Advancing The Dialogue With Cuba

Advancing The Dialogue With Cuba

High-level talks promote safe, legal and orderly migration from the
island nation to the United States.

"It is hoped that the Havana government will respond to these good-faith
gestures."

U.S. and Cuban diplomats met in Havana recently for more high-level
talks to promote safe, legal and orderly migration from the island
nation to the United States.

Sixteen years ago, in an effort to persuade those hoping to leave Cuba
not to risk the dangerous sea passage to South Florida, the 2 countries
signed an accord calling for 20,000 travel documents to be issued to
Cubans each year. Discussions on implementing the program broke down in
political disputes, but last year were revived by President Barack
Obama. Craig Kelley, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for
Western Hemisphere Affairs, led the U.S. delegation in the recent
meetings, the most senior U.S. diplomat to visit Cuba in many years.

The discussions centered on ensuring that U.S. representatives working
in Cuba are able to do their jobs effectively; that they can meet with
and monitor the welfare of migrants who return to Cuba after attempting
to illegally migrate to the United States; and that Cuban officials
accept Cuban nationals back who have been ordered out of the U.S.
because of crimes they committed before emigrating. Initial statements
by Cuban officials were positive, seeming to encourage further talks,
not only on migration but on other bilateral issues as well. The arrest
of Alan Gross, a U.S. development worker detained by the Cuban
government in December, is a significant impediment to further advancing
our bilateral relations, however. The U.S. delegation raised his case
with the Cuban government and pressed strongly for his immediate release
on humanitarian grounds, because of failing health.

Engaging in such discussions underscores the U.S. interest in pursuing a
constructive dialogue on issues of mutual concern. The U.S. has taken
several concrete steps for better communication and understanding
between our two nations. These include reestablishing direct mail
service, easing travel restrictions on Americans wishing to visit Cuba,
and allowing U.S. telecommunications companies to do business there. It
is hoped that the Havana government will respond to these good-faith
gestures with steps of its own to ensure the most basic human rights and
improve the lives of its people.

Advancing The Dialogue With Cuba | Home | Editorial (1 March 2010)
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