Dear Friends,
We’re making some changes to the U.S.-Cuba News Brief! We want to hear your feedback. Let us know what you think!
This week, an investigation is underway after Cuba’s Embassy in Washington, D.C. was hit with two Molotov cocktails. Fortunately, no one was hurt but this marks the second such incident in recent years. Prior to the attack, Cuba made headlines at the United Nations following President Miguel Díaz-Canel’s address to the UN General Assembly. During his visit, President Díaz-Canel met with various people including U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee (CA-13) and business leaders from both the US and Cuba. Also this week, the U.S. appointed the second head of its diplomatic mission in Havana and Cuban entrepreneurs met with Cuban American business owners to exchange business advice. Other noteworthy developments include potential regulations allowing Cuban Americans to invest in Cuba’s private sector, increasing food and agricultural exports from the U.S. to Cuba, and a rise in inflation in the formal Cuban market. On the migration front, the U.S. continues deportations to Cuba. Internationally, Cuba is receiving support from China to mitigate its energy crisis and enhancing ties with Belarus.
What we’re watching: Several government officials call on New Jersey Senator Robert Menendez to resign after he was federally indicted in a corruption scheme. In line with the Senate Democratic Caucus’s rules, Sen. Menendez was forced to step down from his position as Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee following Friday’s indictment. News of Sen. Menendez’s indictment has generated speculation surrounding the future of U.S.-Cuba policy as the senator has historically opposed increased engagement with Cuba.
See you next week!
Cuba’s Embassy in D.C. hit with Molotov cocktails
On Sunday evening, Cuba’s Embassy in Washington, D.C. was hit with two Molotov cocktails in an alleged terrorist attack. The incident occurred hours after Cuba’s President Miguel Díaz-Canel spoke during the general debate session at the United Nations in New York City. Embassy staff suffered no injuries and there was no severe damage to the building. According to the U.S. Secret Service officer who spoke to CNN, Secret Service responded to the embassy’s report around 8 p.m. on Sunday and subsequently began an investigation into the attack alongside D.C. police and the U.S. State Department. At the time of publication, authorities have yet to apprehend the individual responsible for the attack. Footage of the attack has since been released.
Cuban officials immediately condemned the attack, arguing that it was the result of “Anti-Cuban groups [resorting] to terrorism” further emboldened by the “permissive behavior of United States law enforcement agencies.” Cuba’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla added that “anti-Cuban groups resort to terrorism when feeling they enjoy impunity, something that #Cuba has repeatedly warned the US authorities about.” President Miguel Díaz-Canel called for initiative among U.S. authorities to address the incident and referred to the attack as a hate crime, stating, “[h]ate launched, again, a terrorist attack against our Embassy in #Washington last night.”
This is the second such incident at Cuba’s embassy in D.C. within the past three years. In April 2020, a Cuban man identified as Alexander Alazo shot with an AK-47 toward Cuba’s Embassy and was apprehended at the scene. No embassy personnel were harmed but significant damage was done to the building. U.S. court papers describe the shooter as a mentally disturbed Cuban emigre who heard voices telling him that Cuba’s ambassador to the U.S. was his “enemy.” Following the 2020 incident, Minister Rodríguez released a statement calling the shooting a “grave terrorist attack perpetrated against the Cuban embassy” that had been “encouraged by the increasingly hostile rhetoric against [Cuba].”
On Monday, State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller reinforced the United States’ opposition against the “unacceptable” attacks targeting “diplomatic facilities.” White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan shared that the investigation continues as a collaborative effort between Cuban embassy officials and U.S. law enforcement authorities. U.S. agencies received some backlash in the aftermath of the 2020 shooting at Cuba’s Embassy in D.C. for failing to swiftly condemn the actions of the shooter. Several nations have also taken initiative in denouncing Sunday’s attack, among them, Mexico, China, and Russia.
Sunday’s incident arrives days after high-level talks between U.S. and Cuban officials, where the former expressed concerns for Cuba’s inclusion in the U.S. State Sponsors of Terrorism List (SSOT) and the economic embargo imposed on the island.
Cuba’s Embassy in D.C. holds a history reflective of the tensions between the U.S. and Cuba. The embassy, which opened in the early 1900’s, was closed in the beginning of 1961 due to rising Cold War tensions between both nations. It returned as the “Cuban Interests Section” in Washington, D.C., during the Carter-Mondale administration. Cuba’s embassy did not fully return until 2015, when bilateral relations were restored under the Obama-Biden administration. Despite campaign promises, since taking office, the Biden-Harris administration has maintained numerous sanctions and restrictions implemented by the Trump-Pence administration, including Cuba’s presence on the SSOT.
For more information regarding Cuba’s Embassy in Washington, read CDA’s previous reporting on the 2020 attack. For more information on the SSOT, read CDA’s SSOT FAQ, and for greater insight into U.S.-Cuba relations amidst the Biden-Harris administration, read here.
