In discussing the looming trade embargo, Obama expressed certainty that the United States would eliminate it. “What we did for 50 years did not serve our interests or the interests of the Cuban people”, he said of the controversial embargo, which can only be lifted by Congress. But it’s unlikely anything will change during his final months in office; it will be up to the next president to finish the job. “It’s hurt the Cuban people, and its kept American businesses and neighbors from all sorts of opportunity”.
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Such was to be expected, as their historic meeting – prompted by Obama’s arrival on Sunday – marked the first time a sitting USA president has stepped foot on the island in 88 years.
The Cuban dictator echoed Obama’s sentiments, arguing that “much more could be done if the USA blockade were lifted”.
On the last day of their whirlwind trip, the Obama family will catch an exhibition game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Cuban national team.
When he was asked follow-up questions about political prisoners, Castro became incredulous and promptly ended the press conference.
Cuba and the USA officially renewed diplomatic ties in July.
“What political prisoners? Give me a name or names”, Castro said.
“You are asking me too many questions”, Castro half-joked.
Cuba has been criticized for briefly detaining demonstrators thousands of times a year but has drastically reduced its practice of handing down long prison sentences for crimes human rights groups consider to be political. “If there are political prisoners, they’ll be free before nightfall”. He was to be feted in the evening at a state dinner, an honor illustrating just how far the US and Cuba have come despite their deep ideological differences.
“I’m sure the dissident community are angry about certain moments of the visit that they don’t feel that they’ve been properly represented”, he says.
Mr Obama began his first full day in Havana in the symbolic heart of Cuba’s Communist system, starting in Revolution Square, where for decades Raul Castro’s brother, Fidel Castro, led million-strong rallies against the evils of USA “imperialism”.
For his part, standing besides Castro, Obama welcomed the critique and called for increased openness between the two nations.
Castro was asked by an American reporter whether he favored the election of Republican front-runner Donald Trump or likely Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.
In another major piece of Latin American business, US Secretary of State John Kerry, who is traveling with Obama, was due to meet separately Monday with representatives of the Colombian government and the Marxist FARC rebels, according to a Colombian negotiator.
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Castro smiled and said simply, “I can not vote in the United States”. “I’m praying because it’s going to happen whether we want it or not so I’m praying that this is some way of opening it up that we can make some changes or get into the country”, he said.
