Cuban Ambassador to

The Bahamas Ernesto Soberon Guzman said yesterday some "technical, and legal" issues need to be addressed before two Cuban men can testify in the defense force hearings into the alleged abuse of a group of Cuban detainees last year.
Guzman, who was responding to questions from The Nassau Guardian, did not detail what those issues are.
However, he reiterated the men will testify one way or another.
"I think at the end of the day we will resolve it, but it is nothing with politics or something like this," Guzman told The Nassau Guardian.
"It is just technical issues. There are some legal issues also that you have to take care of in that sense."
Guzman said while no decision has been made on whether the men will testify in Cuba or The Bahamas, the Cuban government is considering several options.
He said one option is the rogatory commission, a formal request of information from one state or country to another.
"This is a common legal process, but we also have some people [who] could travel to Cuba and have the interviews there," he said.
"You also have the option that they come here, but we are now working on that through those different options.
"The most important thing is that at the end of the day they will be able to testify...and they say their version about the issue. And we agree on that."
Guzman was unable to provide a timeline on when a decision could be made.
Attorney Wayne Munroe, who represents five marines accused of abusing the detainees, has said to his understanding the response from the Cuban government will determine how and when the hearing will proceed.
In December, Guzman confirmed that a letter was forward to the Cuban government requesting the two Cuban men return to The Bahamas.
The men -- Yordan Cantero and Alexander Vazcuez -- are at the center of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force abuse hearings.
It is alleged that several Cuban detainees were severely beaten at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre after they attempted to escape from the facility in May.
Munroe's clients deny the allegations. The hearings are closed.
Guzman, who was also asked about the impact of the matter on diplomatic relations between Cuba and The Bahamas, said both countries are in a "good moment".
"We have a very good line of conversation," he said.
"We have a very good understanding. We have very good cooperation.
"We talk about different issues; bilateral and multilateral issues."
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Cuba and The Bahamas.

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