When Cuban political prisoner Orlando Zapata Tamayo passed away this week following an 85-day hunger strike, experts in politics suggested that any hopes for immediate improvements in US-Cuba relations may have also ended. His death, as a result of protesting prison conditions, further strained relations already tense due to the arrest of an American contractor in Cuba, making it 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, "For now, any progress in US-Cuba relations is uncertain." Zapata's death led to strong reactions in Washington, with critics of communist Cuba arguing that the US should not ease the 48-year trade embargo against the island, which has been a key aspect of US-Cuba policy. Republican Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Florida urged for a renewed commitment to ensure that Cuba in the future is free from the ideology that caused Zapata's death. Zapata's death has complicated the argument of supporters advocating for improved relations with Cuba, who believe that getting closer to the island is the best way to encourage change. On the day of Zapata's death, legislation was proposed to lift the ban on US travel to Cuba and make it easier for Cuba to purchase food from the United States. Democratic Representative Jim McGovern of Massachusetts stated that in order to better support the Cuban people, it is important to have closer ties with them, including the ability to freely travel to the island to exchange ideas and learn from each other. McGovern also expressed his sorrow and anger over Zapata's death, criticizing the Cuban government for not intervening to prevent it. Spain, currently leading the European Union, is dealing with a similar issue as it aims to remove a clause from the EU's common position on Cuba that calls for democracy and improved human rights on the island. This move has been criticized by Havana, which sees the clause as a barrier to better relations with the EU. Under pressure from Spanish media, Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, who has always supported close ties with Cuba, expressed sadness over the death of Zapata and called for the release of political prisoners and the protection of human rights in Cuba, echoing the sentiments of the international community. Perez-Stable stated that Zapata's death would likely signal the end of Spain's attempts to improve EU-Cuba relations. She mentioned that Havana should not expect the EU to lift the common position. Observers of Cuba stated that the dissident's death would hinder the Cuban government's diplomatic efforts to pressure the United States to lift the embargo. The small dissident community in Cuba vowed to increase their calls for democratic change on the island, in order to honor Zapata's memory. Five dissidents, including four currently imprisoned, announced on Friday that they had begun hunger strikes to demand the release of political prisoners. Leading dissident Oswaldo Paya expressed that the death has had a significant impact on everyone. He believes that this event will mark a turning point. Paya emphasized that they will not resort to violence, but he is concerned about the message the government is sending to the Cuban people.