The foreign ministers of the G7 called on the Cuban regime for meaningful political and economic reforms, concrete measures to establish a multiparty democratic government, and the release of all arbitrarily detained individuals.
The demands are included in a joint declaration published this Wednesday, November 11, following the meeting held in Paris on the 9th and 10th, under the French presidency of the group.
The document, signed by representatives of the United States, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Canada, as well as the European Union, dedicates a specific section to Cuba, expressing concern over the decline in living conditions for the population and calling for political changes that ensure fundamental rights and freedoms.
The G7 demands democratic reforms and respect for freedoms
In the joint statement, published by the Government of the United Kingdom, the chancellors urge the Cuban authorities to “drive and implement significant political and economic reforms to promote prosperity, respect for human rights, and the legitimate aspirations of the Cuban people.”
The G7 countries are also calling for "concrete measures to achieve multi-party democratic governance, freedom of the press, and freedom of expression and association."
The document includes an explicit request for the release of those detained for arbitrary reasons: “We also request the release of all individuals arbitrarily detained”.
The foreign ministers also encourage “a constructive and inclusive dialogue to find a solution to the crisis.”
Concern over the humanitarian crisis in Cuba
The statement addresses the economic and humanitarian challenges faced by the Cuban population, particularly the shortage of essential goods.
"We express our concern regarding the profound economic crisis and the humanitarian needs faced by the Cuban people, including shortages of food, fuel, and medicine," the document states.
The foreign ministers emphasize the importance of improving the mechanisms for delivering humanitarian aid to Cuba and within the country, with the aim of addressing the needs of the population.
Diplomatic pressure on the Cuban government
The statement comes at a time of rising tensions between Washington and Havana.
The U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, who participated in the G7 meeting, had pointed out that promoting reforms in Cuba is a priority for the Donald Trump administration.
For his part, the Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel rejected the U.S. pressures on Tuesday, stating that "the future of Cuba will never be decided up north," in response to Trump's remarks about the situation on the island.
Meanwhile, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla traveled to China as a special envoy amid efforts by Havana to strengthen its relations with Beijing.
The G7's demands for the release of detainees also align with one of the main demands raised in October by more than 130 former political prisoners from Cuba, who called for the release of all political prisoners and the decriminalization of dissent as conditions for any negotiations with the regime.
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