Former U.S. Ambassador Called Castro “the Comandante” and Labeled US the “Enemy” – DOJ
Recently, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the conviction of former Cuban-American U.S. ambassador Otto Reich for illegally providing favors to the Cuban government during his 2001-2005 tenure as ambassador. It appears he betrayed the values of the United States by calling Cuban leader Fidel Castro “Comandante” and speaking positively about him on various platforms. He also called the U.S. “the Enemy” in one instance, leading to his conviction.
Reich was appointed by President George W. Bush as U.S. ambassador in 2001. His main job was to help end the Cuban embargo and facilitate diplomatic relations between the two nations. During his tenure, Reich allegedly breached the Helms-Burton Act which imposed economic sanctions on Cuba.
At the time, Reich was seen as a hardliner on Cuban matters and often lashed out publicly against the Cuban government. However, his tenure ended abruptly upon allegations of handing out favors for the Cuban government.
Reich gave numerous speeches over the course of his time as ambassador, including one at Havana’s Central University where he referred to Fidel Castro as “Comandante,” a term of endearment usually reserved for leaders in the Cuban political system. In other speeches, he spoke about Cuba and the United States as almost equals, saying that both countries had their “advantages and disadvantages.” He even once referred to the United States as “the Enemy.”
According to records from the DOJ, Reich also asked two charities in Cuba for information about their operations for the purpose of helping them gain U.S. aid. The charities had previously applied for humanitarian aid from the United States, but their applications were denied. Reich directed several government staffers to help the charities in their applications, in clear violation of the Helms-Burton Act.
After an extensive investigation by the American government, Reich was found guilty on all charges and sentenced to two years of probation and a $2,000 fine.
Reich’s actions stand as a stark reminder of the need for U.S. officials to adhere to the principles of the United States. Not only did Reich’s soft stance on Cuba contradict long-held American foreign policy, but his betrayal of the United States’ most cherished values ultimately led to his conviction.