FRIDAY, 8:03 A.M.
Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs Melanie Eisenberg tapped the microphone on the podium and checked her hair in the monitor. The Press Room was littered with television cameras and journalists. Behind Eisenberg, the back wall was covered with a navy blue curtain and an oval sign showing the world map and DEPARTMENT OF STATE / WASHINGTON. An American flag rested on its pole, perfectly positioned to appear over Eisenberg’s right shoulder in the television frame. The front of the lectern displayed a circular State Department logo, an eagle gripping an olive branch in one talon and arrows in the other.
“Are we ready?” Eisenberg barked at an aide off to the side of the stage, who nodded.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” she began, holding her chin high, “we have a simple statement this morning. As many of you know, Cuban authorities seized a private American fishing vessel operating in international waters on Wednesday evening. In the interest of prudence, we have refrained from making any public statements until we had ascertained all the facts.”
Eisenberg made eye contact with a boyish reporter sitting in the front row. “We now can confirm that four American citizens have been detained by the Cuban government.” She stared directly into the camera. “This illegal act undermines the progress we have made establishing dialogue with the government in Havana. It has put at risk all of the efforts to date to resolve our diplomatic impasse that goes back more than half a century. We hoped this incident would be quickly resolved in a peaceful manner, but that has not happened. The United States cannot stand idly by as our citizens are treated in this manner.”
Eisenberg held up a scolding finger. “I would like to remind this audience and the American people that while we have removed Cuba from the list of official state sponsors of terrorism, this administration will continue to uphold our policy of not negotiating with hostage takers. Let me be very clear: There will be no negotiations.”
She grabbed both sides of the lectern. “We call upon the Cuban authorities to release these Americans immediately and unconditionally. The United States of America stands with these innocent men, their families, and the Cuban people, who only yearn to be free.” She paused. “I will take a few questions.”
The room erupted.
“Yes,” she said, pointing to the young man in the front.
“Domingo Campesino, Miami Herald. Can you confirm the identity of the four men?”
Eisenberg shook her head. “Out of respect for the privacy of their families, we are not releasing their names.”
“But several television networks are reporting these men as: Dennis Dobson, of Rockville, Maryland; Crawford Jackson—”
“The Department of State cannot at this time confirm any unsubstantiated news reports,” Eisenberg interrupted. “As soon as we have more information, we will let you know, Domingo . . . Next?”
“Amanda Haddad, Fox News. Are you declaring this an act of terrorism?”
“I didn’t say ‘terrorism.’ I said ‘illegal.’ We stand by our policy of never negotiating for hostages.”
“So Cuba is no longer a state sponsor of terrorism, but you’re not denying that their seizure of the fishing boat might be an act of terrorism?”
“Don’t parse my words. I stand on what I’ve previously indicated . . . Yes?”
“Jasmine Chepenik, Orlando Sentinel. What are the Cubans saying about this incident? What do they want in return for their release?”
“You’ll have to ask them.”
“They haven’t told the U.S. government anything?”
“I just told you, Jaz,” Eisenberg huffed, “we aren’t negotiating. We will not pay ransom of any kind. That’s not the American way . . . Who’s next?”
“Van Wagner, Politico. The reaction from Capitol Hill has been swift and aggressive. The Free Cuba Congressional Caucus issued a statement yesterday morning that was essentially the same position that you just articulated. What’s taking the administration so long?”
“We respect Congress and their rights to come to whatever views they choose. That’s why we have separation of powers, Van. That was the vision of the Founding Fathers.”
“But your position is essentially the same as Chairwoman Adelman-Zamora. Is the administration now in lockstep with her on Cuba policy?”
Eisenberg bit her lip. “We agree with all those who believe the Cuban people have a right to determine their own government, to enjoy the basic freedoms that all Americans enjoy, and to decide their own future.”
“So this is a shift in administration policy? Are you taking a more hard-line stance?”