Despite repeated White House calls for the release of remaining political prisoners in Cuba, activists are concerned that images of the trip – which have included Obama standing in front of a giant image of Che Guevera in Revolution Square – have overshadowed USA calls for political reform on the island.
Advertisement
The meeting was not open to the public or press other than a short pool spray, but Obama recalled the conversation during an ESPN interview while he attended a baseball game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Cuban national team. “In order to move forward towards normalization it will also be necessary to return the territory illegally occupied by Guantanamo Naval Base”, said President Castro. “We stand in solidarity with them, condemning these outrageous attacks against innocent people”.
Obama said the blockade hurts the Cuban people by cutting them off from the world and restricting economic growth.
Referring to Mr. Castro’s criticisms of the U.S., Mr. Obama said he welcomes debate about America’s “flaws”. “The United States is normalizing relations with the Cuban people”, Obama said.
With his words carried live by Cuba’s state-run media, Obama sought to persuade ordinary Cubans that his new policy, including easing of trade and travel restrictions, was focused primarily on helping them to improve their lives.
Tampa right fielder Dayron Varona returned to Cuba for the first time since leaving through Haiti in 2013. “I had planned to raise our concern over the destabilization some are trying to promote in Venezuela”, he said.
“We recognize the position adopted by President Obama against the blockade and his repeated appeals to Congress urging it to lift it”, Mr. Rodriquez said.
“Why now? There is one simple answer”, Mr. Obama said.
He called for an end to the embargo and said the moment represented an opportunity to “bury the last remnants of the Cold War in the Americas”. The visit signifies support for maintaining the same objectives of democracy, respect for human rights and support for an independent civil society.
White House officials pointed to the president’s meeting with dissidents Tuesday as a sign of Obama’s focus on Cuban repression, saying that allowing the gathering was a prerequisite for his entire visit.In brief comments ahead of the private meeting, Obama said the dissidents have shown “extraordinary courage” and noted his opposition to the Castro repressive measures. “It’s a burden on the Americans who want to work and do business or invest here in Cuba”, Obama said.
To reach a deal, Cuba would require compensation for the rights to its players, but payments are blocked by the US economic embargo. He also raised the issues of regional peace and stability such as continued USA interference in Venezuelan internal affairs. He pointedly refused to acknowledge that Cuba holds political prisoners.
However, the Cuban government has made plain that it does not see the detente as a path to political changes on the island.
Advertisement
This is the seventh time the Rays have played outside of the United States and Canada: two exhibitions in Caracas, Venezuela in 2000; two exhibitions in Mexico City in 2001, two regular-season games in Tokyo in 2004.
