Call to Release All 11J Political Prisoners in Cuba

PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE JULY 11, 2023 Today, we mark two years since tens of thousands of Cubans across the entire island raised their voices for their fundamental freedoms. The United States stands in solidarity with those in Cuba who continue to desire a free democracy where their voices are heard, their businesses prosper, and their children …

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U.S. – Cuba Migration Talks Held April 12 in Washington

MEDIA NOTE April 12, 2023 U.S. – Cuba Migration Talks Held April 12 in Washington   On April 12, U.S. and Cuban officials met in Washington, DC to discuss the implementation of the U.S.-Cuba Migration Accords. This bilateral discussion reflects a commitment by both countries to regularly review the implementation of the Accords. The Department …

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U.S. Embassy in Havana Hosts Finance and Marketing Expert Stacey Brandhorst

Press Release U.S. Embassy Havana Havana Cuba April 3, 2023 U.S. Embassy in Havana Hosts Finance and Marketing Expert Stacey Brandhorst As part of its ongoing work to empower entrepreneurs and support the private sector in Cuba, the U.S. Embassy in Havana hosted finance and marketing expert Stacey Brandhorst March 29 and March 31.  During …

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Statement By Chargé D’ Affaires Benjamin Ziff on Women’s History Month

Statement By Chargé D’ Affaires Benjamin Ziff on Women’s History Month U.S. Embassy Havana  March 2023     Women’s History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of women and girls in Cuba, the United States, and around the globe who have fought tirelessly and courageously for equality, justice, and opportunity.    We salute …

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CDA Ziff Celebrates Graduation of the Academy of Women Entrepreneurs

Press Release Embassy of the United States of America, Havana, Cuba March 27, 2023   On March 23, Chargé d’Affaires Benjamin G. Ziff hosted the graduation ceremony for 42 participants from the 2021 and 2022 cohorts of the Academy of Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) program.  The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) provides women entrepreneurs with the …

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Statement by Chargé d’Affaires Benjamin Ziff One Year Mark of Russia’s Full-Scale Invasion of Ukraine

Today marks one year since Russia’s brutal and unjustified full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. It also marks one year of incredible courage and sacrifice displayed by the Ukrainian people who, together with the United States and our allied democracies, have said “no” to Russia’s war of aggression, and “no” to dictatorship and despotism. The United …

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U.S. Embassy Havana Celebrates Black History Month with Singer & Songwriter Tonya Boyd-Cannon

American singer-songwriter Tonya Boyd-Cannon visited Havana from February 19 to 24 in honor of the Black History month. Boyd-Cannon’s visit, a collaboration among the U.S. Embassy in Havana, the Cuban Ministry of Culture, and the Cuban Institute of Music, hosted three concerts and exchanges with Cuban audiences. Mississippi-born and Louisiana-raised, Boyd-Cannon is a classically trained …

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Filmmaker Dawn Porter visits Havana as part of the American Film Showcase

Press Release U.S. Embassy Havana Havana, Cuba February 16, 2023 Award-winning American documentary filmmaker Dawn Porter visited Havana for a series of screenings and exchanges with Cuban filmmakers and businesswomen from February 12 to 16, 2023. Her visit was sponsored by the American Film Showcase of the U.S. Department of State and the University of …

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Announcement on the Currency Accepted for Consular & USCIS Services

Announcement U.S. Embassy Havana Havana, Cuba January 31, 2023 Beginning March 1, 2023 the U.S. Embassy in Havana, Cuba, will only accept payment in U.S. currency for all Consular and USCIS services. The Embassy will no longer accept Cuban pesos. This includes payment for any U.S. citizen, visa, or parole services completed at the U.S. …

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U.S. Embassy Havana & Saxophonist Ted Nash in the Fábrica de Arte Cubano

U.S. Embassy Havana Press Release Havana, Cuba January 29, 2023 Today, the U.S. Embassy in Havana supported a concert featuring American saxophonist, Ted Nash, at the Fábrica de Arte Cubano. During the concert, Nash appeared with Cuban pianist Alejandro Falcón, and his band Cubadentro as part of the Havana International Jazz Festival. Their performance marked …

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U.S. Embassy Havana Hosts the Cuban American Youth Orchestra (CAYO)

