Current Relations

From WolfWikis

1 Current U.S. Policy Towards Cuba
2 Timeline of Events Happening Between Cuba and the United States since 2006
3 Video Clips
4 References
5 Back To

Current U.S. Policy Towards Cuba

The current policy of the United States to Cuba is to “promote a peaceful transition to a stable, democratic form of government and respect for human rights.” ^[1] This includes two main components including “maintaining pressure on the Cuban Government for change through the embargo and the LIBERTAD Act while providing humanitarian assistance to the Cuban people, and working to aid the development of civil society in the country.”^[2]

The United States government's main goal for Cuba is to support the Cuban people. Support for The U.S. is currently seeking out measures to reach this goal which include “broadening remittances, expanding people-to-people contacts, increasing direct flights, authorizing food sales to independent entities, and establishing direct mail service.” ^[3] The United States also monitors the use of Cuban airspace and waters for possible drug trafficking from South America to the U.S.

The United States also “pursues a multilateral effort to press for democratic change by urging our friends and allies to actively promote a democratic transition and respect for human rights.” ^[4] The U.S. has stated that it is prepared to respond and support the Cuban government if it initiates democratic change and respect for human rights. ^[5]

Timeline of Events Happening Between Cuba and the United States since 2006

February 2006: A propaganda war breaks out in Havana as President Castro unveils a monument which blocks the view of illuminated messages - some of them about human rights - displayed on the US mission building.

July 2006: The US Commission for Assistance to a Free Cuba recommends an $80m fund to support Cuba's opposition and the deployment of US aid once a transitional government is in place.

August 2006: US President George W Bush urges Cubans to work for democratic change comments after President Castro undergoes surgery and hands over power to his brother Raul.

December 2006: Many members of U.S. Congress visit Cuba. Jeff Flake, a Republican congressman heading the 10-member bipartisan delegation, said he wanted to launch a "new era in US-Cuba relations", but the group is denied a meeting with Raul Castro.

July 2007: Cuba accuses the US of issuing far fewer visas to Cubans wanting to leave than allowed for under an agreement between the two nations. A deal reached in 1994 allows Washington to grant up to 20,000 entry visas a year for Cubans.

July 2007: Acting leader Raul Castro again indicates he may be open to a warming of relations with the US. He offers to engage in talks, but only after the 2008 US presidential election. ^[6]