Statement from the President
One year
ago, I announced that after more than 50 years, America would change its
relationship with Cuba and put the interests of the people of both
countries before the outdated ways of
the past. Since then, we have taken important steps forward to
normalize relations between our countries—re-establishing diplomatic
relations and opening embassies; facilitating greater travel and
commerce; connecting more Americans and Cubans; and promoting
the free flow of information to, from, and within Cuba. We are
advancing our shared interests and working together on complex issues
that for too long defined—and divided—us. Meanwhile, the United States
is in a stronger position to engage the people and governments
of our hemisphere. Congress can support a better life for the Cuban people by lifting an embargo that is a legacy of a failed policy.
Today, the
Stars and Stripes again fly over our Embassy in Havana. Today, more
Americans are visiting Cuba and engaging the Cuban people than at any
time in the last 50 years. We continue
to have differences with the Cuban government, but we raise those
issues directly, and we will always stand for human rights and the
universal values that we support around the globe. Change does not
happen overnight, and normalization will be a long journey.
The last 12 months, however, are a reminder of the progress we can make
when we set the course toward a better future. Over the next year, we
will continue on this path, empowering Cubans and Americans to lead the
way.
Source: The White House, Office of the Press Secretary
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