The Cuban government confirms «talks» with US representatives. The Communist Party of Cuba (the only legal party) announced on Friday that representatives of the island's government «have recently held talks with representatives of the United States Government». «Led by Army General Raúl Castro Ruz as leader of the Revolution and by the First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party and President of the Republic, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez -and in a joint action with the highest structures of the Party, the State, and the Government-, Cuban officials have recently held talks with representatives of the United States Government,» the statement, disseminated on social networks, reads. In a recorded message, Díaz-Canel explained that «Cuba has held talks with representatives of the United States Government aimed at seeking solutions through dialogue to the differences between the two Governments». The objective was, «in the first instance, to identify the problems that need a solution and the possible solutions that they may have,» added the president, who clarified that agreements are still «far off». It is intended «to determine the willingness of both parties to concrete actions for the benefit of the peoples of both countries» and «to identify areas of cooperation to face the threats and guarantee the peace and security of both nations» and also «of the Latin American and Caribbean region». «This is an issue that is developing as part of a very sensitive process that is conducted with seriousness and responsibility because it affects the bilateral ties between the two nations and demands enormous and arduous efforts to find a solution and create spaces for understanding that allow us to advance and move away from confrontation,» Díaz-Can affirmed. Díaz-Canel added that in these «exchanges», the Cuban side has expressed the «will» for them to be held «on the basis of equality and respect for the political systems of both states, for the sovereignty and self-determination of our governments». Washington has increased the pressure on Cuba in recent months by blocking the entry of oil imports to the island, which only produces a third of the crude to meet its energy needs. The President of the United States, Donald Trump, had assured on several occasions during the last few weeks that representatives of his Executive were maintaining contacts with Cuban authorities. Havana had denied these conversations on several occasions, but stopped doing so in recent weeks. This Thursday the Cuban government announced the release of 51 prisoners after maintaining contacts with the Vatican.
