Full diplomatic relations between U.S. and Cuba?
President Obama is fulfilling a campaign promise he made in 2008 about normalizing relations with Cuba. Back in 2008 the New York Times reported the following about a speech President Obama gave in 2008 to The Cuban American National Foundation.
In a 30-minute speech, interrupted several times by applause, Mr. Obama said that if elected president he would immediately lift the bans on family travel to Cuba and the limits on how much money people can send to their relatives in the communist nation.
“Don’t be confused about this. I will maintain the embargo,” Mr. Obama said. “It provides us with the leverage to present the regime with a clear choice: If you take significant steps toward democracy, beginning with the freeing of all political prisoners, we will take steps to begin normalizing relations.”
In presenting his plan for Latin America, Mr. Obama said he would increase economic aid, work with other nations to reduce drug trafficking, seek cooperation on alternative energy and expand the Peace Corps in the region.
President Obama has directed his administration to begin talks with Cuba. The Huffington Post reported the following.
Officials said Wednesday that talks will begin to normalize full U.S.-Cuba diplomatic relations, according to the AP. The U.S. also will aim to open an embassy in Havana in the coming months.
“We will end an outdated approach that for decades has failed to advance our interests, and instead we will begin to normalize relations between our two countries,” Obama said Wednesday, noting he’s instructed Secretary of State John Kerry to begin the discussions to re-establish diplomatic relations with Cuba.
Obama said he instructed Kerry to conduct a review of Cuba’s designation as state sponsor of terror. He also said the U.S. is “taking steps to increase travel, commerce and the flow of information to and from Cuba,” noting the changes will make it easier for Americans to travel there.
“Neither the American nor Cuban people are well-served by a rigid policy that took place before most of us were born,” Obama said, describing the steps being taken to improve relations as the beginning of a “new chapter.”
The President has done the right thing. America’s 50+ years policy with Cuba of all previous administrations have failed. Why would one continue a failed policy when the U.S. has established diplomatic relations with countries far worse (e.g., China, Vietnam, Russia).