On Tuesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio refuted claims made in a New York Times article suggesting that American officials had demanded the removal of Cuba's President Miguel Díaz-Canel. Rubio characterized the report as 'false,' stating that it relied on misleading information from those he described as 'charlatans and liars' pretending to be well-informed. He underscored the importance of accurate and responsible reporting regarding international relations.

The New York Times report asserted that the Trump administration's officials had purportedly pressured Cuban negotiators to displace Díaz-Canel to facilitate structural reforms in Cuba that he was unwilling to accept. The article indicated that US officials perceive Díaz-Canel as a hardliner resistant to implementing necessary changes. However, the report clarified that the US had not reached a point of issuing an ultimatum for his removal.

Rubio's emphatic denial comes amid ongoing tensions between the US and Cuba. The US government has often criticized the Cuban regime for its lack of political reforms and human rights issues, but seeking to remove its leadership directly could escalate diplomatic conflicts. The clarification reflects the complexity of US-Cuba relations and highlights the need for careful navigation to avoid misunderstandings in the international community.