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| Mexico City Conference; Cuba and the United States | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Nov 18 2014, 09:36 PM (110 Views) | |
| Winnie | Nov 18 2014, 09:36 PM Post #1 |
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GOES HERE |
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| lordofthechris | Nov 19 2014, 08:12 AM Post #2 |
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I would like to welcome my Cuban counterpart here to Mexico City. I look forward to the opportunity of discussing issues of long-standing and mutual importance for our governments. Acknowledging the changes underway in Cuba, the United States expresses its hope that this indicative of a permanent and fundamental shift towards democratic governance. ROBERTA JACOBSON Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs |
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| Winnie | Nov 19 2014, 09:19 AM Post #3 |
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Homero Acosta Álvarez Assistant to the Department of State of Cuba I would like to thank the United States for agreeing to these talks. It is good that our two nations can have these talks and thus bring peace and better relations between our two great nations. The Republic of Cuba expresses the same hope for a future in good relations with the United States. My government has established reforms which will eventually lead to the ending of Raul Castro's term as president and a new and younger leader will be elected down the road in 3 to 4 years. This on top of many other reforms that have also taken place in recent history are meant to signal a change in how our government views relations with the United States as well as an effort to reform our country in order to fully enter into the 21st century and become an active participant in the international community. What my government would like clarification is what exactly the United States deems as enough reforms in order to make that position clear. My government still holds that we are a sovereign country and if the goal of the United States is to completely change the political system to match the United States then this will be impossible. |
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| Winnie | Nov 19 2014, 09:43 AM Post #4 |
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Don’t misunderstand, my government does want more freedom and humane to our people, but it is not reasonable for the United States to for example demand that our government change from a socialist system to their capitalist system. Therefor my government wants the United States to state their intent of what will satisfy them as to the intentions of our reforms so that the embargo can be lifted? Edited by Winnie, Nov 19 2014, 09:44 AM.
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| lordofthechris | Nov 19 2014, 04:43 PM Post #5 |
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The United States considers the following end-state as a necessary condition for the termination of the embargo: o Free, fair, and transparent elections certified by international monitors o Respect for human rights, including the rights to speech, press, worship, assembly, and petition o Elimination of all measures of censorship o Disbanding of the so-called "Rapid Brigades" o Unconditional release of all political prisoners ROBERTA JACOBSON Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs |
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| Winnie | Nov 19 2014, 07:58 PM Post #6 |
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As I have said before, my government while it recognizes the need for reforms when it comes to human rights and freedom for Cubans, The United States also MUST recognize that we are a sovereign nation and the United States has no business demanding that we change our political system just becuase the United States does not like it. Would the United States embargo China and make those same demands? If the United States is absolutely firm in those being the requirements for a lift on the embargo, then I am afraid there is nothing more that my government can say on the matter. Surely the United States has come to this meeting with more intent to reach middle ground than this? |
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| Winnie | Nov 19 2014, 08:01 PM Post #7 |
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(OOC: That is really really asking a lot even for openers. It is not realistic for Cuba to suddenly say "ok" and surrender their governmental system and change it completely in order to please America. Even if I wanted to there is no way in hell Jos would approve that. If that is all you have to offer me then I will walk. If you meet me half way then there is a good chance I will make some concessions otherwise there is nothing I can say or do.)
Edited by Winnie, Nov 19 2014, 08:02 PM.
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| lordofthechris | Nov 20 2014, 05:27 AM Post #8 |
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Mr. Álvarez, Let me lay out how a democratic system works to you. Treaties agreed to be the U.S. administration require the consent of the Senate, the upper house of Congress. The opposition party, the Republican Party, does not have a majority but has sufficient votes to filibuster any bill under consideration by the chamber. The Republican Party, coincidentally, has a strong Cuban constituency, most notably Senator Marco Rubio. This faction alone will block any agreement made here that does not address the Republican Party's concerns with the democratic reformation of Cuba. Now, with that said, the U.S. understands that reform often takes time. We are willing to consider phased reform that is tied to a gradual easing and eventual termination of the embargo. Lastly, I must inquire as to the accuracy of the recent statement by the Government of Russia as to a potential billion dollar arms sales to your government. I must state that the U.S. condemns such a purchase extremely provocative, and that it will severely undermine the prospect of a successful outcome to these talks. ROBERTA JACOBSON Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs Edited by lordofthechris, Nov 20 2014, 05:29 AM.
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| Winnie | Nov 20 2014, 08:54 AM Post #9 |
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I must again repeat however that we are not the United States and are indeed a sovereign nation. To demand that we shape our governmental system in order to meet your approval is not acceptable and will never be an option. With that being said however, I will say that my reforms will give MORE power to local governments under our socialist system where citizens are elected and serve. Yes reforms will take time. I am open to more reforms gradually. We would have to discuss a timeline for what will happen when. As to Russia's statements yesterday, The Russian government has their own agenda with your government of which my government has no part. The government of Cuba wants no part in that quarrel. With that being said the arms sales of my nation is no concern of the United States. Lastly, I can confirm to you that your stipulation to release political prisoners will be met in the near future. Edited by Winnie, Nov 20 2014, 09:40 AM.
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| lordofthechris | Nov 20 2014, 11:21 AM Post #10 |
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Mr. Álvarez, Whatever the phasing of reform, it must result in a politically and economically free Cuba. The U.S. will not reward half-measures and empty gestures. Further, political sovereignty does not immunize a government from accountability for violations of human rights. The behavior of your government in recent months have signaled mixed messages and therefore leaves significant doubt about your country's commitment to reform. Twice in one month your government, while publicly stating that it aims for political reform, has sought major military purchases of advanced weapon systems. Such actions indicate your government's disinterest in genuine political reform. ROBERTA JACOBSON Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs |
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