a backdrop of increasing attention from Washington towards the situation in Cuba.
Commitment to the Cuban people
During his speech, Hammer conveyed a message on behalf of the administration of President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
"I want to express on behalf of the Trump administration, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, that the United States and this administration are committed to the Cuban people," he stated.
The diplomat emphasized that the future of the Island must be defined by its citizens.
"The future of Cuba is for the Cubans to determine, to decide freely, with the opportunity to live in peace and to make their own choices and prosper economically," he said.
Hammer emphasized that his presence in Madrid was aimed at listening to the diaspora. "I want to hear from you," he said, highlighting that Washington does not intend to impose solutions but to support the aspirations of the Cuban people.
Cuba as a hemispheric and national security priority
The official explained that the Cuban issue holds a significant place in the current agenda of the White House. He noted that President Trump has made Latin America and the Caribbean a priority of U.S. foreign policy, and that Cuba is a central part of that strategy.
"Cuba is very important because, as you know, it is 90 miles from our coast and it is a matter of national security," he stated.
He also recalled that both the president and Rubio have publicly reiterated their support for the aspirations of the Cuban people to achieve "an economic opening, a political opening."
In this regard, he indicated that his work includes contacts with European governments and other institutions to join the effort. After his time in Madrid, he announced that he would travel to Italy to continue these negotiations.
Reports of repression and lack of freedoms
Hammer also addressed the internal situation on the Island, noting that one of his roles is to inform the world about what Cubans are experiencing.
"There is daily and absolute repression, there is no freedom of expression, there is no freedom of religion, there is no freedom of the press," he declared before the audience, which included journalists and activists.
He acknowledged the work of the diaspora in bringing these realities to light and stated that, from his position, he seeks to help the international community understand that the Cuban people "have not had a voice."
Permanent contact with the diaspora
The diplomat informed that the newly arrived Ambassador León was unable to attend the meeting due to the presentation of credentials before the King of Spain, but assured that there will be continuity in contact with the Cuban community in Europe.
"We are listening," he stated, encouraging attendees to channel reports, concerns, and ideas through the U.S. embassies in various countries.
"We are not here to tell you how to do things; you are capable and will determine what the eventual future of a free Cuba will be," he added.
Humanitarian assistance and monitoring of the crisis
Hammer recounted a conversation held on January 9 at the White House with Rubio, in which—according to him—the secretary's first question was about the situation of the Cuban people and the humanitarian crisis.
"He does not want to see the Cuban people suffer; he does not want the Cuban people to go hungry," he stated.
The diplomat detailed that, following Hurricane Melissa, the United States initiated a process of humanitarian assistance through Cáritas Cuba, in coordination with the bishops of the Cuban conference.
He recalled that an initial amount of three million dollars was sent, and that an additional six million was later announced, for a total of nine million.
He indicated that he visited the provinces of Holguín, Granma, Santiago, and Guantánamo, where he met with volunteers and victims, and expressed satisfaction that the aid is reaching "everyday Cubans" and not through the regime.
"It is a historic moment."
In the final part of his speech, Hammer emphasized the exceptional nature of the current political moment.
"I have been a diplomat for 37 years, and I have not seen an approach from a United States president towards Latin America, the Caribbean, and especially Cuba, in my career," he stated.
And he concluded with a phrase that set the tone for the meeting: "This is a historic moment, in which change is not just possible; it is going to happen."
The message was received by the attendees as a sign of support for the aspirations of democratic transformation on the Island, within a context where the diaspora continues to articulate proposals and strategies for the future of Cuba.
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