Cuba open to dialogue with US but rules out talks on constitutional system

ANKARA

Cuba is open to dialogue with the United States but is not prepared to discuss its constitutional system, Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio said.

Speaking to CNN on Wednesday, Fernandez de Cossio commented on rising tensions following recent decisions by US President Donald Trump to impose new tariffs linked to Cuba.

Referring to what he described as US “pressure,” Fernandez de Cossio said the measures had harmed his country and argued that dialogue would be a better alternative to continued coercive policies.

He said Cuba could cooperate with the US on combating drug trafficking, noting that Havana had provided such cooperation in the past and could continue to do so.

However, he ruled out talks on domestic political arrangements, saying: “We’re not ready to discuss our constitutional system. We assume the United States is not ready to discuss their constitutional system, their political system or their economic reality,” he said.

His remarks followed comments by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said Washington would like to see regime change in Cuba.

Rubio said in late January that the US wants regime change in Cuba, adding: “That doesn't mean that we're going to make a change, but we would love to see a change.”

Trump had earlier said talks with Cuba had begun after signing an executive order on Jan. 30 imposing tariffs on goods from countries supplying oil to Cuba.

The White House said the decision was intended to protect US national security and foreign policy interests against Cuba’s “harmful actions and policies.”

On Feb. 1, Trump said discussions with Cuba had started, adding: “I think they’re going to come to us and want to make a deal. Then Cuba will be free again.”

Fernandez de Cossio, however, rejected and said there is no ongoing negotiation process with Washington, although Cuba remains open to dialogue.