Cuba's Ambassador Dodges Questions on Diplomat Expulsion in Dominican Republic

Cuba's ambassador to the Dominican Republic, Ángel Arzuaga Reyes, did not directly address the Dominican government's decision to expel nine Cuban diplomats. This happened during an event at the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD) celebrating Fidel Castro's birthday.

When asked by reporters about the expulsion, the ambassador focused his statements on the commemoration. The Dominican authorities announced the decision on August 13th, requiring nine Cuban officials and their families to leave the country.

The Dominican Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not released the names of those affected nor the specific reasons behind the measure. Dominican media has suggested the expulsions might be linked to alleged intelligence activities by some Cuban officials, reportedly connected to Cuban state intelligence and security services. These reports remain unconfirmed by the Dominican government.

There are also unconfirmed rumors linking the action to alleged intimidation or surveillance of Cuban athletes who defected during the Central American and Caribbean Games held in Santo Domingo. No official confirmation has established this as the cause for the expulsion.

Ambassador Arzuaga is not among the expelled officials, and the Cuban Embassy continues its operations in the Dominican Republic. The Cuban government has rejected the Dominican decision and questioned its basis. Diplomatic relations between the two nations have not been severed, though the situation has sparked political and social reactions.