"Everyone in
this region expects a lot from Obama. After all, if he's willing to deal with Middle
East countries like Iran and Syria, then he'll also have to deal with Cuba. But
the truth is that one must tread carefully."
"There has undoubtedly
been an important step taken - one that is particularly indicative of a
decision to change. It is to be hoped that Cuba understands this too, and begins
to show reciprocity and generosity in its reactions. "
President Obama and Mexico's President Felipe Calderon at the official welcoming ceremony in Mexico City. President Obama leaves for Trinidad & Tobago for the Fifth Summit of the America's Friday afternoon.
No one doubts that the
arrival of Obama as president of United States has produced fundamental changes
in the foreign policy of North America. The G-20 summit, his visits throughout Europe
and his policies toward Iraq and Afghanistan demonstrate this.
As for Latin
America, on Monday, as a prelude to the Summit of the Americas to be held in
Trinidad and Tobago, Obama announced the lifting of travel restrictions on
Cuban-Americans and on the sending of remittances beyond the limits imposed by the
hard-line government of the Bush Administration.
Posted
by WORLDMEETS.US
It didn't take
long before Fidel Castro let it be known that "Cuba has resisted and will
resist," doesn't want handouts, and that these measures are positive but insufficient.
He also went on to challenge Obama, saying that "it's time the new president
of the United States used his talent to completely lift sanctions against the
island." Despite the pressure on Obama from governments in the region, this
issue will take some time. Steps are being taken, however, and new conditions
for the lifting of the embargo are being considered since members of the Congressional
Black Caucus visited the island a few weeks ago. And there is a bill pending in
Congress that would end all restrictions imposed by the embargo.
Steps have been
taken in other areas, as well. Obama has directed that, "steps be taken to allow the free flow of information between the
people of Cuba and the rest of the world and to facilitate the delivery of
humanitarian aid." He has lifted the ban on sending seeds for agriculture
and equipment for fishing; seeks to encourage communication between the two
countries by allowing U.S. telephone companies to enter the Cuba market; and
has approved working with the Cuban government to study the restoration of commercial
flights between the two countries.
Posted
by WORLDMEETS.US
Everyone in this
region expects a lot from Obama. After all, if he's willing to deal with Middle
East countries like Iran and Syria, then he'll also have to deal with Cuba. But
the truth is that one has to tread carefully, because, although recent measures
have been generally well received, there's no shortage of detractors, such as
the Cuban exile community in Miami and their leaders in the U.S. Congress, like
Lincoln Diaz-Balart
[Republican of Florida]. But there has undoubtedly been an important step taken
- one that is particularly indicative of a decision to change. It is to be
hoped that Cuba understands this too, and begins to show reciprocity and
generosity in its reactions. The White House has shown that it is willing to close the gap, but that it's up to the Cuba people to decide what type of democracy they want to build.
There are many issues that
must be addressed prior to a normalization of relations between the two
countries. Further progress clearly depends on Cuba. Although Raúl Castro has assumed
the presidency and has taken steps toward change and openness, the shadow and
power of Fidel to resist the wind of renewal continues to patrol Havana.
