Miguel Díaz-Canel reacted this Wednesday to the closure of the Costa Rican embassy in Havana and to that country's decision to downgrade diplomatic relations to a consular level, describing the measure—somewhat cynically—as “an unfriendly act” and unjustified.
According to the Cuban ruler expressed on the social network X, the decision is a response to "evident pressures from the United States government," in what he described as an offensive to isolate Cuba on the international stage.
The reaction follows the announcement by the Costa Rican government of the closure of its diplomatic mission on the island and its request for the withdrawal of Cuban personnel in San José, a move that effectively means a break in full diplomatic relations.
Authorities in Costa Rica argued that the decision is a response to the ongoing deterioration of human rights in Cuba, characterized by repression against activists, restrictions on fundamental freedoms, and the worsening of the economic crisis.
The Cuban ruler chose to blame the United States government and alleged external pressures, rather than acknowledging the ongoing harassment of the regime against civil society.
President Rodrigo Chaves defended the measure as a political signal in response to what he described as an "unacceptable" situation, while expressing solidarity with the Cuban people.
In his message, Díaz-Canel emphasized that the decision does not stem from legitimate reasons and assured that the historical relations between both peoples will prevail despite the current diplomatic conflict.
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