World

Obama Pledges "New Beginning" with Cuba

by Blue Crush | April 17, 2009 at 06:08 pm

123 views | 56 Recommendations | 3 comments

Shortly before addressing the leaders at the Fifth Summit of the Americas in Trinidad, US President Barack Obama pledged to seek a "new beginning" with Cuba.

This came in response to Raul Castro's statement yesterday that their government was willing to discuss "everything - human rights, freedom of the press, political prisoners, everything."

"The United States seeks a new beginning with Cuba. I know there is a longer journey that must be traveled in overcoming decades of mistrust, but there are critical steps we can take toward a new day," Obama said in his address.

"Over the past two years, I have indicated -- and I repeat today -- that I am prepared to have my administration engage with the Cuban government on a wide range of issues -- from human rights, free speech and democratic reform to drugs, migration and economic issues," he added.

Earlier this week, President Obama lifted all US restrictions on Cuban American visits and eased limits on financial aid that can be sent to family members living in Cuba.

Cuba leader Raul Castro will not be participating in the Summit, as they have been suspended from the Organization of the American States for the past 47 years.

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albertacowpoke

at 18:47 on April 17th, 2009

Time to get Cuba back into the community of nations. Travel and contact with outsiders can only improve the situation of everyday normal Cubans.

Paschen

at 19:16 on April 17th, 2009

It is grand time.

kuuva

at 01:57 on April 18th, 2009

i would love to visit one day.

Vincent Van Ross

at 02:15 on April 18th, 2009

This is indeed a good beginning. But, eventually, Obama should work towards letting Cuba participate in the Summit.

albertacowpoke

at 02:28 on April 18th, 2009

Vincent, I would hope so. After all he seemed to embrace Chavez of Venezuela. In my opinion more can be accomplished in face to face contact then firing across the bow.