The Government of Costa Rica requested Cuba to withdraw its diplomatic personnel accredited in San José and maintain only its consular representation, while confirming the closure of its embassy in Havana, in a decision that severely tightens the bilateral relationship at the political and diplomatic level.
The measure was publicly presented by Chancellor Arnoldo André and supported by stronger statements from President Rodrigo Chaves.
"Take your diplomats with you. If you want to leave consular officials here in Costa Rica, they are welcome. We will not have a consulate there; we will assist them from Panama," they stated.
According to the chancellor's statement, the Costa Rican embassy in Havana has not had diplomatic personnel since February 5th.
André stated that the closure of the diplomatic mission represents "a strong signal of concern" and an invitation for "significant changes" to occur that would allow for the future restoration of the necessary conditions for a potential full normalization of diplomatic relations.
In that context, the Costa Rican government requested Havana to proceed "reciprocally" with the withdrawal of its diplomatic personnel in Costa Rica and to maintain only its consular representation for the care of Cuban citizens residing in Costa Rican territory.
According to André, the request is made in accordance with international practices governing relations between states. The chancellor added that Costa Rica will continue to closely monitor the evolution of the situation in Cuba.
The announcement was accompanied by a much more direct intervention from President Rodrigo Chaves, who stated that his government does not recognize the legitimacy of the "communist regime of Cuba," referring to the "mistreatment," "repression," and "indignities" that, he said, the island's inhabitants endure.
"Enough is enough."
In his statements, Chaves also asserted that "enough is enough" and criticized the Cuban political system, which he described as a failed model since 1959.
In his speech, he reviewed episodes such as the so-called "special period" following the collapse of the socialist bloc in Eastern Europe and the subsequent dependence on Venezuela and its oil, to argue that the Cuban regime has survived by relying on other countries without addressing the internal situation of the island.
The Costa Rican decision was presented as a response to the deterioration of human rights in Cuba and the worsening of the internal crisis, characterized by repression, blackouts, and widespread shortages.
In that same vein, Foreign Minister André denounces an increase in the persecution of activists, opponents, and citizens who are critical of the Cuban government, as well as a worsening of restrictions on fundamental freedoms such as expression, association, and peaceful assembly.
It also mentions the worsening of living conditions due to the lack of food, medicine, and basic services.
A de facto breakup
As part of this redefinition of the bilateral relationship, Costa Rica seeks to limit the Cuban presence in its territory to strictly consular matters, while deeming the normal functioning of its own embassy in Havana unfeasible.
The measure, therefore, constitutes a de facto diplomatic break, although not a total severance of ties, as minimal consular mechanisms would remain in place.
The Costa Rican government frames this step as a clear political message to the Cuban authorities and, at the same time, as an expression of solidarity with the people of the island.
Chaves acknowledged that the decision will provoke criticism, but he defended it as a necessary response to what he considers an unacceptable limit in the Cuban situation.
Filed under: