No one could expect that the reestablishment of relations between the US and Cuba would be easy. It is not and will not be. Maybe that’s why, after two days of talks, which both delegations described as positive and productive, the word “pressure” included in the US written statement distributed to the press has become the word of the day.
The fragment that caused some friction says: As a central element of our policy, we pressed the Cuban government to improve the conditions of human rights, including freedom of expression and assembly.
Meanwhile, the head of the Cuban delegation, Josefina Vidal, offered her statements and answered questions to the press.
By being the most controversial issue of the so far treated matters, we expected the press to ask the Cuban side on the affirmation of its American counterpart, on what the US delegation had pressured, to which Josefina Vidal replied: I confirm that the word pressure was not used, it is not a word used in these conversations, Cuba has demonstrated throughout its history that has never responded or will respond to pressures coming from anywhere, but I confirm we had an exchange in which each party confirmed and stated positions, visions and conceptions they have on the subject. The Cuban side said it was willing to continue treating the matter with respect.
In her statement, Josefina Vidal also said that we have deep differences and Cuba reiterated the proposal made a year ago to the US government to hold a respectful dialogue to address our positions on human rights and democracy starting from that Cuba has concerns about the exercise of human rights in the United States and, at the same time, we believe we have interesting experiences to show and share in what refers to the enjoyment of human rights not only in our country but in the modest contribution we have also made for the improvement of human rights in other countries.
The bilateral session included a constructive and encouraging dialogue and cooperation issues were discussed such as: person trafficking, law enforcement, environmental protection, telecommunications and global health security, as well as coordinated responses to oil spills and Ebola, the declaration of the US delegation, signed by Roberta Jacobson, head of the US delegation, also expresses.
The paper concludes by saying that we hope to continue the bilateral dialogue on these important issues, including those in which significant differences remain, based on the success of these conversations in the future.
The head of the Cuban delegation noted that much of the afternoon had been dedicated to cooperation issues, examining the programs already in place – air security and spills of hydrocarbons, and the possibilities of extending them into new areas such as fighting against drug trafficking, terrorism and epidemics. In particular, the Cuban side proposed to hold a meeting to define the modalities of cooperation to face the epidemic of Ebola in West Africa .
In addition, collaborations in other areas such as scientific research, environment and prevention of natural disasters were proposed, among others. Cuba said being ready to discuss the delimitation of the eastern zone of the Gulf of Mexico between the three governments, and became interested in the steps to take to implement a pilot project related to the establishment of direct postal service between Cuba and the US.
Regarding telecommunications, the Cuban government has confirmed its readiness to receive US companies to explore business opportunities in this field, which can be beneficial for both parties.
Josefina also stated that the US side had given an overview of the regulations that were published on January 16, explaining how they will implement the measures announced by President Obama. Cuba believes that these measures are going in a positive direction, as they modify some aspects of the blockade on Cuba and we hope that President Obama, in usage of his executive powers, to significantly continue modifying aspects of the blockade to take enough content away from that policy ¨.
She also said they received information in the field of telecommunications regulations. She stated that the regulations are being studied by groups of experts to certainly assess their reach.
After these talks, does Cuba trust on USA, do you trust Roberta Jacobson?” that was the question of a newspaper correspondent, to which Josefina Vidal answered: I trust in a better future for our countries, in that I trust. We are neighbors, we have profound differences but we have seen how in the world, countries with deep differences can coexist peacefully, civilly in terms of finding solutions to common problems and thus contributing to a better welfare for our country and the world … In that I trust …. To find a way where we can live peacefully, discuss our differences with respect and advance collaboration in areas of common interest to both.
The talks will continue, at a date yet to be determined, about the reestablishment of diplomatic relations, and the rounds of migration talks with the same frequency of twice a year will be maintained. The next meeting on the restoration of relations will be defined in the coming weeks.
