U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio labeled Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Cuba as “enemies of humanity,” linking them to the migration crisis. He criticized their dysfunctional regimes during a press conference in Costa Rica. Both Cuban and Venezuelan officials denounced his remarks, defending their countries against U.S. accusations. The remarks followed Rubio’s broader focus on migration issues during his tour of Central America.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio labeled the governments of Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Cuba as “enemies of humanity,” attributing the ongoing migration crisis in the region to their oppressive regimes. During a press conference in Costa Rica, he asserted that the failure of these governments is directly linked to the surge in migration, claiming the crisis would not exist without them. Rubio emphasized that these countries suffer from dysfunctional political systems, driving their citizens to flee.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel criticized Rubio’s remarks as “shameless,” while Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil referred to his comments as a “pathetic obsession”. Díaz-Canel argued that Cuba’s migration issue correlates with the increased U.S. embargo, which he claims deprives Cubans of vital resources, framing the U.S. as the true violator of human rights. In contrast, Gil condemned U.S. military actions that have historically caused global turmoil.
Rubio singled out Nicaragua, highlighting President Daniel Ortega’s consolidation of power via a controversial constitutional reform. He noted that Ortega’s regime has effectively established a dynastic rule, suppressing dissent, particularly targeting religious institutions that pose a challenge to their authority. He discussed the mass exodus of Nicaraguans seeking refuge in neighboring countries like Costa Rica due to such oppressive conditions.
Rubio’s remarks came amid a broader focus on migration during his regional tour, which included visits to Panama, El Salvador, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic. The migration issue remains a key agenda item for U.S. policy, especially under President Trump’s administration, which has emphasized strict border control and immigration enforcement strategies. Rubio’s discussions in Central America aim to confront the causes of illegal migration while reinforcing U.S. diplomatic interests in the region.
The political climate in Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Cuba has sparked significant debate regarding human rights and migration. Each of these countries has faced accusations of authoritarian governance, leading to widespread oppression and humanitarian crises. As economic conditions deteriorate, civilians often seek refuge in more stable nations, contributing to a regional migration crisis. The U.S. government has increasingly focused on addressing the underlying issues that compel individuals to flee these nations, as reflected in Rubio’s statements during his official visit.
Marco Rubio’s statements reflect a growing concern about the socio-political conditions in Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Cuba, viewed as central to the migration crisis in Central America. His critique of these regimes underscores the U.S. approach to regional instability and migration. The responses from Cuban and Venezuelan leaders highlight the contentious relationship between the nations and the U.S., revealing the complexity of geopolitical dynamics at play in addressing these issues.
Original Source: ticotimes.net