U.S. Embassy Havana Press Release Havana, Cuba January 20, 2023 On January 19, the U.S. Embassy in Havana hosted a performance by the Cuban American Youth Orchestra (CAYO) at the residence of the Chargé d’Affaires. The program highlighted the strong cultural ties between the United States and Cuba, and featured a rousing performance, where both …

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Information on the Parole Application Process

Yesterday, the Biden Administration announced processes through which nationals of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, and their immediate family members, may request to come to the United States in a safe and orderly way through a parole program. Cubans who fail to apply for the parole program and who attempt to cross the U.S. southern …

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DHS Continues to Prepare for End of Title 42; Announces New Border Enforcement Measures and Additional Safe and Orderly Processes

WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) continues to prepare for the end of the Title 42 public health order, which is currently the subject of multiple court orders, and a return to processing all noncitizens under the Department’s Title 8 immigration authorities. To that end, DHS today announced new border enforcement measures to …

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Remarks by President Biden on Border Security and Enforcement

Roosevelt Room 11:54 A.M. EST THE PRESIDENT: Hi, everybody. Sorry to keep you waiting. There’s a lot going on. Today, I’d like to — the Vice President and I would like to talk you about how my administration is dealing with our situation in the southwest border. Now, these actions alone that I’m going to …

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FACT SHEET: Biden-⁠Harris Administration Announces New Border Enforcement Actions

New Measures Leverage Success of Venezuela Enforcement Initiative to Limit Disorderly and Unsafe Migration While the courts have prevented the Title 42 public health order from lifting for now, the Biden-Harris Administration today is announcing new enforcement measures to increase security at the border and reduce the number of individuals crossing unlawfully between ports of …

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Resumption of Visa Services

U.S. Embassy Havana, Cuba December 30, 2022 Press Release The United States is working to ensure safe, legal, and orderly migration of Cubans by expanding consular operations in Havana and restarting the Cuban Family Reunification Parole Program (CFRP). As previously announced, beginning January 4, 2023, the U.S. Embassy in Havana will resume full immigrant visa …

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Statement by the Department of Homeland Security on Supreme Court Title 42 Order

Department of Homeland Security Release Date: December 27, 2022 As required by today’s Supreme Court order, the Title 42 public health order will remain in effect and individuals who attempt to enter the United States unlawfully will continue to be expelled to Mexico or their home country. People should not listen to the lies of smugglers …

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Statement from President Biden on Political Prisoners in Cuba

The White House December 9, 2022 As we look forward to honoring Human Rights Day this Saturday, December 10th, I once again call for the release of the hundreds of political prisoners in Cuba who remain in detention following the July 11, 2021 protests. In the face of oppression, these protestors bravely exercised their fundamental freedoms, …

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Migration Talks with the Government of Cuba

MEDIA NOTE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON NOVEMBER 15, 2022 On November 15, U.S. and Cuban officials met in Havana to discuss the implementation of the U.S.-Cuba Migration Accords. This is the second session in 2022 of these semiannual bilateral discussions on migration, reflecting a commitment by both countries to regularly review the implementation of the …

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Visit of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service Director Jaddou and Assistant Secretary of State Bitter to Havana

Statement U.S. Embassy Havana Havana, Cuba November 10, 2022 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Ur Mendoza Jaddou and Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Rena Bitter traveled with a delegation to Havana, Cuba, from November 8-10.  In Havana, Director Jaddou discussed the resumption of Cuban Family Reunification Parole processing at U.S. Embassy Havana …

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U.S. Support for Hurricane Ian Recovery Efforts in Cuba

U.S. Department of State Ned Price, Department Spokesperson Press Statement October 18, 2022 Following the devastating impact of Hurricane Ian, the United States is providing to the Cuban people critical humanitarian aid to trusted international partners working directly with Cubans whose communities were devastated by the storm.  The United States, through the U.S. Agency for …

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U.S. Embassy in Havana Prepares for Full Resumption of Immigrant Visa Services in Cuba, Will Accelerate Processing of Cuban Family Reunification

September 21, 2022 U.S. Embassy in Havana Prepares for Full Resumption of Immigrant Visa Services in Cuba, Will Accelerate Processing of Cuban Family Reunification Consistent with our commitments under the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection to facilitate safe, orderly, humane, and regular migration, the United States is today announcing an expansion of regular …

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Homeland Security Task Force Southeast partners increase illegal migration enforcement patrols in Florida Straits, Caribbean

