According to political experts, the death of Cuban political prisoner Orlando Zapata Tamayo this week, after an 85-day hunger strike, may have dashed hopes for any immediate improvement in US-Cuba relations. His death, as a result of protesting prison conditions, has increased tensions already heightened by the arrest of an American contractor in Cuba. This has made it more difficult for diplomatic and legislative efforts to enhance ties with the island. Marifeli Perez-Stable, a Cuba analyst at Florida International University in Miami, stated that progress in US-Cuba relations is currently uncertain. Zapata's death has sparked outrage in Washington, with critics of communist Cuba emphasizing the need to not appease President Raul Castro's government by lifting the trade embargo that has been in place for 48 years. Republican Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Florida called for a renewed commitment to ensure that Cuba moves away from the ideology that led to Zapata's death. The death of Zapata poses a challenge for those who advocate for improved relations with Cuba, as it undermines their argument that increased closeness with the island is the best way to bring about change. On the same day, a new bill was introduced that would lift the ban on US travel to Cuba and facilitate food sales from the US to Cuba. Democratic Representative Jim McGovern of Massachusetts emphasized the importance of closer ties with the Cuban people through travel and exchange of ideas. McGovern also expressed sadness and anger over Zapata's death, criticizing the Cuban government for not preventing it. Spain, currently holding the presidency of the European Union, is encountering a similar issue as it seeks to eliminate a clause from the EU's stance on Cuba that calls for democracy and increased human rights on the island. Havana views this clause as a barrier to establishing normal relations with the EU. In response to pressure from Spanish media, Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, a socialist and supporter of strong ties with Cuba, expressed regret over Zapata's death and called for the release of political prisoners and the protection of human rights in Cuba, stating that this is a crucial demand of the international community. Perez-Stable stated that Zapata's death would likely hinder Spain's efforts to improve EU-Cuba relations. She mentioned that Havana should not expect the EU to lift the common position. Observers of Cuba suggested that the death of the dissident was a setback for the Cuban government's diplomatic endeavors to influence the United States to end the embargo. The small dissident community in Cuba vowed to increase their calls for democratic reform on the island, in honor of Zapata. Additionally, on Friday, five dissidents, including four currently in prison, announced hunger strikes to pressure the government to release political prisoners. Leading dissident Oswaldo Paya expressed that the death has had a profound impact on all of them. He stated that this event marks a significant turning point and emphasized that they will not resort to violence. Paya also warned that the government's actions are sending a concerning message to the Cuban people.