Cuban U.N. Ambassador Rejects U.S. Demand To Free Political Prisoners
Cuba's ambassador to the United Nations this week rejected a U.S. demand that Havana free political prisoners, saying the issue is not part of negotiations with Washington.
In remarks at the U.N., the ambassador said prisoner releases were not being traded in talks and called U.S. pressure on Cuba's internal affairs unacceptable.
The episode traces back to U.S. calls for Havana to improve its human rights record and free jailed dissidents, demands that have featured in Washington's rhetoric and sanctions policy toward Cuba for months.
Cuba's refusal could complicate any warming of ties and leaves open whether Washington will press the point in future diplomatic talks at the U.N. or in bilateral meetings.
📌 Key Facts
- Cuban U.N. Ambassador Ernesto Soberón Guzmán said releasing political prisoners is 'not on the negotiating table' in talks with the U.S.
- A U.S. delegation held secret meetings in Havana starting April 10 at the undersecretary of state and deputy foreign minister level.
- The State Department said Cuba has a 'small window to make a deal' and reiterated its goal of releasing all political prisoners.
- Talks included U.S. concerns about foreign powers in Cuba and compensation for Cuban Americans' expropriated property linked to potential embargo relief.
- The negotiations occur amid a U.S. energy blockade, deepening blackouts in Cuba, and Trump's public threats of tariffs and possible intervention.
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