WASHINGTON.— U.S. policy change toward Cuba will bring economic and national security benefits, State Department spokesperson, Jen Psaki, said this Friday.
During a press conference, the official admitted that U.S. strategy over the past half century has failed to achieve its purpose and stated that the impact of the improved relations would be productive for both parties.
She further stressed that the improvement of ties with Cuba would enhance the image of the U.S. in Latin America and the Caribbean.
There is still much work to do, Psaki noted after addressing the steps taken by her country in recent months to open up some aspects of economic relations between Washington and Havana.
Regarding the inclusion of Cuba on the list of state sponsors of terrorism, an issue that obstructs the restoration of relations, the spokesperson said it was an ongoing process and not yet complete.
Psaki made a distinction between the measures of the State Department in this direction, and the search for a solution to the banking situation of the Cuban Interests Section in Washington.
She said that steps were being taken to find a solution to the problem even before Presidents Raúl Castro and Barack Obama made their announcements last December 17, but she admitted that they have not yet found a solution.
The second round of talks began this Friday morning in Washington, aimed at clearing the way toward restoring bilateral ties with the challenge of overcoming outstanding issues in order to reopen embassies.
As in the first meeting held in Havana in late January, the Cuban delegation is represented by Josefina Vidal, Ministry of Foreign Relations (Minrex) Director General for the United States, and the U.S. by Roberta Jacobson, Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs.
This second round is taking place over a single day with the sole aim of clearing the way for the restoration of relations.
Juan Jacomino, spokesperson for the Cuban Interests Section in Washington, explained that the climate within which the talks are taking place at the State Department is positive, constructive and respectful.
He added that the talks have reached the middle of the agenda and the positions of both parties have been outlined.