U.S.-CUBA RELATIONS
Cuba at the United Nations
- Cuba’s President Miguel Díaz-Canel addresses the UN General Assembly: Last Tuesday, Cuba’s President condemned the U.S. economic embargo during his speech at the general debate session at the United Nations, referring to the “inhumane policy” as responsible for food and medicine shortages in the country (The Miami Herald). In his capacity as Interim Chairman of the G-77+China coalition, he also took advantage of the platform to advocate for international reforms for debt relief and climate change. Despite having publicly supported Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in the past, President Díaz-Canel refrained from making a statement about the conflict at the UN.
- Potential regulations to allow Cuban Americans to invest in Cuba’s private sector: According to Cuba’s officials, legislation to allow Cuban Americans to own and invest in businesses in the country is being considered by Cuba’s government (The Miami Herald). During a meeting hosted at Cuba’s mission to the UN, business leaders from both the US and Cuba urged President Díaz-Canel to support the economic growth of the private sector by easing regulations for foreign investment from Cuban Americans in the country. While the specific details of the regulations have yet to be announced, the potential changes come as an effort to aid with Cuba’s devastating economic crisis.
- Rep. Barbara Lee (CA-13) meets with President Díaz-Canel: During his trip to the U.S., Cuba’s President met with long-time proponent of engagement with Cuba, Representative Barbara Lee (CA-13). Their “closed-door meeting” took place on Monday, September 18, prior to their participation at the 78th session of the UN general assembly (UNGA) (the Miami Herald). Rep. Lee and then-Vice President Díaz-Canel engaged previously during a January 2018 CDA-led bipartisan delegation to Havana.
- Divided responses to President Díaz-Canel’s presence at the UN: Last week, two protests arose in New York City as a result of President Díaz-Canel’s presence at the UN (The Miami Herald). On Thursday, a group of demonstrators gathered to protest against Cuba’s government over its support of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and against the UN for permitting Cuba to sit on its human rights council, citing the island’s human rights record. The following day, demonstrators gathered in New York City for the “Let Cuba Live” march in solidarity with the Cuban people and demanded Cuba’s removal from the SSOT list and for the economic embargo to be lifted. After arriving at Cuba’s permanent mission to the UN, Cuba’s President thanked the demonstrators for their support and solidarity towards the island (Breakthrough News).
In other U.S.-Cuba News
- Private Cuban Business Expedition hosted in Miami, FL: Earlier this week, private Cuban entrepreneurs met with a group of Cuban American business owners to exchange business advice and discuss opportunities for collaboration during a private Cuban Business Expedition hosted in Miami (El Nuevo Herald). The Cuban entrepreneurs also received guidance from U.S. officials on how to navigate U.S. regulations. The event comes amidst reports that the Biden administration will soon release new regulatory measures aimed at supporting Cuba’s private sector (The Washington Post).
- U.S. appoints second head of diplomatic mission in Havana: On Wednesday, the U.S. Embassy in Havana announced the appointment of Elias Baumann as Deputy Chief of Mission in Havana to serve under Benjamin Ziff, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Havana. Mr. Baumann most recently served at U.S. diplomatic posts in Panama and El Salvador and has experience working in U.S.-Cuba relations, previously serving as the Post Management Officer for Cuba under the Obama administration where he supported normalization efforts between 2014-2016.
- New U.S.-Cuba collaboration on cancer treatments: Cuba’s National Institute of Oncology and Radiobiology of Cuba and the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Massey Cancer Center signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Havana last week to advance collaboration on academic training and research on cancer over the next five years (OnCuba News). Health and scientific collaboration have been leading and longstanding areas for engagement between the US and Cuba, with the re-establishment of diplomatic ties initiated under the Obama administration spurring new opportunities for collaboration in these areas.
- U.S. food and agricultural exports to Cuba increase: The U.S. Cuba-Trade and Economic Council reported U.S. exports of food and agricultural commodities to Cuba in July increased 37.6 percent compared to the same period in 2022, with July 2023 exports to Cuba totaling $32 million compared to $23 million in July 2022 (Economic Eye on Cuba). Among others, exports included various chicken products, cheese, grapes, coffee, ketchup, and pacific salmon. Read about June export trends here.
Read CDA’s interview with Paul Johnson for more information on agricultural trade between the U.S. and Cuba.
IN CUBA
- Interannual inflation in Cuba’s formal market increased: According to Cuba’s National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI), due to rising prices in food, the annual inflation rate in Cuba’s formal market reached 39.52 percent last month, an increase from the 34.31 percent recorded in August 2022 (Swiss Info). The island’s consumer price index (CPI) also increased compared to August 2022, with restaurants and hotel prices increasing by 60.76 percent and food and non-alcoholic beverages increasing by 53.47 percent. For more information on Cuba’s economic crisis, read CDA’s past reporting here.
