First Round of US-Cuba Talks End - East Idaho News
World

First Round of US-Cuba Talks End

  Published at

Getty USACubaFlagiStock?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1422046488868iStock/Thinkstock(HAVANA) — The first round of high-level talks between the U.S. and Cuba ended on Friday in Havana.

“These talks were cordial and respectful. I believe that each delegation understood the importance of the task they are facing in trying to mend more than 50 years of diplomatic estrangement,” said Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs Roberta Jacobson, who led the delegation.

While the talks appear to have gotten off to a good start, Jacobson said there are still major obstacles standing in the way of a “normal” diplomatic relationship with Cuba.

“It was just a first step. We know there will need to be many more, but this is the work of diplomacy. In order to build a better and more productive relationship between our two countries,” she said.

Some of the big sticking points include freedom of expression and human rights.

Meanwhile, earlier on Friday, Jacobson met with seven dissidents in Cuba. After speaking with them, the assistant secretary joined them for breakfast.


Copyright © 2015, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.

SUBMIT A CORRECTION