Cuba’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ernesto Soberón Guzmán, dismissed as “speculation” reports of alleged contacts between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and a grandson of Cuban revolutionary leader Raúl Castro, and reaffirmed that Havana bases its analysis of the bilateral relationship “on public and verifiable facts.”
In statements made this Thursday, the Cuban diplomat questioned the credibility of publications lacking official confirmation. “Those same media outlets later say they have no confirmation of what they are publishing. Therefore, to me, that sounds like speculation. I base my opinions on facts,” Soberón stated, referring to a report published by the US news website Axios.
The media outlet reported that Rubio held secret talks with Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro amid growing pressure from Washington on the island, including new restrictions on oil supplies due to the country’s energy crisis.
The ambassador declined to comment on specific contacts aimed at alleviating the oil shortage, but reiterated that Cuba is “open to dialogue based on mutual respect, equality of conditions, respect for sovereignty, respect for independence, and non-interference in the internal affairs of countries.”
Soberón emphasized that this willingness “is not new” and has already allowed for “progress in earlier stages of the bilateral relationship,” although he maintained that for a dialogue process to succeed, “both parties must agree on basic rules” that allow for a “serious” conversation with real possibilities for progress.
The Cuban representative’s statement comes after US President Donald Trump asserted on Monday night that his administration is holding talks with high-ranking Cuban government officials, despite Havana’s denials.
Regarding the possibility of Mexico playing a mediating role, Soberón expressed gratitude for that country’s “historic solidarity” with Cuba, both in providing aid and through diplomatic efforts.
Furthermore, the diplomat affirmed that any eventual talks must take place in an atmosphere that allows progress “without additional pressure” and reiterated that Havana will not accept external conditions.
Soberón maintained that Cuba does not demand preconditions for dialogue, but emphasized that it also cannot accept impositions. “We do not impose conditions on anyone, but neither do we accept them being imposed on us,” he stated.
The Permanent Representative recalled that the willingness to engage in dialogue has been a constant in Cuban foreign policy and that, in previous periods, it allowed for progress on practical agreements with Washington. “History has taught us that dialogue works when it is based on equality and mutual respect, not when there is pressure or imposition,” he stated.
IMAGE CREDIT: The Cuban ambassador to the UN, Ernesto Soberón, avoided commenting on specific contacts to alleviate the oil crisis, but reiterated that Cuba is “willing to engage in dialogue based on mutual respect.” Photo: EFE
[ SOURCE: teleSUR ]
