Amid rising diplomatic tensions between the United States and Cuba, the Chargé d'Affaires of the Washington consulate in Havana, Mike Hammer, continues his tours of various regions of the country and engages with diverse sectors of Cuban society.
Despite the attacks and accusations from the regime, the diplomat arrived in Güines, where he met with several locals and visited the Santa Bárbara chapel in Cuba, which has received a conservation award.
"I continue to travel around the country, this time stopping in Güines, where I visited the first Chapel of Santa Bárbara in Cuba and spoke with a few locals," Hammer noted in a Facebook post.
On Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cuba (MINREX) summoned the diplomat and delivered a Note Verbale of protest, in which he is accused of "inciting Cuban citizens to commit serious crimes" and "acting against the constitutional order."
The meeting was led by Alejandro García del Toro, director of Bilateral Issues at MINREX, who described the diplomat's behavior as “provocative and disrespectful.”
Cuban authorities claim that Hammer is promoting demonstrations in favor of the interests of a "hostile foreign power" and is violating the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
He was even accused of "manipulating" the figure of José Martí, following statements and symbolic gestures such as his visit to the tomb of the National Hero in Santiago de Cuba.
A pesar de estas accusations, Hammer no ha cesado su actividad en la isla y ha habilitado un correo electrónico para que los cubanos que deseen puedan solicitar una visita suya.
The experienced diplomat has reiterated his interest in "listening directly to the Cuban people" and in "strengthening the ties between both countries from the grassroots."
For weeks, Cuban state media have intensified their criticism of Hammer, accusing him of leading a strategy of "political influence" and distorting the reality of the country; especially after he held a press conference in Miami and stated that "the revolution has failed."
In response to the protest note from MINREX, the United States government expressed its full support for its representative in Havana.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Diplomatic Conflict Between the U.S. and Cuba
Why does the Cuban regime accuse Mike Hammer of inciting the population?
The Cuban regime accuses Mike Hammer of inciting the population because they believe his actions promote demonstrations in favor of hostile foreign interests and violate the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Hammer has held meetings with opponents and representatives of civil society, which the regime interprets as provocation and political interference.
What has been the response of the United States to the accusations against Mike Hammer?
The United States has expressed its full support for Mike Hammer in response to the accusations from the Cuban regime. The U.S. government highlighted the diplomat's work in favor of human rights and freedom on the island, emphasizing that his actions aim to strengthen ties with the Cuban people and do not violate diplomatic norms.
How has the Cuban regime reacted to Hammer's visits to different regions of Cuba?
The Cuban regime has intensified its criticisms against Mike Hammer following his visits to various regions of Cuba, accusing him of manipulating the figure of José Martí and inciting subversion. The authorities have expressed their displeasure over his direct interaction with the population and opposition sectors, viewing it as a challenge to their narrative control.
What has Mike Hammer declared about the situation in Cuba?
Mike Hammer has declared that the Cuban revolution has failed and that citizen discontent is widespread. During his tours of the island, he has stated that the lack of electricity, fuel, food, and medicine is the responsibility of the Cuban regime, regardless of U.S. policies.
How has Hammer's diplomatic activity impacted the Cuba-U.S. relationship?
Hammer's diplomatic activity has exacerbated tensions between Cuba and the U.S. His agenda of meetings with Cuban civil society has been perceived by the regime as a threat, intensifying diplomatic frictions and leading to formal protests from the Cuban government against what they consider U.S. interference.
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