Experts said that the death of Cuban political prisoner Orlando Zapata Tamayo this week, following an 85-day hunger strike, has likely dashed hopes for any immediate improvement in US-Cuba relations. His protest against prison conditions, along with the recent arrest of an American contractor in Cuba, has further strained relations and 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, stated that progress in US-Cuba relations is now uncertain. Zapata's death has led to strong reactions in Washington, with critics of communist Cuba emphasizing that the US should not ease the trade embargo against the island. Republican Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Florida urged a renewed commitment to ensuring that Cuba moves away from the ideology that led to Zapata's death. Zapata's death poses a challenge for those who support improving relations with Cuba, as it undermines their argument that closer engagement with the island is the best way to bring about change. On the same day as Zapata's death, new legislation was introduced that would lift the ban on US travel to Cuba and facilitate food exports to the island. Democratic Representative Jim McGovern of Massachusetts emphasized the importance of being closer to the Cuban people in order to support them effectively, stating that free travel to the island allows for mutual learning and understanding. McGovern also condemned Zapata's death, criticizing the Cuban government for not preventing it. Spain, currently leading the European Union, is dealing with a similar issue as it seeks to remove a clause from the EU's common position on Cuba that calls for democracy and increased respect for human rights on the island. The government of Cuba believes this clause hinders full normal relations with the 27-nation bloc. In response to pressure from Spanish media, Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero expressed sorrow over the death of Zapata and called for the release of political prisoners and the respect of human rights in Cuba, stating that this is a crucial demand of the global community. Perez-Stable stated that Zapata's death would likely be the final blow to 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 death of the dissident was a setback for the Cuban government's diplomatic efforts to pressure the United States to end the embargo. The small dissident community in Cuba promised to increase their demands for democratic change on the island, in order to honor Zapata's memory. Additionally, five dissidents, including four currently imprisoned, announced hunger strikes on Friday to push the government to release political prisoners. Leading dissident Oswaldo Paya expressed that the recent death has had a profound impact on everyone. He stated that this event marks a significant turning point, emphasizing that they will not resort to violence. However, Paya warned that the government's actions are sending a concerning message to the Cuban people.