The day before yesterday, Sunday, Oct. 12, in the morning, Sunday online edition of The New York Times press-organ in certain circumstances trace patterns on the most suitable to the interests of his country political line, published an article titled "Time to End the Embargo on Cuba"; with opinions of what in his view, the country should take.
There are times when such items are signed by a renowned journalist, as someone who had the privilege of knowing in the early days of our struggle in the Sierra Maestra with the remnants of a force that had been almost entirely eliminated by aviation and Batista's army. We were then quite inexperienced; even conceived of to give the impression of strength to the press release was something that would merit a review. It was thought that brave and war correspondent with a story that made his name during the difficult times of the struggle against fascism: Herbert Matthews.
Our reputed ability to fight in February 1957 was a little lower, but more than enough to wear down and defeat the regime.
Carlos Rafael Rodriguez, leader of the Popular Socialist Party, witnessed what, after the Battle of Jigüe-where an entire unit of elite troops were forced to surrender after 10 days of fighting, I said on my fear that the forces of regime were to surrender in July 1958, when his elite troops hastily retreated from the Sierra Maestra, despite being trained and advised by our northern neighbors. We had found the right way to defeat them.
Was inescapable dwell a little on this point if he wanted to explain the spirit in which I read that article the American newspaper last Sunday. I will cite their essential parts that will in quotes:
"... President Obama must feel anxiety when contemplating the sorry state of bilateral relations that his administration has tried to repair. It would be wise for the American leader to reflect seriously on Cuba, where a policy shift could be a big win for his government.
"For the first time in over half a century, changes in American public opinion and a number of reforms in Cuba, have made it politically feasible to resume diplomatic relations and end a foolish though. The Castro regime has used the embargo to excuse his faults and his people remained rather isolated from the rest of the world. Obama should seize the opportunity to put an end to a long era of enmity, and help a people who have suffered greatly since Washington severed diplomatic relations in 1961, two years after Fidel Castro came to power. "
"... The deplorable state of the economy has forced Cuba to implement reforms. The process has become more urgent in the wake of the financial crisis in Venezuela, since Caracas provides subsidized oil. With fears that Venezuela has to cut its aid, leaders on the island have been taken to liberalize and diversify an economy that has historically had strict controls steps. "
"... The Cuban government has begun to allow its citizens are employed in the private sector and selling properties like cars and houses. In March, Cuba's National Assembly passed a law in order to attract foreign investment. (...) In April, Cuban diplomats began negotiating the terms of a treaty of cooperation expected to sign with the European Union. They have attended the first meetings prepared, eager and aware that the Europeans will ask for further reform and civil liberties.
"The authoritarian government continues persecuting dissidents, who are often detained for short periods. Havana has not explained the suspicious death of political activist Oswaldo Paya. "
As shown slanderous accusation and free.
"Last year the travel restrictions for Cubans were relaxed, which allowed prominent dissidents from going abroad. Currently, there is an atmosphere of greater tolerance for those who criticize their leaders on the island, but many still fear the repercussions of speaking out and demanding greater rights.
"The process of reform has been slow and there have been setbacks. But overall, these changes show that Cuba is preparing for post-embargo an era. The government claims that gladly resume diplomatic relations with the United States without preconditions.
"As a first step, the White House should remove Cuba from the list maintained by the Department of State to penalize countries that support terrorist groups. Currently, the only other countries in the list are Sudan, Iran and Syria. Cuba was listed in 1982 for its support of rebel movements in Latin America, although such a link does not already exist. Currently, the administration recognizes that Havana is playing a constructive role in the peace process in Colombia, serving as host for the talks between the Colombian government and guerrilla leaders.
"Sanctions by the United States to the island began in 1961 with the goal of driving Fidel Castro from power. Over the years, several American leaders have concluded that the embargo has been a failure. Nevertheless, any effort to remove it has brought the risk of angering members of the Cuban exile community, a constituency group that has been instrumental in national elections. (...) The generation of Cubans who defend the embargo is disappearing. Members of the younger generation have different views, and many feel that the embargo has been counterproductive to promote political change. According to a recent survey, 52 percent of Cuban Americans in Miami think they should end the embargo. A large majority wants countries to have diplomatic relations back, a position shared by the American electorate in general.
"Cuba and the United States have embassies in their capitals, known as sections of interest, perform the functions of an embassy. However, American diplomats have few opportunities to leave the capital to interact with the Cuban people and their access to the leaders of the island is very limited.
"In 2009, the Obama administration took a number of important steps to ease the embargo, facilitating remittances to the island and allowing a greater number of Cubans living in the United States to travel to Cuba. He also created plans to increase access to allow cellular phone and internet on the island. Still, it would be possible to do more. For example, one could eliminate limits on remittances, investment mechanisms allow new Cuban micro and expand opportunities for Americans wishing to travel to the island.
"Washington could do more to support American companies interested in developing the telecommunications sector in Cuba. Few have dared for fear of possible legal and political implications.
"Otherwise, America would be giving the Cuban market to rivals. The presidents of China and Russia traveled to Cuba in July with a view to expanding ties.
"The level and scope of the relationship could grow significantly, giving Washington more tools to support democratic reforms. It is feasible to help stop a new immigration wave of hopeless Cubans who are traveling to the United States on rafts.
"A healthier relationship could help solve the case of Alan Gross, a leading expert in development for almost five years in prison on the island. Moreover, it would create new opportunities for strengthening civil society, which gradually exerted control over the state of Cuban life is diminished. While the White House may take certain steps unilaterally dismantle the embargo would require legislative action in Washington. "
"... Several hemispheric leaders will gather in Panama City on the occasion of the Seventh Summit of the Americas. Several Latin American governments insisted invite Cuba, breaking with the tradition of excluding the island by requiring Washington.
"Given the amount of global crisis, it is possible that the White House considers to give substantial weight to its policy towards Cuba rotation is not a priority. However, a rapprochement with the most populated island in the Caribbean that encourages unlocking the potential of the citizens of one of the most educated societies in the hemisphere, could represent an important legacy for administration. Also help improve relations between the United States with several Latin American countries and promote regional initiatives that have suffered as a consequence of antagonism between Washington and Havana. "
"... Following the invitation to Cuba to the summit, the White House has not confirmed whether Obama will attend.
"He has to. Presence would be important to do and consider it as an opportunity to unleash a historic achievement. "
One of the most educated societies in the hemisphere !!!! Now that's an acknowledgment. But why not say so at once, which in no way resembles that bequeathed Harry S. Truman as his ally great treasury looter Fulgencio Batista took power on March 10, 1952, just 50 days general election. That will never be forgotten.
The article is written, as can be seen, with great skill, looking for the greatest benefit to American policy in the complex situation, when political, economic, financial and commercial problems increase. A derivative of this rapid climate change are added; commercial competition; speed, accuracy and destructive power of weapons that threaten the survival of humanity. What is written today is a very different from what divulged only 40 years ago when our planet was seen as forced to accommodate and provide water and food to the equivalent of half the world's population connotation. Not to mention the fight against Ebola that threatens the health of millions of people.
Add in a few days will present the world community at the UN if you agree or disagree with the blockade of Cuba.
Fidel Castro Ruz
October 13, 2014
8 and 30 p.m.
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