U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized authoritarian regimes in Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela for causing a migration crisis during his Latin America visit. He claimed these governments are ‘enemies of humanity,’ contributing to the emigration of their citizens. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel defended against Rubio’s comments, citing the U.S. trade embargo as the primary cause for Cuban migration.
On Tuesday in San José, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the authoritarian regimes in Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, labeling them as “enemies of humanity” responsible for a regional migration crisis. He emphasized that if these regimes did not exist, the current exodus of people from their nations would not be occurring. Rubio’s comments were made during his Latin America tour focusing on addressing the migration issues facing the United States.
In his remarks, Rubio stated, “Those three regimes that exist in Nicaragua, Venezuela and Cuba are enemies of humanity … they have created a migration crisis.” He further criticized Nicaragua, noting that the country has evolved into a family dynasty under President Daniel Ortega and his wife, which has suppressed opposition and religious freedom, resulting in mass emigration.
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel swiftly responded to Rubio’s accusations, claiming that the U.S. trade embargo was primarily responsible for the immigration crisis from Cuba. He argued, “It is proven that the migration exodus in Cuba is proportional to the tightening of the blockade, which deprives our people of essential goods.”
Rubio, continuing his regional visit, expressed appreciation for El Salvador President Nayib Bukele’s proposal to imprison U.S. convicts in his mega-prison, and highlighted Bukele’s willingness to accept deported gang members from across Latin America, including Venezuela. These developments underscore the complexities of the ongoing migration issue in the region.
The discussion surrounding migration from Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela has increasingly gained attention due to the severe economic and political crises these countries face. Each government exhibits authoritarian tendencies, leading to widespread dissatisfaction and prompting citizens to seek better livelihoods elsewhere. Figures like Marco Rubio advocate for a U.S. response that focuses on addressing the root causes of migration while dealing with the implications of such movements on American soil.
In summary, Marco Rubio’s recent statements underline the belief that the authoritarian governments of Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela are significant contributors to the ongoing migration crisis. He emphasized the impact these regimes have on their people’s lives, which fuels the necessity for action from the United States. In contrast, leaders from these nations attribute the situation to external pressures, particularly the U.S. embargo.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
