Cuba’s Stance on US Embassy Diplomat
Cuba’s Vice Minister, Carlos Fernandez de Cocio, indicated on Wednesday that the government is still considering the possibility of expelling Mike Hammer, the head of the US embassy in Havana.
Fernandez de Cocio referenced past actions from the Trump administration that intensified pressures on Cuba, particularly regarding diplomatic relations. He mentioned that the administration reintroduced travel restrictions for Cuban citizens and imposed sanctions aimed at the Castro government, which he believes could lead to an improved situation.
“As for diplomats like Hammer,” he stated, “if I see his actions as dangerous, we won’t dismiss any actions against him.”
Mike Hammer has previously held ambassadorial roles in countries like Chile and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He has been leading the US Embassy in Havana since November 2024, marking a notable moment as no new ambassador has been appointed to Cuba in over 60 years since the Castro regime took power.
Recently, the Cuban government criticized Hammer, labeling him a “destructive agent” involved in meddling. This criticism intensified as Hammer began his visits across Cuba to meet families, dissidents, and political prisoners.
Just last week, Hammer shared videos of his visits to different regions, like Artemisa and San Antonio de los Banos, where he engaged positively with local communities and youth.
In May, Hammer expressed that his aim was to allow Cubans to share their experiences and aspirations. However, Cuban officials alleged that he incited protests against the authorities during a demonstration, though they did not present evidence for this claim.
When asked about Hammer’s interactions, Fernandez de Cocio remarked that various officials are aware of who interacts with Hammer and that he possesses some level of influence.
Cuban officials also underscored that the US shows little interest in serious diplomatic discussions with them. They stated that diplomats must earn respect within the host nation, which they believe Hammer has failed to do.
Fernandez de Cocio commented on Hammer’s lack of respect, saying, “He clearly doesn’t enjoy any respect in those places. That’s why he’s moving around the country with a production team in tow.” He didn’t shy away from criticizing the US policy linked to Hammer and emphasized that the Cuban government anticipated these enforcement actions during Trump’s administration.
He asserted that the current climate necessitates defensive measures from Cuba, but insisted that these would not compromise the security of the United States or its people. He added, “Cuba’s history doesn’t reflect that kind of aggression.”
Ultimately, Fernandez de Cocio conveyed that the Castro administration aims to mitigate the impacts of US policies. “As our president has said, we will resist as creatively as possible.”
