Obama and Castro talked up a new era in US-Cuba relations yesterday, but two cultures, two political systems and two generations collided spectacularly during a sometimes testy and frequently awkward joint appearance. “The Castro regime always does things for a reason but what a slap in the face to President Obama”, Cossio said.
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Mr Castro denied that there are political prisoners in Cuba, telling journalists to “give him a list” and then they would be released “tonight”.
Deputy national security advisor Ben Rhodes did not condemn the Cuba government’s description of what a political prisoner is at a press briefing in Cuba Monday evening. “What political prisoners?” Castro said.
Castro later said that all countries violate human rights to some degree.
“It’s not clear to me what the state of his health is”. Mr Obama resisted, letting his hand hang limp rather than form a fist. “I’m not saying it’s not honest…but let us work so we can all comply with all human rights”, added Castro, before ending the press conference citing prior scheduled commitments to attend.
But Castro was having none of it. The Cuban leader told members of media they were directing “too many questions to me”.
It’s extremely rare for Raul Castro to preside over a formal news conference, although he has sometimes taken reporters’ questions when the mood strikes.
The US broke off diplomatic relations and imposed a trade embargo.
The Obama administration argues that the best way to improve human rights is to invest in Cuba’s future by strengthening economic ties.
“Every street corner in Cuba you’ll see the revolution lives, they don’t think the revolution ever stopped”, he said. “They can sell cars”, Bradwil said. Joel Rodriguez, a Cuban-American, said.
Although they said they don’t expect much to change as a result of one presidential visit.
“The embargo’s gonna end”. Thwarted so far, Mr Obama has instead used his executive authority to take a series of steps loosening restrictions on trade and travel. “We want to lift the economic prospects of the Cuban people and provide opportunities for the American people”. Economics professor Juan Triana on US-Cuba relationsCCTV America’s Mike Walter interviewed Juan Triana, a professor of economics at the University of Havana about the U.S.-Cuba relations.
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Google said later its efforts were in the “early stages”.
