Cuba\u2019s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ernesto Sober\u00f3n Guzm\u00e1n, dismissed as \u201cspeculation\u201d reports of alleged contacts between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and a grandson of Cuban revolutionary leader Ra\u00fal Castro, and reaffirmed that Havana bases its analysis of the bilateral relationship \u201con public and verifiable facts.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In statements made this Thursday, the Cuban diplomat questioned the credibility of publications lacking official confirmation. \u201cThose 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,\u201d Sober\u00f3n stated, referring to a report published by the US news website Axios.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The media outlet reported that Rubio held secret talks with Ra\u00fal Guillermo Rodr\u00edguez Castro amid growing pressure from Washington on the island, including new restrictions on oil supplies due to the country\u2019s energy crisis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The ambassador declined to comment on specific contacts aimed at alleviating the oil shortage, but reiterated that Cuba is \u201copen to dialogue based on mutual respect, equality of conditions, respect for sovereignty, respect for independence, and non-interference in the internal affairs of countries.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sober\u00f3n emphasized that this willingness \u201cis not new\u201d and has already allowed for \u201cprogress in earlier stages of the bilateral relationship,\u201d although he maintained that for a dialogue process to succeed, \u201cboth parties must agree on basic rules\u201d that allow for a \u201cserious\u201d conversation with real possibilities for progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Cuban representative\u2019s 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\u2019s denials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Regarding the possibility of Mexico playing a mediating role, Sober\u00f3n expressed gratitude for that country\u2019s \u201chistoric solidarity\u201d with Cuba, both in providing aid and through diplomatic efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Furthermore, the diplomat affirmed that any eventual talks must take place in an atmosphere that allows progress \u201cwithout additional pressure\u201d and reiterated that Havana will not accept external conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sober\u00f3n maintained that Cuba does not demand preconditions for dialogue, but emphasized that it also cannot accept impositions. \u201cWe do not impose conditions on anyone, but neither do we accept them being imposed on us,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. \u201cHistory has taught us that dialogue works when it is based on equality and mutual respect, not when there is pressure or imposition,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
IMAGE CREDIT: The Cuban ambassador to the UN, Ernesto Sober\u00f3n, avoided commenting on specific contacts to alleviate the oil crisis, but reiterated that Cuba is \u201cwilling to engage in dialogue based on mutual respect.\u201d Photo: EFE<\/p>\n\n\n\n
[ SOURCE: teleSUR ]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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