Washington: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, on Thursday told reporters that he currently sees little chance of a diplomatic agreement between his country and Cuba, he said ahead of his trip to Sweden.
According to Ghana News Agency, Rubio emphasized that although former President Trump preferred negotiating agreements, the likelihood of a peaceful solution with Cuba is currently low due to the prevailing circumstances. He reiterated his country's preference for diplomacy but expressed skepticism about achieving such an outcome with the current Cuban leadership.
Rubio mentioned that if the Havana government were to reconsider its stance, the US would be willing to engage, but until then, the US would continue its current course of action. He highlighted ongoing interactions with Cubans, facilitated through diplomatic channels, and confirmed a recent visit by CIA Director John Ratcliffe to Cuba. Additionally, Rubio acknowledged that the State Department is maintaining communications.
Rubio criticized the Cuban government and its economic policies, stating that the system is dysfunctional and cannot be repaired under the existing political framework. He described Cuba as a failed state and stressed that the government needs to make significant changes. Rubio, whose parents were Cuban immigrants to the US, expressed his concerns about the situation in Cuba.
The US has been exerting pressure on Cuba for several months, engaging in talks with Havana, although details have remained largely undisclosed. Media reports suggest that a grandson of former Cuban leader Raul Castro plays a significant role in these negotiations. Raul Castro was recently indicted in the US on charges related to the shooting down of two US planes, resulting in the deaths of four individuals, including three US citizens. This indictment comes amid increased US pressure on Cuba, including sanctions and threats of intervention.