US-Cuban relations thawing

April 17, 7:35 PMNewark International Relations ExaminerDaniel Tinker

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President Obama listening at the Americas Summit. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Today leaders from nations in the western hemisphere met for the Summit of the Americas. Many nations are represented, 34 in total, but the one that demanded the most attention has not been a member of the Organization of American States (OAS) for 47 years. Cuba chose today, a day when all other American states were meeting to discuss regional issues, to announce that they are ready to enter into discussions with the United States. Despite their absentia even, Cuba was at the fore in discussions regarding the region.

Raul Castro stated that Cuba was willing to enter into discussion with the US and that “everything” was on the table including human rights, political prisoners and freedom of the press. These are issues that the US has always insisted be included if there were to be discussions between the nations. The Bush Administration maintained a policy that denied Cuba the opportunity to enter into discussions with the US unless they agreed to include these issues in the agenda. Cuba was unwilling to allow this stipulation and US-Cuban relations stagnated. President Bush then tightened the embargo on the communist nation.

Mr. Obama campaigned on promises to address relations between the US and its Cuban neighbor. Shortly after taking office he made good on his promises by easing the restrictions President Bush had initiated on Cuban American travel to the island and on remittance payments allowed to be sent home. Raul Castro also signaled a willingness to thaw relations in a meeting with a US Congressional delegation earlier this month.

In response to the Cuban announcement American officials have been cautiously optimistic. Mr. Obama stated that he is looking forward to “a new beginning with Cuba.” Secretary of State Hillary Clinton noted that previous policies have failed saying, “We are continuing to look for productive ways forward because we view the present policy as having failed.” It appears that US officials will take time review the Cuban statements before committing to any new policy. The Obama Administration may look for examples that Cuba is willing to address US grievances over political prisoners, human rights and freedom of the press beyond rhetoric. As of now it is unclear how far Cuba may go to address these grievances before meeting with officials from Washington. It is, however, a positive sign that Cuba is willing to include issues they formerly considered off limits, signaling a new dawn in US-Cuban relations.