Obama is Ready to Establish Ties with Cuba

U.S. President Barack Obama reassured the Cuban blogger, Yoani Sánchez, that he wishes “increased respect for the human rights and for political and economic freedoms” for the island, as stated today in her blog, “Generation Y.”

In response to the inquiry Sánchez wrote to him, Obama also stated that he supports a direct dialogue with the Cuban administration presided over by General Raúl Castro, but doesn’t want to “talk just for the sake of talking.”

“For years, I have said that it is time to pursue direct diplomacy, without preconditions, with friends and foes alike. I am not interested, however, in talking for the sake of talking. In the case of Cuba, such diplomacy should create opportunities to advance the interests of the United States and the cause of freedom for the Cuban people.”

Obama won’t rule out a visit to Cuba, but sees it as possible only when the civil rights climate will allow for it.

“I would never rule out a course of action that could advance the interests of the United States and advance the cause of freedom for the Cuban people. At the same time, diplomatic tools should only be used after careful preparation and as part of a clear strategy,” the president stated.

“I look forward to visit a Cuba in which all citizens enjoy the same rights and opportunities as other citizens in the hemisphere,” Obama added in his response to the blogger, who stated that she has also sent an inquiry to General Raúl Castro.

Obama told Sánchez that his “administration is ready to establish diplomatic ties with the Cuban government in a couple of mutual interest areas,” as has been done in the talks regarding immigration issues and direct mail.

“It is also my intent to facilitate greater contact with the Cuban people, especially among divided Cuban families, which I have done by removing U.S. restrictions on family visits and remittances,” the president added.

Obama assured that he also wants to “engage with Cubans outside of government, ” as he does in the rest of the world, because “the government is not the only voice that matters in Cuba.”

“We take every opportunity to interact with the full range of Cuban society and look forward to the day when the government reflects the freely expressed will of the Cuban people,” added the president.

Obama clarified that the “United States has no intention of using military force in Cuba.”

“The United States supports increased respect for human rights and for political and economic freedoms in Cuba, and hopes that the Cuban government will respond to the desire of the Cuban people to enjoy the benefits of democracy and be able to freely determine Cuba’s future,” Obama said.

Obama also affirmed that “only the Cuban people can bring about positive change in Cuba,” reiterating his hope that Cuban people “will soon be able to exercise their full potential.”

“We have already initiated a dialogue on areas of mutual concern—safe, legal, and orderly migration, and reestablishing direct mail service. These are small steps, but an important part of a process to move U.S.-Cuban relations in a new and more positive, direction.”

“Achieving a more normal relationship, however, will require action by the Cuban government,” warned the president.

According to Obama’s response to the blogger, his administration has “taken important steps to promote the free flow of information to and from the Cuban nation particularly through new technologies.”

“This will not happen overnight. Nor will it have its full effect without positive actions by the Cuban government,” the president repeated. He urged General Castro to “allow [the Cuban] people to enjoy unrestricted access to the internet and to information.”