Cuba’s foreign ministry announced on Friday that it had issued a verbal warning to the top U.S. diplomat in Havana, protesting what it described as “interventionist” behavior. This marks the latest escalation in tensions between the two long-time adversaries.
Cuba accused U.S. Chief of Mission Mike Hammer of inciting “Cuban citizens to commit serious criminal acts, attack the constitutional order, or encourage them to act against the authorities,” arguing that his actions violate the Vienna Convention norms on diplomatic relations.
“The immunity he enjoys as a representative of his country cannot be used as cover for acts contrary to the sovereignty and internal order of the country to which he is accredited, in this case Cuba,” the ministry said in a statement.
Hammer, a career U.S. diplomat who arrived in Cuba six months ago, has traveled extensively throughout the island to meet with political dissidents, drawing criticism from the Cuban government, which accuses him of attempting to incite unrest.
The U.S. State Department defended Hammer’s actions.
“Chief of Mission Mike Hammer and the U.S. Embassy proudly represent President Trump by implementing an America First foreign policy and seeking accountability for the Cuban regime for its malign influence across the Americas,” a State Department official said.
“We will continue to meet with Cuban patriots, religious leaders, and those fighting for the freedoms of Cubans,” the official added.
These rising tensions occur as Cubans face the worst economic crisis in decades, a situation the Cuban government attributes to the long-standing U.S. embargo, which restricts financial transactions, trade, tourism, and fuel imports.
Cuba’s formal rebuke of Hammer comes just days after the U.S. diplomat stated in a Miami press conference that the Trump administration was preparing further sanctions against the communist-run nation.
Cuba has repeatedly criticized Hammer in recent months but has not restricted his travel within the country.