A new stage and its characteristics

Néstor García Iturbe

24/12/2014

Opinión

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The recent events that have developed between Cuba and the United States represent the beginning of a new phase with regard to relations between the two countries. We cannot deny that we have had a pleasant surprise, at a time when we thought the possibility of this happening as something quite distant.

The release of Alan Gross by Cuba and of Gerardo, Ramón and Antonio by the United States, is an action that was being pursued by thousands of people in most countries. We can describe the decision by both governments as a humanitarian gesture, which lays the groundwork for subsequent actions relating to the complicated agenda between the two.

At all times Cuba has been expressing its willingness to resolve this situation and establish talks with the US on the basis of mutual respect and without conditions that would affect the sovereignty of the island.

The agreement by President Obama to begin such contacts and that the first action was the exchange of prisoners, should be recognized as a courageous action, in which justice and human feeling prevailed over other individual and electoral interests.

The announcement that work will begin on the restoration of diplomatic relations, which were suspended by the US in January 1961, just under 54 years ago, represents the beginning of an important period in which many aspects must undergo discussion and in which the criteria need not necessarily coincide.

Luckily we are not starting from scratch. There are migratory agreements between the two countries, which could be less rigid or the restrictions set might be totally eliminate. In his speech, President Obama announced the lifting of restrictions on travel to Cuba by Americans, so would not be surprising if this includes Cubans living in the United States. Also concerning remittances Obama announced a change, increasing the amount a person can send to their relatives annually.

Some policies that were maintained by the United States related to lists of countries considered violators of human rights and collaborators with international terrorism, should be reviewed immediately, which would facilitate exchange and the possibilities of financial aid the United States could provide.

A series of actions of mutual interest much be undertaken quickly by that the two countries, relating to the fight against Drug Trafficking, communications, the postal service, and scientific, academic, sporting and cultural exchanges.

Tourism should be an important field in these new relations, because traditionally Cuba has been one of the favorite destinations of US Americans, who appreciate the hot tropical climate, the music and the level of care that our tourism industry has achieved.

Obviously the economic and financial blockade is the nerve center of these new relationships that are being promoted. There is no need to start with this, as the progress achieved in other ways will benefit decisions to be made and create a foundation of understanding for the total or partial solution to this situation.

The relationships established should aim to meet the interests and needs of both countries. Mutual interest and respect will be the element that allows a new approach in relations between two countries whose political systems are mismatched and which who have shown strong discrepancies.

Hostility of any kind must cease. The new situation should not be used in order to perform interventionist actions whose purpose is the overthrow the revolutionary government.

We can and should live in peace, each with their own ideas and systems, without trying to impose stereotypes or other doctrines that do not belong, such as that of Manifest Destiny and the Monroe Doctrine.

In these relationships, the spirit should prevail that, in his time, was advocated by the Mexican national hero Benito Juárez: "RESPECT FOR THE RIGHTS OF OTHERS, IS PEACE".

December 19, 2014

(Translation: Walter Lippmann and ALAI.)

- Dr. Néstor García Iturbe.

https://www.alainet.org/fr/node/166404