CUBAN President Miguel Diaz-Canel slammed the US embassy in Havana on Monday, accusing Washington of using it as an outpost to subvert his government in breach of the Vienna Convention.

He alleged that officials there hold frequent meetings with the country’s counter-revolutionary forces and issue statements on social media in breach of the convention, which prohibits diplomats from meddling in other states’ internal affairs.

“The US embassy in Cuba insists on its sad and shameful role of subverting the internal order in our country,” Mr Diaz-Canel said.

“They intend to identify and promote leaders, especially young people, to prepare them abroad in order to use them to promote their anti-socialist, pro-capitalist and neoliberal ideas.

“US diplomatic officials meet frequently with leaders of the counter-revolution, to whom they provide guidance, encouragement and logistical and financial support.”

“It is provocative behaviour and in violation of the Vienna Convention,” he continued. “We have the determination to confront the subversive and aggressive work of the embassy.”

The revolutionary leader’s accusations come as Washington increases its pressure campaign against the socialist island, lending its support to Cuba’s so-called democracy movement.

Last week the US threatened further sanctions against Cuba if it prosecuted organisers of a series of banned marches that were planned for next month.

Cuban authorities warned that action could be taken if the rallies go ahead after permission to hold them was denied last month.

The demonstrations are seen as an extension of protests over the summer, which were largely portrayed as peaceful by a compliant Western media but were marked by riots on the streets of the capital.

Many of those arrested during the July protests have been charged with crimes including public disorder, resisting arrest and vandalism.

Havana insists that those behind the anti-government protests are funded by Washington.

Millions of dollars have recently flowed from the US State Department and the shady National Endowment for Democracy towards Cuban opposition organisations, journalists and art and culture projects in a bid to undermine the government.