MIAMI — Homeland Security Task Force – Southeast enhanced its operational posture and readiness to address a recent increase in irregular maritime migration originating from the Bahamas and Cuba through the Florida Straits, from Haiti through the Windward Pass, and from the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico through the Mona Pass. Task Force partners are …

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USCIS Resumes Cuban Family Reunification Parole Program Operations

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is resuming operations under the Cuban Family Reunification Parole (CFRP) program, beginning with pending CFRP program applications. USCIS has begun to mail interview notices to CFRP program petitioners with instructions for the beneficiary interview. On Aug. 18, USCIS began conducting interviews at the U.S. Embassy Havana. USCIS has limited …

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U.S. Embassy Havana Presents the American Film Showcase for the First Time in Decades

    Press Release  U.S. Embassy Havana  Havana, Cuba  June 28, 2023    The U.S. Embassy in Havana organized a series of film screenings through the University of Southern California’s American Film Showcase June 22 to June 25.  The screenings were a collaboration between the U.S. Embassy in Havana and the Cuban Institute of Cinematographic …

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Biden Administration Expands Support to the Cuban People

PRESS STATEMENT NED PRICE, DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON MAY 16, 2022 The Administration’s policy towards Cuba continues to focus first and foremost on support for the Cuban people, including their human rights and their political and economic well-being. Today, the Administration announced measures to further support the Cuban people, providing them additional tools to pursue a life …

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Announcement of Visa Restrictions Against Cuban Officials

PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE NOVEMBER 30, 2021 In the wake of the Cuban regime’s actions targeting peaceful demonstrators on November 15, the Department of State has imposed visa restrictions on nine Cuban officials implicated in attempts to silence the voices of the Cuban people through repression and unjust detentions. The Department implemented …

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Calling for Respect for Human Rights and Peaceful Demonstrations in Cuba on November 15

In July, the people of Cuba bravely and spontaneously took to the streets to demand change from their government: respect for human rights, greater freedom of expression, and an end to economic mismanagement by an authoritarian regime that has failed to meet their most basic needs.  The Cuban regime responded with violence, censorship, arrests, and …

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United States Places Global Magnitsky Sanctions on the Cuban Ministry of Interior and Its Minister

Today, the United States is imposing sanctions on the Cuban Ministry of Interior (MININT) and Minister of Interior General Lazaro Alberto Álvarez Casas for their connection to serious human rights abuse under Executive Order 13818, which builds upon and implements the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act. MININT is designated for being responsible for, complicit …

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U.S. Announces Designation of Cuba as a State Sponsor of Terrorism

The State Department has designated Cuba as a State Sponsor of Terrorism for repeatedly providing support for acts of international terrorism in granting safe harbor to terrorists. The Trump Administration has been focused from the start on denying the Castro regime the resources it uses to oppress its people at home, and countering its malign …

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Removing the Cuban Military’s Grip from Cuba’s Banking Sector

PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE JANUARY 1, 2021 Today, the Department of State is announcing the addition of Banco Financiero International S.A. (BFI) to the Cuba Restricted List, effective upon publication in early January. BFI is a Cuban military-controlled commercial bank that benefits directly from financial transactions at the expense of the …

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Additions of Cuban Military-Owned Companies to the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List

PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE DECEMBER 21, 2020 Today, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) added three Cuban military-owned companies to its Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List).  All property and interests in property of these entities that are in the United States or in the possession or control of persons …

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Treasury Continues Pressure on Maduro Regime for Role in Fraudulent Elections

U.S Department of the Treasury Press Releases December 18, 2020 Washington – Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated Ex-Cle Soluciones Biometricas C.A. (Ex-Cle C.A.) for materially supporting the illegitimate President of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro Moros, including by providing goods and services that the Maduro regime used to carry …

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GEO Current Operational Status

  When will the embassy reopen? The embassy has remained open to provide emergency and mission-critical visa services throughout the pandemic. Our first priority continues to be American citizen services.  In September 2020, we resumed scheduling nonimmigrant and immigrant visa interview appointments, giving priority to certain  categories of visas .  Appointments for some categories of routine visas, including visitor …

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The Cuban Regime’s Cruel Crackdown on Peaceful Protesters

The U.S. government strongly condemns the Cuban regime’s harassment of activists peacefully protesting the imprisonment of human rights defender Denis Solís González. We urge the Cuban government to dismiss this unjust sentence and release him without condition. The regime has repeatedly targeted Mr. Solís González, a musician and member of the San Isidro Movement (MSI) …

