The Trump administration has set a two-week timeframe for Cuba to free political prisoners as part of ongoing discussions regarding economic and political reforms, according to an informed source.
As reported by USA Today, this demand was made during a meeting on April 10 in Cuba with a senior delegation from the State Department, marking the first instance since 2016 that a U.S. government aircraft has landed on the island.
Among those mentioned for potential release are dissident artists Luis Manuel Otero Alcantara and Maykel Osorbo, who are associated with the San Isidro movement and were sentenced in 2022.
A spokesperson for the State Department emphasized that the administration is dedicated to obtaining the release of all political prisoners and highlighted President Donald Trump’s recent comments indicating that a “new dawn for Cuba” is approaching.
Furthermore, the spokesperson noted that the Cuban government has a narrow timeframe to respond as direct negotiations progress.
According to a State Department source, U.S. representatives warned Cuban officials that the nation’s economy is collapsing and cautioned that conditions could deteriorate further without reforms.
The administration is advocating for changes to enhance Cuba’s economic competitiveness, which includes increased openness to foreign investments, compensation for appropriated American properties, and wider political freedoms.
Additionally, the proposal suggests introducing Starlink high-speed internet to aid in modernizing the island’s infrastructure.
The talks also featured a separate discussion between a U.S. delegation member and a family member of former Cuban leader Raul Castro.
Following the negotiations, a Cuban entrepreneur tried to hand a letter to the White House outside of official channels, but was intercepted in Miami, according to reports.
Tensions have escalated between Washington and Havana in recent weeks, as the Trump administration has intensified sanctions and curtailed oil shipments to Cuba.
Trump has expressed his willingness to find a diplomatic solution but has also cautioned of possible repercussions if Cuba’s leadership fails to take action.
“Well, it depends on what your definition of military action is,” Trump stated when questioned about potential Pentagon strategies related to Cuba.
The administration has suggested it is considering various options as negotiations carry on.