The Cuban Government has confirmed a recent meeting with US representatives held in Havana, at a time of growing bilateral frictions. Alejandro García del Toro, Cuba’s deputy general director for the US, revealed this to the Granma newspaper, highlighting the discreet handling of the encounter.
Without deadlines or ultimatums on the agenda
During the meeting with US representatives, no deadlines or ultimatums were set, according to García del Toro. This responds to reports from US media mentioning a supposed two-week deadline to release political prisoners. The US delegation included mid-level officials from the Department of State, while Cuba sent representatives at the level of deputy minister of Foreign Relations.
Meeting with US representatives: Cuban demands to the forefront
A key priority in the meeting with US representatives was the elimination of the energy blockade imposed by Washington. Cuba attributes this measure to the prolonged power outages and economic crisis on the island, described as an “unjustified punishment of the population”. The Cuban diplomat emphasized that this blockade aggravates the humanitarian situation, with reports of power cuts of up to 20 hours a day in several provinces.
Historical context of tensions
This meeting with US representatives occurs after reports of previous encounters, such as those confirmed by President Miguel Díaz-Canel in March, aimed at channeling differences through dialogue. Precedents include visits by Democratic congressmen to Havana and dialogues with figures like Raúl Castro’s grandson. Media cite pressures from Donald Trump for economic and political changes, along with the release of dissidents like Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara and Maykel Osorbo.
- Cuban objectives: end the blockade and respect for sovereignty.
- US position: reforms and prisoner release, according to anonymous sources.
- Reported date: around April 10 in Havana.
Neither Washington nor its embassy in Havana have commented officially. Experts in bilateral relations see this meeting with US representatives as a possible bridge to de-escalate tensions, although deep disagreements persist. The energy blockade, in place for decades, has intensified the crisis in Cuba, with an economic contraction of 2% in 2025 according to official data.
Ultimately, this meeting with US representatives highlights the complexity of Cuba-US relations, where discreet diplomacy collides with irreconcilable mutual demands.