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Removing Cuba’s Military from the Remittance Process

PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE OCTOBER 24, 2020 Yesterday, the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) took action to remove Cuba’s military from the process of sending remittances to Cuba. Once these changes to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations (CACR) are effective, persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction will no longer be authorized to process remittances to …

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Addition to the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List

Today, the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) added Cuban national Luis Alberto Rodríguez López-Calleja (also known as López-Callejas) to OFAC’s list of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons. Rodríguez López-Calleja is the head of the Cuban military-owned conglomerate Grupo de Administración Empresarial S.A. (GAESA). All assets, property, and interests of property of …

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Deputy Assistant Secretary Carrie Filipetti Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs

U.S. Department of State For Immediate Release September 23, 2020 SPECIAL BRIEFING VIA TELEPHONE September 23, 2020 The Miami Hub Moderator:  Greetings to everyone from the U.S. Department of State.  I would like to welcome our participants who have dialed in from the United States and across the region.  This is an on-the-record conference call …

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Announcement of the Cuba Prohibited Accommodations List

U.S Department of State Press Statement Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State September 23, 2020 Today, the Department of State is announcing the creation of the Cuba Prohibited Accommodations (CPA) List. The CPA List includes 433 properties that are owned or controlled by the Cuban regime or certain well-connected insiders. The Treasury Department’s Office of …

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Treasury Amends Regulations to Restrict Revenue Sources to the Cuban Regime

U.S Department of the Treasury Press Releases September 23, 2020 WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) amended the Cuban Assets Control Regulations (CACR) to further implement the President’s foreign policy to deny the Cuban regime sources of revenue. The changes restrict lodging at certain properties in Cuba; importing …

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COVID-19 Information

Location: Havana Event: On September 1, new COVID related restrictions will be imposed in the province of Havana by the local government. The new restrictive measures are related to the movement of people and vehicles, and the sale of products. The new measures include a daily curfew from 7pm until 5am, reduced operating hours for …

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Suspension of Private Charter Flights between the United States and Cuba

Today, I requested that the Department of Transportation suspend private charter flights to all Cuban airports, including Havana.  This action will suspend all charter flights between the United States and Cuba over which the Department of Transportation exercises jurisdiction, except for authorized public charter flights to and from Havana and other authorized private charter flights …

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Statement from Chargé d’Affaires Mara Tekach The Truth about Cuban Medical Missions

As someone who has lived on the island and watched how the Cuban Communist regime portrays its medical missions program for several years, I regularly read articles about Cuba sending doctors and nurses overseas to fight COVID-19 with interest.  I am compelled to comment because many articles present a case that skirts significant facts while …

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Pan American Health Organization Transparency

JULY 15, 2020 The United States government welcomes the Pan American Health Organization’s decision to initiate an independent review of its role in the Mais Medicos program, pursuant to which PAHO provided well over a billion dollars to Cuba. The United States and other key PAHO member states have actively worked with PAHO leadership to …

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Remarks by U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Mara Tekach

U.S. Independence Day 2020 Remarks by U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Mara Tekach in Havana, Cuba July 4, 2020 “Proclaim Liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof.” Leviticus 25:10 is inscribed in the Liberty Bell, the iconic United States symbol of Liberty.  U.S. Americans sounded the Liberty Bell in celebration when the U.S. Declaration …

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Caribbean-American Heritage Month Series: A Conversation with Catherine Rodriguez on her Cuban Heritage

Catherine (bottom right), working as a Diplomat in Residence, speaking to graduate students at Florida International University (Photo courtesy of Catherine) Catherine Rodriguez, who leads the Consulate General in Lahore, Pakistan, is a Cuban American who grew up in Miami and has served in a variety of roles in the Foreign Service – both at the Agency for International Development and the Department …

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On the Hypocrisy of UN Human Rights Council

JUNE 20, 2020 The United Nations Human Rights Council, now comprised of Venezuela and recently, Cuba and China, has long been and remains a haven for dictators and democracies that indulge them.  It is a grave disappointment to those genuinely seeking to advance human dignity. Even so, the Council’s decision to vote yesterday on a …

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Additions to the Cuba Restricted List

PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE JUNE 3, 2020 Today, the United States Government is announcing the addition of seven new subentities to the Cuba Restricted List. These seven subentities disproportionately benefit the Castro dictatorship, a regime which uses the profits from these businesses to oppress the Cuban people and to fund its interference in Venezuela, at the expense …

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DoS Press Statement – Cuban Independence Day

PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE MAY 20, 2020 On Cuban Independence Day, I extend my warm regards and best wishes to the people of Cuba.  The United States joins you in celebrating the anniversary of Cuba’s independence, 118 years ago today.  The struggle of the Cuban people continues.  Your democratic system was …

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Presidential Message on Cuban Independence Day

On Cuban Independence Day, we recognize the patriots who fought to liberate Cuba from its colonial oppression and build a society founded on freedom. We continue to stand with the Cuban people as they seek those fundamental rights, and we express our commitment to supporting them as they continue to fight for freedom and democracy. …

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PRESS STATEMENT

U.S. Embassy Havana May 12, 2020 PRESS STATEMENT The Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service works closely with law enforcement agencies to protect and maintain the security and safety of foreign missions in the United States. Regarding the events at the Cuban Embassy in Washington DC of April 30, 2020, this is a joint investigation …

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Briefing With Senior State Department Officials On COVID-19: Updates on Health Impact and Assistance for American Citizens Abroad

Special Briefing Office Of The Spokesperson March 23, 2020 MODERATOR ONE:  Okay, at the end of the opening remarks, if you want to ask a question, please send me a text message at [redacted] and I will add you to the queue.  With that, I’ll turn it over to [Moderator Two]. MODERATOR TWO:  Hey, everybody.  …

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Secretary Michael R. Pompeo With Nora Gamez Torres of El Nuevo Herald and Miami Herald

Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State Miami, Florida Four Points by Sheraton Miami Airport West Hotel QUESTION:  Thank you for doing this, Mr. Secretary. SECRETARY POMPEO:  Great to be with you.  Thank you. QUESTION:  One year after imposing sanctions on the Maduro regime and the Cuban Government, they haven’t changed course.  So can you say …

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Secretary Michael R. Pompeo’s Meeting with Brazilian Foreign Minister Ernesto Araujo

U.S Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson January 21, 2020   The following is attributable to Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus: Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo met yesterday with Brazilian Foreign Minister Ernesto Araujo on the margins of the Counter Terrorism Ministerial in Bogota, Colombia. Secretary Pompeo and Foreign Minister Araujo highlighted our close partnership in the global …

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The OAS Revival

Link to source: https://www.state.gov/the-oas-revival/ U.S Department of State Speech Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State Washington, D.C. Organization of American States January 17, 2020 The OAS Revival SECRETARY POMPEO: Thank you. Good morning, everyone. I want to thank the Permanent Council Chair from Guyana for honoring the United States request to speak today. And I’d also like to recognize the OAS’s superb Secretary General, Luis …

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U.S. Senate Passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement

Press Statement Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State January 16, 2020 Today, the United States Senate passed the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, also known as the USMCA, bringing us one step closer to fulfilling President Trump’s promise to modernize and update trade agreements. Mexico has ratified the USMCA, and we now look forward to the Canadian Parliament’s consideration of this agreement. The …

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International Human Rights Day

In 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) to identify common rights and freedoms for all people in all nations. An American, former first lady Eleanor Roosevelt, chaired the UN Human Rights Commission that drafted this landmark document. Chairwoman Roosevelt needed only to look at our own deep …

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Treasury Applies Further Pressure on Movement of Venezuelan Oil to Cuba

Press Release December 3, 2019 Washington – Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) identified six vessels as blocked property of Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PdVSA) pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13884, which blocks the property and interests in property of the Government of Venezuela.  Additionally, OFAC identified the vessel Esperanza as …

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Detention of Cuban Human Rights Defender José Daniel Ferrer

PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE OCTOBER 18, 2019 The U.S. government strongly condemns the Cuban regime’s unconscionable detainment of human rights defender José Daniel Ferrer, founder of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU).  We call on the Castro regime to immediately disclose Mr. Ferrer’s location and condition, to treat him humanely, and …

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Venezuela’s Independence Day

Press statement Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State July 5, 2019 On behalf of the people of the United States of America, I congratulate interim President Juan Guaido, the National Assembly, and the people of Venezuela as you celebrate the anniversary of your independence. Once again, the Venezuelan people are besieged by dictatorship, undesired foreign …

