Cuba's permanent representative to the UN Ernesto Soberón Guzmán said that publications about alleged contacts between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and a relative of former Cuban leader Raul Castro are "speculation", EFE news agency reported, quoted by BTA.
In an interview with the agency, the diplomat commented on information disseminated by the American publication "Axios", according to which Marco Rubio had held secret talks with a grandson of Raul Castro amid increasing pressure from Washington on Havana.
"These same media outlets later said that they had no confirmation of what was published. Therefore, this sounds like speculation to me. "I base myself on facts," Soberón said.
Havana remains ready for dialogue, but only under conditions of mutual respect, equality, respect for sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs. He stressed that this position "is not new" and has already allowed progress in previous stages of bilateral relations.
Soberón avoided commenting on possible contacts that could help overcome the oil shortage, amid additional restrictions on energy supplies to the country introduced in recent weeks.
US President Donald Trump reiterated earlier this week that his administration is holding talks with high-ranking Cuban officials, although Havana officially denies these allegations.
Regarding a possible mediating role for Mexico, the Cuban diplomat limited himself to noting the country's historical solidarity with Cuba, both in humanitarian and diplomatic terms.
Soberón stressed that any future negotiations must take place in an environment conducive to real progress "without additional pressure". "We do not impose conditions on anyone, but we do not accept them being imposed on us," he said.
The diplomat recalled that Cuba's willingness to engage in dialogue has been a constant in its foreign policy. "History has taught us that dialogue works when it is based on equality and mutual respect, and not when there is pressure or imposition," he said.