The Cuban-American congresswoman María Elvira Salazar reaffirmed her support for Secretary of State Marco Rubio and stated that, if there are any contacts with Havana, they do not involve negotiations but rather discussions "from a position of strength" to achieve a transition in Cuba.
“Marco Rubio perfectly understands the malice of the Cuban regime. We could not have a better interlocutor. If there are any kind of conversations, they are not negotiations,” Salazar stated.
The lawmaker emphasized that Rubio understands "the struggle of the Cuban exile" and specified that any rapprochement would aim to "achieve a free Cuba."
His statements refer to reports about alleged discreet conversations between Rubio and Raúl Castro's circle, specifically with his grandson Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, known as “El Cangrejo”, to explore a potential political transition on the island.
Support following reports of contacts
Last week, during an event in South Florida marking the 30th anniversary of the shooting down of the Brothers to the Rescue planes, Salazar was already emphatic: "Marco Rubio is not going to negotiate anything. He will discuss how the Cuban leaders are going to leave and what the different stages of this transition will be."
Although he stated that he cannot publicly confirm those exchanges, he maintained that President Donald Trump and Rubio will act to "free Cubans from oppression."
The statements arose following publications by Axios and the Miami Herald, which cited sources regarding alleged exchanges with the royal power circle in Havana.
Demand for justice for 1996
At the same event, Congressman Carlos A. Giménez reiterated that they are demanding a formal charge against Raúl Castro in the United States for his alleged responsibility in the downing of the planes on February 24, 1996.
Reports indicate that Rubio's contacts do not include Miguel Díaz-Canel, but rather individuals that Washington considers the true center of power in Cuba.
Last week, the regime denied formal negotiations and described the press reports as "speculations."
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