"Tensions between Cuba and Venezuela after accusations of repression against Machado."

The recent exchange of statements between Cuba and Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has sparked a new wave of tensions in the context of the political crisis in Venezuela. In a statement issued by the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Cuban government has firmly rejected the accusations implicating the island in repression and control activities in the South American country. This exchange of words occurs amid an atmosphere of polarization and social discontent in Venezuela, which has led thousands of citizens to take to the streets in protests against Nicolás Maduro's government. In a recent interview, Machado claimed that "Cuba has had an influence" on the methods of repression in Venezuela. Her statements not only point to the island's influence on the Venezuelan government's control tactics but also reflect the degree of frustration felt by many opponents regarding the current situation. Cuba's response, however, was swift and categorical. According to the Minrex statement, Machado's claims are mere "invention" and "delusion," emphasizing that these stem from an attempt to divert attention from the failure of coup plans in Venezuela. The Cuban statement emphasizes that the island does not interfere in the politics of other countries, distancing itself from any role in the Venezuelan crisis. This message aligns with Cuba's historical stance, which has maintained that its support for Venezuela is primarily supportive and non-interventionist. However, the perception of many Venezuelans and the international community is that Cuban influence in Maduro's government goes beyond what Havana dares to acknowledge. For his part, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel took the opportunity to celebrate the pro-government demonstrations in Venezuela that took place in response to the opposition protests. In his statements, Díaz-Canel underscored the support of the Venezuelan people for Maduro, reinforcing the idea that the government has significant backing despite growing criticism and social discontent. The situation in Venezuela has worsened since the presidential elections on July 28, where Maduro's government was declared the winner, although the opposition claims that Edmundo González Urrutia, their candidate, was the true victor. This discrepancy has fueled tensions and distrust toward the government, as many Venezuelans accuse Maduro of manipulating the results in his favor. The context of these protests is alarming. According to the Venezuelan government, there have been over 2,400 arrests and at least 25 deaths related to the demonstrations that erupted in response to what they consider an electoral fraud. These figures highlight the severity of the situation and the climate of repression that permeates the country, leading many to question the state of human rights in Venezuela. Cuba, along with countries such as Russia, China, and Nicaragua, was one of the few to recognize Maduro's victory. This support is seen as an attempt by Havana to maintain a strategic alliance in the region, especially at a time when leftist governments in Brazil and Colombia have chosen not to endorse the legitimacy of the current Venezuelan president. Meanwhile, protests in the streets of Venezuela continue, with thousands of citizens demanding justice and electoral transparency. Copies of the electoral records, which the National Electoral Council has not published, have become a symbol of the opposition and its struggle for truth amid a climate of uncertainty and repression. Amid this tumultuous scenario, the international community watches closely as events unfold in Venezuela, while many wonder how far the resistance of the Venezuelan people will go and what role Cuba will continue to play in this complex political web. The coming weeks will be crucial in defining both the future of Venezuela and the relationships in the region, where tensions continue to escalate.