Ahead of Secretary of State John Kerry's trip to Cuba this Friday, the Obama administration will not invite Cuba dissidents to the U.S. embassy flag-raising ceremony.

According to the Associated Press, Kerry will "more quietly" meet with "prominent activists" later on Aug. 14. The presence of Cuban dissidents could damper the renewed diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Cuba. According to anonymous sources, a U.S. presence in Cuba without meeting with activists would have also sent a bad message for democracy.

The lack of Cuban dissidents during Friday's ceremony has been criticized by Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., a Cuban-American seeking the Republican presidential candidacy. Rubio said the Cuban dissidents deserve the best treatment for the occasion and not members of the Cuban government.

"This is a new low for President Obama and a slap in the face by this administration to Cuba's courageous democracy activists," said Rubio in a statement. "Cuban dissidents are the legitimate representatives of the Cuban people and it is they who deserve America's red carpet treatment,‎ not Castro regime officials. What a pathetic policy President Obama has embarked on that shuns Cuban dissidents like this, yet has welcomed Castro regime officials to the White House."

Previously, Rubio said it is unclear what the Obama administration achieved with the diplomatic talks since the island still harbors U.S. fugitives and restricts freedom of speech. Rubio also confirmed he will oppose the confirmation of an ambassador to Cuba.

The flag-raising ceremony in Havana comes after respective embassies opened on July 20. Since Obama announced the shift of diplomatic policies toward Cuba on Dec. 17, delegations from both countries have met to discuss the terms of the embassies. While talks occurred, separate discussions by U.S. officials resulted in removing Cuba from the State Sponsor of Terrorism list.

Must Read: Latino Lawmakers Divided Over Cuba's Removal From State Sponsor of Terrorism 

"This is not merely symbolic. With this change, we will be able to substantially increase our contacts with the Cuban people, we'll have more personnel at our embassy and our diplomats will have the ability to engage more broadly across the island that will include the Cuban government, civil society and ordinary Cubans who are reaching for a better life," said Obama during an address from the Rose Garden on July 1.

According to the Pew Research Center earlier this year, 63 percent of Americans approved the Obama administration's decision to re-establish diplomatic ties with Cuba. In addition, 66 percent of Americans want the end of the U.S. trade embargo against Cuba. Despite the support, there is skepticism. Approximately one-third of respondents (32 percent) believe the renewed relations will result in a more democratic Cuba, but 60 percent said the island will be the same as it is now.

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