Everybody has an opinion on the re-opening of embassies in Havana and Washington, and the some 700 people who were invited to the inauguration ceremony of the Cuban Embassy had the chance to voice theirs first, or at least, to do that in front of the press.
These are some of the statements:
Ramon Sanchez Parodi. Former head of the Cuban Interests Section in Washington.
“These are new times, and everything is still to be done. We have to do it, both parties have to make efforts to achieve the improvements the two countries want.
“Who are the ones who oppose our improved relations? Selfish people; people who don’t know the meaning of solidarity or independence. Those of us who want a real relation, one that is beneficial and useful for the two countries, are the ones in charge of building our own history.
“Why now? Because the policy that was in place for many years failed, and the endurance of the Cuban people has made the big sectors in the United States reconsider their position and open a new stage in relations. Of course the two parties don’t see eye to eye, and that represents a challenge, but we will keep our relations based on mutual respect, sovereignty, independence and self-determination principles. This is a new era.”
Eusebio Leal. Historian of the city of Havana.
“We haven’t waited for this moment on our knees. We have seen this happen on our feet. The main challenge is the work ahead. All the things that can bring us closer are good, and we shouldn’t forget those that have brought us apart before, but we have to keep making efforts in every way we can. As Minister Bruno said: ‘Build, build, build;’ that is our mission.
Danny Glover. American actor and activist.
“This is happening now because Cuba is not alone. This has been possible thanks to the support of other countries in Latin America, the Caribbean, the people’s movement and the fact that most citizens in this country want an end to the embargo. What’s next? The end of the embargo, and the recovery of the Naval Base in Guantanamo Bay.
Silvio Rodriguez. Cuban singer/songwriter. He was present at the ceremony where the Cuban flag was lowered in 1961 at the Cuban Embassy in Washington, when diplomatic relations were severed.
“From my point of view, this is extraordinarily positive. Our antagonism became so polarized at some point that we came to think that it was unsolvable. It’s a good thing that now we can work in that direction. I am an artist, but I have lived this more as a Cuban citizen than an artist. Many things come to mind, both personal experiences and stories experienced by other people.”
