Havana, June 9 (RHC)-- Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez has accused U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio of promoting policies and actions aimed at hindering the development of relations between the two states.
The complaint was made through the social media platform X and is directly linked to the recent proclamation signed by President Donald Trump, which prohibits and restricts travel from several countries, including Cuba, to U.S. soil.
The Cuban foreign minister said that the island's inclusion on this list of countries with travel bans and restrictions is motivated by the interests of "anti-Cuban politicians who profit by suffocating our people."
This measure, he reiterated in the message on his X account, is a "new step to continue hindering bilateral relations, an express intention of the current Secretary of State."
The Cuban foreign minister declared that "there is no doubt that the arbitrary listing responds to the personal agenda of this politician known for his ability to lie, manipulate, and accept bribes."
The presidential proclamation, which President Donald Trump justified as "a measure to protect the United States from foreign terrorists and other threats to national and public security, establishes entry restrictions for foreign citizens."
This order imposes a total ban on 12 nations, including Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, and Somalia. It also includes partial restrictions on seven other countries: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
Cuba's top diplomat denounced the arbitrary visa restriction after the U.S. president reviewed a report submitted by Rubio.
Furthermore, a diplomatic cable signed by Rubio provided the first instructions to diplomatic missions around the world on how consular officials should process visas for applicants from the affected countries.
Although further details are expected for field staff in the coming days, the new regulations are scheduled to take effect on Monday, June 9th.
The provision provides exceptions for legal permanent residents, current visa holders, and certain visa categories, as well as individuals whose entry serves the national interests of the United States.
