He believes improved relations with the U.S. will open Cuban people’s eyes.
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Even so, many doubt it is going to result in main modifications.
In New York, Republican presidential contender Marco Rubio, a Cuban-American senator from Florida, said he would reverse the Obama administration’s new Cuba policy on his first day in office, arguing it gives the Castro government worldwide legitimacy and more resources to repress its people. While the Cubans celebrated with a flag-raising in Washington on July 20, the Americans waited until Kerry could travel to Havana.
With the prospect of change lifting the hearts of Cubans, many expected their government to tighten its repressive grip so that people don’t get carried away with what might be.
Jorge says business is so good at his restaurant he’s opening a second location in south Abilene.
Cuban-American poet Richard Blanco said he hopes the poem he read Friday at the reopened U.S. embassy in Havana will serve as a catalyst to an emotional reconciliation.
Both countries also have outstanding financial claims – Washington is seeking repayment for damages that were incurred when American property was seized during the revolution while Havana wants compensation for the damage caused by the U.S. embargo.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry (L) and Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez hold a joint news conference in Havana, Cuba, August 14, 2015. “But to have that, the U.S. should lift the embargo and show us an example of respecting human rights and respecting us as Cubans”. Marines James Tracy, Francis East, and Larry Morris, who originally removed the flag in January 1961, had the honor of ceremonially handing over the Stars and Stripes before it was raised into the clear blue skies over Havana.
“This is your cue to deliver on words that would make any diplomat proud”, Kerry said, “just as they would any member of the United States Marine Corps: Promise made, promise kept”. They paired their praise with calls for the United States to lift the 53-year-old trade embargo and allow easier travel between the two countries.
Self-employed graphic designers Danay Lopez, 28, and her husband Yosvel Martinez, 32, watched the ceremony with their 3-year-old son, singing both countries’ national anthems and shouting “Long live Cuba!” and “Long live the United States!” as the event drew to a close.
Like Obama, Kerry said a longtime U.S. strategy of trying to isolate Cuba and provoke regime change by choking off trade and fomenting grass-roots agitation had failed. “After all, Cuba’s future is for Cubans to shape”.
While Kerry will be at the event, the Cuban leader Raul Castro and his brother Fidel will not be there.
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The United States and Cuba formally renewed diplomatic relations and upgraded their diplomatic missions to embassies nearly four weeks ago.
