“I have come here to bury the last remnant of the Cold War in the Americas”, Obama said.
Advertisement
But he also pressed for economic and political reforms, speaking in a one-party state where little dissent is tolerated. “I believe voters should be able to choose their governments in free and democratic elections”. “We’ll speak out on behalf of universal human rights, including freedom of speech and assembly and religion”.
Obama’s rationale for coming to Havana was grounded in the notion that direct interaction with Cubans would do more to empower them and bring about change than decades of isolation ever did.
While the historic trip by President Obama – the first by a sitting United States president in 88 years – had its ups and downs with both nations highlighting each other’s short comings, it must have been a success.
The address touched on the close historical and cultural connections between the US and Cuba, while laying out Obama’s vision for the new normalization of relations.
Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump pointed out Raul Castro’s absence at the airport for Obama’s arrival, suggesting that the Cuban president had no respect for Obama.
Obama held a bilateral meeting with Cuban President Raul Castro Monday and on Tuesday delivered a speech on democracy and human rights.
Her father may be president, but Malia Obama just proved he doesn’t always know best – or in this case, more. US House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan, a Republican, said on Tuesday the trip legitimizes what he called Castro’s “tyrannical dictatorship”.
On Tuesday, Obama was clear to emphasize that the US will respect Cuba’s government.
“I think Obama touched the soul of the Cubans”, said dockyard worker Lazaro Bosch, 62.
Denver-based Frontier Airlines announced earlier this month it had applied for permission to begin service to Cuba, including Denver-Havana flights.
Democracy is a process, Obama said. On the streets of Havana many Cubans who caught the president’s speech were jubilant. Castro’s government, for its part, has bristled at the suggestion it must undergo further changes even while the U.S. Congress refuses to lift the detested trade embargo.
He urged Cuban Authorities not to be heavy handed, with the thinly veiled messages: “I believe citizens should be free to speak their minds without fear”.
In brief comments ahead of the private meeting, Obama said his objective was to ensure that the voices and concerns of the Cuban people can help “shape USA policy” toward the island.
Advertisement
Those who look to the US or Cuban government to promote anything but its own interests will be disappointed. Cuba says it has no political prisoners and that dozens listed by dissident groups are common criminals.