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Treasury and Commerce Implement Changes to Cuba Sanctions Rules

U.S Department of the Treasury Press Releases June 4, 2019 Treasury and Commerce Implement Changes to Cuba Sanctions Rules WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) unveiled amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations (CACR) to further implement the President’s foreign policy on Cuba. These amendments complement changes …

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Western Hemisphere: Remarks on “A New Era in the Americas” at the 2019 Concordia Americas Summit

Western Hemisphere: Remarks on “A New Era in the Americas” at the 2019 Concordia Americas Summit 05/13/2019 03:30 PM EDT Remarks Kimberly Breier Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs Bogota, Colombia May 13, 2019 I am pleased to be with you today and am impressed with how many business, political, and civil society leaders from …

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Treasury Identifies the Venezuelan Defense and Security Sector as Subject to Sanctions and Further Targets Venezuelan Oil Moving to Cuba

12 May 10, 2019 Washington – Today, Secretary of the Treasury Steven T. Mnuchin, in consultation with Secretary of State Michael Pompeo, and pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13850, as amended, determined that persons operating in the defense and security sector of the Venezuelan economy may be subject to sanctions. In addition, the Department of the …

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The United States Takes Action to End Cuba’s Malign Influence on Venezuela

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson Official For Immediate Release  MEDIA NOTE April 12, 2019 The United States Takes Action to End Cuba’s Malign Influence on Venezuela Today, the United States sanctioned four companies for operating in the oil sector of the Venezuelan economy and identified nine vessels as blocked property, pursuant to …

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U.S. Mission to the United Nations and the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor To Launch Campaign on Cuba’s Political Prisoners at the

U.S. Mission to the United Nations and the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor To Launch Campaign on Cuba’s Political Prisoners at the United Nations Notice to the Press Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC October 12, 2018 Ambassador Kelley E. Currie, U.S. Representative on the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, …

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The Wrongful Detention of Tomas Nunez Magdariaga in Cuba

The Wrongful Detention of Tomas Nunez Magdariaga in Cuba Press Statement Heather Nauert Department Spokesperson Washington, DC October 4, 2018 The United States is gravely concerned about the physical health of Cuban democratic activist Tomas Nunez Magdariaga, who has been on a hunger strike for more than 50 days in protest against his wrongful imprisonment. …

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Treasury, Commerce, and State Implement Changes to the Cuba Sanctions Rules

U.S. Department of the Treasury Office of Public Affairs Press Release: November 8, 2017 Contact: Treasury Public Affairs, (202) 622-2960 Treasury, Commerce, and State Implement Changes to the Cuba Sanctions Rules Amendments Implement President Trump’s June 2017 National Security Presidential Memorandum (NSPM) Strengthening the Policy of the United States Toward Cuba WASHINGTON – Today, the …

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On President Trump’s Speech to Joint Session of Congress

Press Statement Rex W. Tillerson Secretary of State Washington, DC March 1, 2017 As the President laid out in his address to Congress, the State Department will continue to engage to advance U.S. interests in the world in cooperation with our partners and allies. We will also continue to support policies and institutions that keep …

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Press Releases: United States and Cuba Sign Search and Rescue Agreement

Media Note Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC January 18, 2017 Today, the United States and Cuba signed a bilateral agreement to strengthen cooperation in the field of maritime and aeronautical search and rescue. The agreement aims to enhance effectiveness and efficiency in assisting persons in distress and to act in furtherance of obligations under …

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United States and Cuba to Sign Law Enforcement Memorandum of Understanding

Media Note Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC January 16, 2017 On January 16, the United States and Cuba signed a bilateral Law Enforcement Memorandum of Understanding to deepen law enforcement cooperation and information sharing. Under this memorandum, the United States and Cuba will continue the Law Enforcement Dialogue process, which includes technical exchanges on …

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Statement by NSC Spokesperson Ned Price on Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes’ Travel to Cuba

The White House Office of the Press Secretary January 16, 2017 On Monday, January 16, Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes will travel to Cuba for official meetings, cultural engagements, and to witness the signing of a U.S.-Cuba Law Enforcement Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).  The arrangement will establish a framework for strengthening our partnership on …

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Statement by Secretary Johnson on the Continued Normalization of our Migration Relationship with Cuba

