Cuba’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carlos Fernández de Cossío, asserted that the political system of the Caribbean nation is not a subject of negotiation with the Government of the United States or with any other foreign power.
During a press conference regarding the dialogues between Havana and Washington, the official was emphatic in pointing out that the island’s internal sovereignty is off the table in any negotiation process.
While confirming that an open channel of communication exists with President Donald Trump’s administration, he clarified that this exchange does not contemplate modifications to the political systems of either nation; rather, it seeks to address issues of mutual interest, such as regional security and the fight against drug trafficking.
The diplomat underscored that Cuba’s desire is to maintain a respectful relationship, though he recalled that, in previous processes, Havana fulfilled all its commitments, whereas the U.S. side ultimately failed to honor the agreements.
Previously, President Miguel Díaz-Canel reaffirmed that the talks aimed at resolving bilateral differences are in an initial stage, while U.S. spokespersons claim to have been engaged in dialogue with Caribbean leaders for weeks.
For his part, during a hearing in the U.S. Senate, General Francis Donovan, head of the Southern Command, denied that the U.S. military is conducting military exercises with the objective of seizing control of Cuba. The top military command denied the possibility of an intervention after being asked about President Donald Trump’s recent assertions regarding a potential takeover of the Caribbean island.
Donovan assured lawmakers that he had no knowledge of plans by the Trump administration to fund groups aimed at forcing a regime change in Havana.
The head of U.S. Southern Command clarified that the Pentagon would only consider deploying troops in the event of a “security threat” against the U.S. Embassy or the base Washington maintains at Guantanamo, in order to protect the lives of its citizens.
These statements come as the Trump administration has maintained a tight oil embargo against the Caribbean nation since late January, coupled with rhetoric consisting of constant threats.
Although the U.S. President publicly stated that “taking Cuba would be an honor” and that he could “do whatever he wanted with it,” President Miguel Díaz-Canel recently confirmed that bilateral talks are underway in their initial stages—despite the fact that the country has not received crude oil supplies in over three months.
IMAGE CREDIT: The diplomat underscored that Cuba’s desire is to maintain a respectful relationship, though he noted that, in previous processes, the U.S. side ultimately failed to honor agreements. Photo: CubaMinrex
[ SOURCE: teleSUR ]
