Obama sees positive signs from Venezuela, Cuba

[Zorro]

Source: AP

President Barack Obama on Sunday suggested Cuba release its political prisoners and strongly defended his highly publicized handshakes with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez at the end of overseas trip that he said heralded a new start in U.S. ties with Latin America.

At a closing news conference at the Summit of the Americas, Obama said the recent exchanges with Cuba and Venezuela provide "an opportunity for frank dialogue on a range of issues, including critical issues of democracy and human rights throughout the hemisphere."

And yet, he quickly added, "The test for all of us is not simply words but also deeds."

Earlier this week, the Obama administration lifted restrictions on Cuban-Americans who want to travel and send money to their island homeland and freed U.S. telecommunications companies to seek business there. Havana responded, saying it was open to talks on issues including human rights — a topic long held off-limits. Obama suggested Cuba could further respond by releasing political prisoners and cutting fees on the money that Cuban-Americans send back to their families in the communist nation.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090419/ap_on_go_pr_wh/cb_obama_summit

[Mika]

1. And the US is still stuck in the mud.

Still demanding concessions from Cuba, like all prior admins, for changes in a failed policy. :crazy:


Obama: I'll Stick With Embargo For Now
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x3838834

[Blue State Bandit]

2. I don't think Obama is undeserving of an answer to his request...

on an in-kind gesture/concession after this past month of diplomatic overtures coming from all over the Obama administration.

In particular, I would point out the http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123932129123606947.html">indictment of Luis Posada Carriles by the DoJ. So when he speaks on the release of people in prison, I think an "in-kind" gesture is appropriate.

Seems prudent not to just open the flood gates after 50+ years of mutual mistrust.

Trust me, I can't wait to have a Cuba Libr'e on the beach in Havana, but I'm sure Cuba is in no rush either. Look what happened to that country last time we were there. They may want assurances that they must sign off on which American companies can do business in/with there country, to avoid any Bush owned, or Dominoes pizza types.

Hopefully, in a year or two, we can bump into one another at some 50's style rum bar on Antonio Ave.

[Mika]

3. Cuba controls its own "flood" gates.

The standoff hasn't been mutual. Cuba has been seeking normalization from day ONE of the Revolution.


VP Nixon giving Castro the brush-off in 1959

[Blue State Bandit]

7. But there has always been....

something blocking that path.



There are no more of these in the White House blocking the way of normalization.

Just chill. Move to fast, and risk fucking the long term diplomatic relations up.

I think we'll see a slow and steady normalization playout over the course of the next 2 three years.


On edit: It's always been personal between the Bush's and Castro. You should keep this in mind if you wish to continue schooling me on US/Cuba (lack of) relations.

Mod Mom postedsome goodies here a couple years ago on this subject.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=printer_friendly&forum=364&topic_id=3128335&mesg_id=3128939

[EFerrari]

4. I love how they trot out the torture facilitator Hayden as if he has any credibility at all.

[Zorro]

5. I'd say Hayden's remarks are a lot more credible than yours

After all, he knows what he's talking about.

[EFerrari]

6. So, my track record at DU is less credible than this torture enabler?

I just want to make sure I'm understanding you, Zorro.

You may want to PM Skinner. Because if you're right, I'm sure he wouldn't want such a person posting to his board.

[Zorro]

10. Yep

There is no doubt that the former director of the NSA and CIA has more accurate information sources than you do.

[EFerrari]

13. Don't sprain anything moving those goal posts,

:)

[Mika]

8. EFerrari's credibility just went up several notches, after your doltish evaluation.

Thanks for the head's up. :dunce:

[Zorro]

11. Since you once declared you were never going to post on DU again

and yet you're still here, I'd say your credibility ranks on par with hers.

[Mika]

14. Got a link?

I think you've confused me with someone else. :shrug:

[Cha]

9. Good for Obama..this is going

to be a long process but at least it's in play.

[Vidar]

12. Empty words, Obama.