Press Office U.S. Department of Homeland Security Press Release January 12, 2017 Statement by Secretary Johnson on the Continued Normalization of our Migration Relationship with Cuba The United States is revoking the so-called “wet-foot/dry-foot” policy for Cuban migrants that has been in place since the mid-1990s. Effective immediately, Cuban nationals who attempt to illegally enter …

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Statement by the President on Cuban Immigration Policy

THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary January 12, 2017 Statement by the President on Cuban Immigration Policy Today, the United States is taking important steps forward to normalize relations with Cuba and to bring greater consistency to our immigration policy. The Department of Homeland Security is ending the so-called “wet-foot/dry foot” policy, which …

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United States and Cuba Sign Bilateral Oil Spill Preparedness and Response Agreement

Media Note Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC January 9, 2017 The United States and Cuba signed a bilateral agreement to prepare for and respond to oil spills and hazardous substance pollution in the Gulf of Mexico and the Straits of Florida on January 9, 2017. Under this agreement, the United States and Cuba will …

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U.S. – Cuba Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Working Group

Today, the United States Departments of State and Energy co-chaired the first U.S.-Cuba Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Working Group in Washington, D.C. Participants discussed regional developments related to clean energy, including renewable energy and energy efficiency, and exchanged ideas and information on how the United States and Cuba can move forward on this shared …

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Principal Ballet Dancer Misty Copeland Travels to Cuba as Sports and Cultural Envoy

Media Note Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC November 10, 2016 Misty Copeland, the first African American female Principal Dancer with the prestigious American Ballet Theatre, will serve as a U.S. Department of State Sports and Cultural Envoy to Cuba, November 14-18, 2016. This people-to-people exchange program taps into the unique strength of sports, dance, …

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Treasury and Commerce Annouce Further Amendments to Cuba Sanctions Regulations

Amendments Expand Venues for Scientific Collaboration, Facilitate Increased Humanitarian Support, and Bolster Trade and Commercial Opportunities WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) are announcing new amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations (CACR) and Export Administration …

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U.S. Embassy lit up in pink to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month

The U.S. Embassy in Havana will be lit up in pink throughout October, to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month. President Obama declared October 2016 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in a presidential proclamation issued the 30th September, 2016. The proclamation is available here . Photos of the embassy lit up in pink are available on our …

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Dr. Biden to Travel to The Republic of Cuba and The Dominica Republic

Dr. Jill Biden will travel to Havana and Camaguey, Cuba, from October 6 – 9, 2016. She will be joined by Catherine M. Russell, United States Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues, and Evan Ryan, United States Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs. Together, they will meet with government officials

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United States and Cuba To Hold Human Smuggling and Migratory Fraud Prevention Technical Exchange in Havana, Cuba

The United States and Cuba will hold the second Human Smuggling and Migratory Fraud Prevention Technical Exchange in Havana, Cuba, on September 7. The U.S. delegation will include working-level representatives from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the

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Counternarcotics Arrangement Signed During Third Counternarcotics Technical Exchange Between the United States and Cuba

The United States and Cuba held their third Counternarcotics Technical Exchange July 21 in Havana. The U.S. delegation included working-level representatives from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Coast Guard (USGC), Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations

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United States and Cuba Continue Migration Talks

U.S. and Cuban delegations reiterated the importance of the U.S.-Cuba Migration Accords, which provide for the safe, orderly, and legal migration of Cubans to the United States. The discussions included maritime and overland migration trends, cooperation between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Cuban physicians as well as cooperation between the U.S. Coast …

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Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Historic Agreements for U.S.-Cuba Agriculture Sectors

As part of President Obama’s historic trip to Cuba to further normalization of relations, advance commercial and people-to-people ties, and express our support for human rights for all Cubans, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced several measures that will foster further collaboration between the U.S. and Cuban agriculture sectors. The two neighboring countries

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Announcement of Cuba Policy Changes

For five and a half decades since, our policy toward Cuba has remained virtually frozen, and done little to promote a prosperous, democratic and stable Cuba. Not only has this policy failed to advance America’s goals, it has actually isolated the United States instead of isolating Cuba. Since 2009, President Obama has taken steps

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United States and Cuba Hold Law Enforcement Dialogue in Washington, DC

Today, the United States and Cuba held an inaugural Law Enforcement Dialogue in Washington, DC. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs Alex Lee and Deputy Assistant Attorney General Bruce Swartz led the delegation for the United States, and Mr. Abel Gonzalez Santamaria

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