The stars and stripes fly freely in Havana, Cuba once again. On July 20, the American embassy reopened in Cuba after years of conflict between the two nations had kept it out.
Since this landmark decision, negotiators will meet to discuss key issues separating the United States and Cuba, ranging from maritime security, human rights, and the economic embargo which is currently still in action, according to the Associated Press.
This trade barrier, which has blocked trade and tourism between these two nations, won’t be lifted until Cuba’s government makes progress towards human rights in its own country, according to AP.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez stated the United States should consider their own human rights violations before criticizing others, as he gave examples of police shootings of black men and the unfair treatment and interrogations of prisoners at Guantanamo Bay, reported AP.
After the historic day of embassy reopening, Cuba’s Fidel Castro also asserted,“Cuba is owed compensation; the equivalent of damages, amounting to many, many millions of dollars,” according to AP.
“The sanctions maybe weren’t as fair as they should’ve been, but the United States also has to stand their ground considering what Cuba has done to us,” stated Kylie Arnold, a senior studying psychology from Utah. Arnold went on to explain during these negotiations and peace talks, the United States just simply can’t be a “push-over” and allow Cuba to get everything they want.
One of Cuba’s biggest demands over the years has been the return of the area around Guantanamo Bay to the Cubans. The United States currently operates a naval base there, and in 2002 opened a detention facility on the premises. The U.S. detains several terror suspects at Guantanamo Bay and has taken criticism over the years on its techniques of interrogation.
Arnold said, “None of this would’ve mattered had the United States not gotten involved in Cuba.” She implied the United States is always involved in too many foreign affairs.
One of the United States’ key interests in Cuba is to influence the spread of democracy, reported AP. Despite this historical breakthrough, Cuba still shares ties with Russia, which, according to Jaxon Porter, a freshman studying psychology from Utah, goes back to their former relations during the Cold War. “Cuba will still remain loyal to Russia,” he said.
During the Cold War, Cuba agreed to house several Soviet missiles that were within striking distance of American soil. Porter went on to say that it will be hard for Cuba to embrace American ideals.
While U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry attended the ceremonial flag raising at the American embassy in Havana, he shared insight on what a “new Cuba” should look like.
Kerry stated, “We urge the Cuban government to make it less difficult for their citizens to start businesses, to go online, to engage in trade. We are certain that the time is now to reach out to one another as two people who are no longer enemies or rivals, but neighbors.”