US President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro had the first face-to-face discussion between the leaders of the two countries in 50 years. Obama called it a historic meeting. He admitted that the two governments would continue to have differences. But, they would continue to take steps to advance mutual interests and achieve the goal announced in December of reestablishing diplomatic relations between the two countries. Embassies will be opened in Washington and Havana. Obama however stressed that it would not be easy to remove Cuba from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism. Such issues as human rights and democracy would have to be addressed.
President Obama said that often the gentle art of persuasion backfired and proved counterproductive. But the root cause was governance failure in countries holding parleys. It was necessary to take away this obstacle. Castro for his part indicated that he wanted a new start with the US despite the long and complicated history of the two countries. He emphasized the need for patience. Barack Obama seeks to ease tensions with Cuba which also impacted relations with other countries in the region. But of the greatest importance is the lifting of the embargo on US trade with Cuba which had been in force since the days of J.F. Kennedy. Much water has flowed since the death of Cuban caudillo Fidel Castro. In recent years, Cuba has significantly diluted its totalitarianism and its regimented society. The US and Cuba have a lot to gain from economic and cultural exchanges, from cigars to jazz.
