‘Nos Vemos En La Habana’ Obama Says In Weekly Address

‘Nos Vemos En La Habana’ Obama Says In Weekly Address / 14ymedio
Posted on February 20, 2016

14ymedio 20 February 2016 — The first trip by a US president to Cuba in
almost ninety years was the central focus of Barack Obama’s weekly
message to the American people, broadcast this Saturday. The president
concluded his speech with the Spanish phrase, “Nos vemos in La Habana.”
(We’ll see each other in Havana.)

Obama said that his presence on the island is based on a decision he
took “to begin a new chapter in our relationship with the people of
Cuba.” He believes that “the best way to help the Cuban people improve
their lives, is through engagement—by normalizing relations between our
governments and increasing the contacts between our peoples.”

The president acknowledged that “change won’t come to Cuba overnight.”
But as the island opens up, there will be “more opportunity and
resources for ordinary Cubans.” In his speech he listed the advances
that he believes have been achieved in the last year, such as US
diplomats “interacting more broadly with the Cuban people.”

The increase of US visitors to the island, among whom are
“Cuban-American families; American students, teachers, humanitarian
volunteers, faith communities,” are helping to forge “new ties and
friendships that are bringing our countries closer,” he said. And he
predicted that “when direct flights and ferries resume,” the citizens of
both nations “will have the chance to travel and work together and know
each other.”

For the president, the start-up of US companies in Cuba is “helping to
nurture private enterprise and giving Cuban entrepreneurs new
opportunities.” The implementation of “new WiFi hotspots” means that
“more Cubans are starting to go online and get information from the
outside world,” he said.

“In Cuba today, for the first time in a half century, there is hope for
a different future, especially among Cuba’s young people who have such
extraordinary talent and potential just waiting to be unleashed,” said
Obama.

During his visit the US President will meet with Raul Castro, “to
discuss how we can continue normalizing relations, including making it
easier to trade and easier for Cubans to access the Internet and start
their own businesses.”

Obama announced that he will speak “candidly” about the important
differences with the Cuban government, “including on democracy and human
rights” and reaffirm that “the United States will continue to stand up
for universal values ​​such as freedom of speech, assembly and religion.”

In the speech on Saturday it was confirmed that the occupant of the
White House will also meet with “members of civil society in Cuba:
courageous men and women who give voice to the aspirations of the Cuban
people.” The president also plans to meet with “Cuban entrepreneurs to
learn how we can help them start new ventures.”

Obama said he will speak “directly to the Cuban people” about the values
​​shared by the two countries and the ways in which they can
collaborate. A population for which he predicts “a future of more
freedom and more opportunity.”

Source: ‘Nos Vemos En La Habana’ Obama Says In Weekly Address / 14ymedio
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