Contacts, but without formal commitment
Pramila Jayapal and Jonathan Jackson, two Democratic congressmen from the United States, have just returned from Havana with a clear message. Yes, there are contacts between Washington and the island. But no, we cannot yet talk about a formal negotiation.
His trip had one objective: to evaluate the humanitarian situation first-hand. And they did it thoroughly. They met with President Miguel Díaz-Canel and Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez. They also spoke with members of the Cuban Parliament.
But his agenda went beyond government offices. They toured hospitals to see the real conditions. They spoke with religious leaders and representatives of civil society. They even sat down with opposition voices.
“We cannot yet talk about a formal negotiation,” the legislators assured about contacts between both countries.
This precision is crucial. In the complex relationship between the US and Cuba, every word counts. Talking about ‘contacts’ is one thing. Announcing ‘formal negotiations’ would be a diplomatic earthquake that, for now, is not on the horizon.
What there was was total access. From the top of power to the daily realities in health centers. This transparency in the visit is, in itself, an interesting fact.
Does this mean a thaw? Too early to tell. What is clear is that there are open channels and a willingness to listen to multiple perspectives within the island. A necessary first step, but just that: a first step.
The ball remains in the court of the Biden and Díaz-Canel administrations. The congressmen have done their field work. Now it’s time to see if these contacts lead to something more concrete or remain another chapter in the long and tense bilateral script.
