The just decision by President Obama to remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, and progress in the provision of banking services for the Cuban diplomatic mission in Washington have created a positive context for the reestablishment of relations and the opening of embassies, according to the Ministry of Foreign Relations’ Deputy General Director for the United States, Gustavo Machín, who spoke with the press regarding the upcoming third round of talks between the two countries, scheduled for May 21 in Washington.
He noted, as well, that developments at the VII Summit of the Americas recently held in Panama, with Cuba’s participation for the first time, likewise contribute to a favorable climate.
During the upcoming talks, Cuba will insist on respect for the principles established in the United Nations Charter and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic and Consular Relations, Machín said.
He emphasized that, although several points regarding this issue have yet to be resolved, these documents clearly define the role of embassy staff. Personnel must abide by the host country’s laws and do nothing to undermine internal order.
Machín noted that “regime change” has been the objective of U.S. policy toward Cuba since the triumph of the Revolution in 1959.
In regards to restrictions on travel for diplomatic personnel within the host country, currently in place in both the U.S. and Cuba, Machín insisted that although staff may wish to interact with the population, they must do so respecting diplomatic norms. A common interpretation of the Vienna Convention is being discussed, he indicated, to ensure “strict adherence.”
He reported that communication has been maintained between the formal rounds of talks, which began after the two Presidents announced a policy change December 17, 2014, commenting, “We are advancing, but it has been 56 years without diplomatic relations and there are still issues which must be addressed.”
He indicated that both sides are coming to the next round of talks with the objective of agreeing on the “when and how” of reestablishing diplomatic relations and opening embassies.
Asked about a specific timetable, he reiterated that it is important to advance on the basis of sound principles, insisting, “Both parties are committed and want to move forward.”
Machín made a point of emphasizing the difference between establishing diplomatic relations and normalization. The first, he explained, can be accomplished with the provision of banking services for the Cuban mission in Washington; the definitive removal of Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism; and agreement on the behavior of staff in the host country.
Normalization is a longer more complicated process, he said, which implies the total elimination of the blockade; the return of the illegally held naval base in Guantánamo; an end to subversive radio and television broadcasts; the cancellation of U.S. plans to promote regime change; and compensation for the damages caused the Cuban people over half a century of aggression.
