A Cuban diplomat has stated that releasing political prisoners is not part of ongoing negotiations with the United States, rejecting what he called American “ultimatums.” In an interview with the Associated Press, Cuban Ambassador to the UN Ernesto Soberón Guzmán said internal detainee issues “are not on the negotiating table.”
The comments come after a US delegation held secret talks in Havana on April 10, the first such discussions in a decade. The US has demanded the release of political prisoners, but Guzmán insisted that Cuba would not bow to pressure. “We have our legal system, like here in the US, they have their legal system,” he said.
The US State Department responded by saying it remains “committed to the release of all political prisoners” and warned that “the Cuban regime should stop playing games.” The statement added that Cuba has “a small window to make a deal.”
Guzmán confirmed that compensation for Cuban American claims over seized property was discussed, but said it must be reciprocal, including relief from the US economic embargo. “This is a highway with two directions,” he said.
Tensions have risen over US energy sanctions and threats by President Trump to impose tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba. Guzmán said Cuba is “preparing for all scenarios,” including potential military action, but stressed that dialogue remains the preferred option.
