U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price announced that Washington is seeking to increase the staff at its embassy in Havana and allow direct financial transfers to Cuba. In a regular press briefing on Tuesday, Price stated, "We will form a special task force on transfers to identify the most effective ways to deliver remittances directly to the Cuban people." He added, "We are also reviewing our plans to increase the number of staff at our embassy in Havana to facilitate consular activities, engage with civil society, and ensure that we have a proper security posture as well."
On another note, Price confirmed that the U.S. is working with the private sector and Congress to explore ways to make internet access more accessible to the Cuban people. The spokesperson mentioned, "We have seen from these peaceful protests that the Cuban people are demanding the legitimate aspirations for human rights and greater freedoms," adding, "We have made it clear that we will conduct a comprehensive investigation into any and all ways we can support those legitimate aspirations."
The White House said on Tuesday that it is exploring ways that "the United States can help the Cuban people engaged in anti-government protests, as well as hold the Cuban government accountable for suppressing freedoms." White House press secretary Jen Psaki noted that the U.S. "looks forward to increasing internet access in Cuba, enhancing humanitarian assistance, and devising a practical remittance system for Cuban expatriates to send money to their relatives in Cuba without it being siphoned off by the government."
