Cuban-American Relations Better Served by Engagement Than by Estrangement, Says Kerry

Secretary of State John Kerry arrived in Havana on Friday, August 14, for a ceremony to raise the American flag over the newly reopened US Embassy in Cuba. It is the first time the Stars and Stripes has flown there in 54 years, since the US broke diplomatic ties with the nation.

In a joint press conference with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez, Secretary Kerry said it was a day for “removing barriers”.

“This milestone does not signify an end to differences that still separate our governments, but it does reflect the reality that the Cold War ended long ago, and that the interests of both countries are better served by engagement than by estrangement, and that we have begun a process of full normalization that is sure to take time but will also benefit people in both Cuba and the United States”, Kerry said.

Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez paid tribute US president Obama for “his determination to work for the lifting of the blockade” and for his “willingness to adopt executive measures that modify the implementation of some aspects of this policy (American-Cuban agreement).” Credit: YouTube/U.S. Department of State