US and Cuba hold talks in Havana for first time in 10 years — media

Representatives of the U.S. Department of State held a meeting in Havana with Cuban officials to urge democratic and economic freedoms and to warn about the risks of ignoring Washington's "advice."

According to Ukrinform, Axios reported this, citing sources in the U.S. government.

The meeting took place last Friday and marked a diplomatic breakthrough. It was the first time a U.S. government plane had landed in Cuba since the visit of Barack Obama ten years ago, which aimed at rapprochement.

A senior State Department official said several meetings were held. He did not name participants except for Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, the grandson of former Cuban leader Raúl Castro. He is seen by the U.S. as a de facto spokesperson for his grandfather and is considered a real source of power in Cuba.

U.S. representatives told the Cuban side that the country's economy is "in free fall," and that the island's ruling elites have a narrow window to implement key reforms with U.S. support before circumstances "irreversibly worsen."

The U.S. delegation also offered assistance in restoring internet services through satellite connectivity via Starlink.

State Department officials reaffirmed U.S. policy on lifting the Cuban embargo, which includes compensation for U.S. citizens and companies whose assets were confiscated after the Cuban Revolution; the release of political prisoners; and greater political freedoms for the Cuban people, including free and fair elections.

American officials also expressed "concerns about foreign intelligence, military, and terror groups operating with Cuban governmental permission less than 100 miles from the American homeland," a source said.

At the same time, without directly threatening Cuban officials, the U.S. made it clear that the administration of Donald Trump would not allow a crisis on the island. "President Trump is committed to pursuing a diplomatic solution, if possible, but will not let the island collapse into a major national security threat if Cuba's leaders are unwilling or unable to act," a State Department official said.

As previously reported, Miguel Díaz-Canel stated that the United States has no valid grounds to attempt to overthrow him.