On a day when the U.S. flag repeatedly appeared alongside potent symbols of the Cuban revolution, Obama insisted that engagement with Cuba after a half-century of hostility was the only way to improve the plight of Cubans and promote reconciliation while also opening the island to United States investment and travel.
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An instant GIF sensation, the three-second moment came seconds after Castro ended their joint media event while fending off questions about Cuba’s political prisoners.
Deputy National Security Adviser Ben Rhodes, who has played a key role in negotiations between the USA and Cuba in reaching the 2014 accord, said he has “shared many such lists with the Cuban government” since the US began talking with Cuba about renewing ties. But he says Cuba insists that they don’t consider them political prisoners. But the dissident Cuban Commission of Human Rights and National Reconciliation says 79 are still behind bars, among them more than 40 held for peaceful political protest.
The presidents of the USA and Cuba acknowledged in their historic meeting Monday that their nations have different views on government and human rights, but found common ground on the US embargo against Cuba: Both want it to end. Cuba released dozens of political prisoners as part of its deal to normalize relations with the USA, and Amnesty International said in a recent report that it knew of no prisoners of conscience in Cuba. “When you live with them for a year, you start to think very differently about Americans”.
Mr Obama’s ease with reporters’ questions contrasted with Mr Castro’s manner. Castor called it a “strategizing meeting” on how to end the embargo. Obama is joined by a massive USA delegation during his visit; 39 members of Congress including five Republicans will be following his movements.
President Barack Obama, center, and first lady Michelle Obama, visit la Catedral de La Habana in Havana, Cuba, Sunday, March 20, 2016.
“There’s still a number of restrictions on Americans, but it’s loosening up all the time”, he said.
Several American business leaders joined Obama on the trip, many eager to gain a foothold on the island nation.
Google (NASDAQ:GOOG, NASDAQ:GOOGL) is looking to bring Internet access into the mainstream in Cuba.
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Three weeks ago, their company became the first USA company on the island since the Cuban revolution. “And I think that Raul Castro understands that”.
