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The Chief of Mission of the United States in Cuba, Mike Hammer, had a conversation this Monday with the Chargé d'Affaires of the United States in Nicaragua, Elias Baumann, in which they exchanged views on the current situation on the island.
Baumann commented on the exchange in a post on his account on the social media platform X: “Comparing notes and strategies with my colleague Ambassador Hammer from @USEmbCuba, about the current reality in Cuba.”
The diplomat added, “It is hard to believe how much the situation on the island has deteriorated since I left for Nicaragua last June. As we continue to work to strengthen security and prosperity in the region, our hope for a free Cuba remains steadfast.”
The United States Embassy in Cuba later shared the post and wrote: “What a pleasure to speak with my good friend and colleague upon my arrival in Havana @USAmbNicaragua Elias Baumann. We face similar challenges,” as can be seen in a post shared by the diplomatic mission on X.
Baumann recently took on the role of Chargé d'Affaires of the United States in Nicaragua. In January, shortly after assuming his position, he explained in a post on his X account the purpose of his diplomatic mission: “As the Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy in Nicaragua, it is an honor to represent my country and the values that define us: freedom, courage, innovation, and generosity.”
Career diplomat of the United States Foreign Service since 2002, Baumann has held various positions in Latin America and other regions. Prior to his current assignment in Managua, he served as deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy in Havana in 2023 and was previously part of the team that participated in negotiations to restore diplomatic relations between Washington and Havana and reopen the U.S. Embassy in Cuba in 2015, a process mentioned when new U.S. diplomats arrived at the embassy in Havana.
Throughout his career, he has also held positions in San Salvador, Panama, and Washington, in addition to assignments in Lima, Zagreb, Baku, and Port of Spain, as stated in his official profile as Chargé d'Affaires in Nicaragua.
In February, Baumann also referred to another meeting related to the situation on the island. Commenting on a meeting in the Vatican between Hammer and representatives of the Holy See, he wrote: “Great to see my friend, Ambassador Hammer from @USEmbCuba at the Vatican, discussing the important role of the Catholic Church and religious freedom in Cuba,” as he noted in a post shared on his account on X.
That meeting included discussions with authorities from the Holy See about the situation in Cuba and the role of the Catholic Church on the island.
The conversation this Monday reflects the ongoing exchanges between U.S. diplomats with direct experience in Cuba, who have closely monitored the situation in the country from various posts in the foreign service.
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