- Cuban filmmakers clash with Cuba’s government: On Thursday, the Independent Assembly of Cuban Filmmakers (ACC) released a complaint against Cuba’s authorities for allegedly cutting off the internet connection during their latest meeting, in which several members were connected virtually. The assembly claimed that by cutting off the internet, authorities were reasserting control and attempting to silence them (Swiss Info). The ACC, consisting of filmmakers both residing in and outside the country, was established following concerns over alleged “censorship” and “manipulation” of audiovisual works, among them Juan Pin Vilar’s documentary, “La Habana de Fito.” Read more about recent tensions and interactions between Cuba’s government and Cuban filmmakers here.
- Cuban artists exodus: For several years, Cuban artists have emigrated from the island in search of greater opportunities. Their departure from the island has the potential to change how Cubans on the island connect with and feel represented by “artists who sang in Cuba with the voice of a people” (elTOQUE).
CUBAN MIGRATION
- US sends sixth deportation flight to Cuba: Last week, the U.S. returned 35 Cuban nationals to Cuba in the sixth U.S. deportation flight to Cuba since flights were resumed five months ago. The flight consisted of 34 men and one woman, five of whom were detained after migrating by sea and 30 of whom left Cuba regularly on flights before traveling on irregular routes throughout the region. Over 4,200 Cubans have been returned to Cuba by the U.S. in 2023 (Swiss Info).
- Cuban Migration in Mexico: According to Cuban migrants stranded in Tapachula, Mexico, last week agents from the National Immigration Institute (INM) prevented them from flying to the U.S.-Mexico border for appointments through the CBP ONE program, falsely stating that the program has been canceled (Diario del Sur). For many migrants, air-travel eases fears of the dangers faced by ground transportation. However, unexpected obstacles imposed by Mexican authorities have made it much more difficult for migrants to reach their final destination in the United States. The concerns come on the heels of last week’s reports of an agreement between Mexico and the U.S. where the former committed to deport migrants from its border cities to their home countries and take several actions to deter migrants (CNN).
Click here for data on Cuban migration to the United States, including total Cuban migration to the U.S. and the number of Cubans interdicted by the U.S. Coast Guard.
CUBA’S FOREIGN RELATIONS
- China aids Cuba’s energy woes: Cuba’s eastern Holguin province, a region which experiences frequent power outages due to the island’s energy crisis, will gain a 5-megawatt (MW) photovoltaic park as a result of a donation of over $114 million from the Chinese government (Swiss Info). Still in its initial stages, the project aims to diversify Cuba’s energy matrix by gradually introducing renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic parks to neighboring provinces. Despite the new park’s 5 MW capacity, it represents only a small fraction of Cuba’s energy demand during peak consumption times. Cuba has been grappling with an energy crisis in recent years marked by crumbling energy infrastructure, issues with financing, and heavy reliance on fossil fuels, which currently make up 95 percent of its energy production (Swiss Info). The new photovoltaic park is the latest sign of deepening ties between Cuba and China, and growing Chinese investment in Cuba’s infrastructure, particularly in renewable energy facilities. Read more about Cuba and China’s relationship here.
- Cuba and Belarus increase ties: Cuba and Belarus strengthened their collaboration in higher education through the signing of over 30 agreements last week (OnCuba News). The agreements reinforce a trend of growing relations between the two nations who have recently pursued increased military collaboration and share Russia as a close ally (The Miami Herald).
EVENTS
New Directions in Cuban Studies, October 18-22 | Miami, FL
On October 18, the Cuban Heritage Collection of the System of Libraries in the University of Miami will host its fifth edition of the multidisciplinary symposium, New Directions in Cuban Studies. This year’s theme is “The great challenges for Cuba yesterday, today and tomorrow.” The symposium will promote works of postgraduate academics on Cuba, with the purpose of spreading the achievements of the global Cuban diaspora.
Book Presentation: Transnational Cuban Networks of Exchange, October 20 | Coral Gables, FL
Books and Books will host an in-person book discussion of “Circulating Culture: Transnational Cuban Networks of Exchange,” by postdoctoral Research Fellow Jennifer Cearns. Her study delves into the meaning of Cuban culture and identity in a transnational context.
Panel Discussion: Revisiting the War of 1898 and its Long-Term Repercussions for Cuba & the U.S., October 25 | Miami, FL
FIU will hold a panel discussion focused on the impact of the War of 1898 on Cuba and the United States. Leading scholars Javior Figueroe, Marial Iglesias Utset, Kate Clarke Lemay and Taína Caragol will delve into how the aftermath of the Spanish-Cuban-American War transformed the United States and its newly acquired territories, how Cuba emerged as a 1902 nascent republic, and the growing ubiquitous presence of the United States.
The views and opinions expressed by authors are their own and articles do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of CDA.
Cuba Central - The Blog 