Before any new change in Washington’s Cuba policy was announced, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Mike Hammer, head of the U.S. diplomatic mission in Havana, at the White House on Friday.
The U.S. diplomatic mission in Cuba said Rubio and Hammer assessed developments on the island and reiterated their “strong support for the Cuban people.”
$100 million aid plan for Cuba
Hammer briefed Rubio on plans to deliver $100 million in humanitarian aid through Caritas and other organizations considered reliable.
The meeting took place as political and diplomatic tensions between Washington and Havana were rising. Recent developments in Venezuela could have economic and security implications for Cuba.
Impact of developments in Venezuela
The Cuban government said 32 Cuban nationals carrying out protection and advisory duties for the Venezuelan government were killed during the U.S. operation in Venezuela. Havana described the operation as an attack and a violation of international law.
It is possible that the meeting also addressed the potential impact of changes in Venezuela on Cuba’s economy and energy sectors. Cuba’s longstanding dependence on oil supplies from Venezuela makes the issue important to relations between the two countries.
The role of Cuban personnel in Venezuela’s security structures is also among the issues that could be addressed in the context of relations between Washington and Havana.
Pressure on Cuba continues
As Cuba faces a severe economic crisis and growing public discontent, the United States is increasing political and economic pressure on Havana.
No specific change in U.S. Cuba policy was announced after the meeting. The meeting underscored the importance the U.S. administration attaches to Cuba as it reassesses its policy toward the island following developments in Venezuela.
