In September, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez requested an urgent meeting with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, leading State Department officials to surmise that he might be coming with information uncovered by Cuba about what had occurred, or other new developments to share with the U.S., an official familiar with the meeting said. It ended its statement saying the government "reiterates its willingness to cooperate to clear up the situation." The Cuban Ministry of Foreign Relations said after the attacks became public in August that "Cuba has addressed the matter with the utmost seriousness and has acted swiftly and professionally to clear up the situation." While the Cuban media diet has diversified with the spread of internet access around the country over the last three years, most Cubans still get their news from state-controlled media that function fundamentally as outlets for such statements from the government. "It sounds like Star Wars," said Dayan Rosete, a 23-year-old language student, as he stood chatting with a friend in front of the Habana Libre hotel.Ĭuban skepticism reflects an increasingly assertive stance by President Raul Castro's government, which has gone in three months from issuing statements of deep concern about the attacks to questioning whether they even occurred. Some Havana residents took a mocking tone. investigation, the Trump administration says President Raul Castro's government has failed to guarantee that Americans will be safe in Cuba. Despite unprecedented Cuban cooperation with a U.S. "It's absurd propaganda."Īmerican officials say embassy officials began hearing strange, high-pitched shrieking noises in their homes last year, with many soon after reporting severe symptoms including deafness, vision problems and difficulty concentrating. "I don't believe any part of it," said Luis Felipe Gonzalez, a 59-year-old taxi driver, as he waited for customers nearby. allegations that Cuba bears responsibility for attacks with a strange sonic weapon that have affected at least 22 embassy officials or spouses - some very seriously - and you'll likely be met with laughter. Talk to anyone, anywhere in the country about the U.S. This skepticism stretches from government supporters like Tamame to its detractors from fans of the United States to those wary of the giant to the north. "I don't think anything really happened." says at least 22 strange episodes have occurred over the last year. "It isn't the first or the last excuse that they invent to discredit Cuba and its leaders," lawyer Alexander Tamame, 36, said as he walked through the Vedado neighborhood in this city where the U.S. allegations.ĭespite increasingly tough talk by the U.S., including White House Chief of Staff John Kelly saying Thursday that Cuba "could stop the attacks on our diplomats," the common reaction in Havana is mocking disbelief. But few people on this communist-run island believe a word of the U.S. Tie Sonic balloons to your chairs or doorknobs and your Sonic the Hedgehog decorations will be complete! After the Sonic party, send guests off with goodies and favors in a Sonic the Hedgehog Favor Cup! Fill it up with candy, toys, or Sonic the Hedgehog Tattoos featuring various characters from the video game.A bizarre string of attacks on diplomats in Havana has sent Cuban-American relations to their lowest point in decades, with the Trump administration virtually closing its embassy here and expelling Cuban officials from Washington. Decorate your Sonic or video game-themed party with awesome Sonic the Hedgehog balloons! Each balloon comes in blue, light blue, or red and features a black outline of Sonic in the background and a white outline of Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails in the foreground. Display all of your Sonic the Hedgehog tableware on top of a Sonic the Hedgehog Table Cover with patterns and graphics featuring Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Shadow, and Doctor Eggman. Complete with the golden rings from the video game your friends and family will feel like winners using these Sonic plates! Enjoy your favorite beverages using Sonic the Hedgehog Cups! Accompany your plates and cups with beverage and lunch napkins that feature Sonic in action. With these Sonic the Hedgehog Party Supplies you can put together an awesome birthday party as quick as Sonic and friends! These Sonic tableware items, decorations, and party favors feature various Sonic the Hedgehog characters to make your little one’s birthday a blast! Make a rush to the tables decorated with awesome Sonic the Hedgehog tableware! Serve up some delicious food and desserts on paper lunch and dessert plates featuring Sonic, Knuckles, Tails, and Shadow. Blaze and the Monster Machines Party Supplies.