April 7, 2003

In recent weeks a series of diplomatic actions on the part of both the United States and Cuba has increased tensions between the two nations. Advocates for a change in US policy worry that these developments could quickly undo much of the progress made in recent years. The root of the problem appears to lie in accusations about, and responses to, the activities of top diplomats in Havana, specifically regarding new US Interests Section Chief James Cason’s public contact with Cuban dissidents. The Cuban government perceives his actions as giving counsel to the dissidents to effect a regime change in Cuba, and they feel that this public support to dissident groups violates international diplomatic standards and challenges their sovereignty. The Cuban government has, in turn, unjustly arrested over 70 independent journalists and dissidents whom they accuse of engaging in subversive activities or "plotting with American diplomats." In addition, both nations have sharply curtailed the movements and travel of the diplomats at the respective Interests Sections.

The Latin America Working Group sent a message to participants in our Cuba Policy Email Network supporting a de-escalation of the tensions on the part of both the US Department of State and the Government of Cuba. We have also expressed our concerns to the Cuban Interests Section in Washington about the arrests and have urged the use of diplomatic means to resolve problems with the US Interests Section in Havana. And we have clearly heard the concerns of the Cubans about actions by the Bush Administration. We have sent a letter to Secretary of State Colin Powell expressing concern that actions by US diplomats in Cuba were counter-productive for human rights advances in Cuba, while damaging advances in U.S.-Cuban relations.