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Obama in Cuba: US president meets with Raúl Castro on historic trip – live Obama in Cuba: US president meets with Raúl Castro on historic trip – live
(35 minutes later)
4.15pm GMT
16:15
Lisa O'Carroll
My colleague Lisa O’Carroll is also in Havana, though meeting with locals rather than pursuing the diplomatic hubbub that is Barack Obama’s motorcade. She reports from the streets of Old Havana:
Obama’s visit to Cuba was a washout for locals last night who endured hours in torrential rain hoping for a glimpse of the US president.
His planned walkabout in Old Havana was mostly abandoned, but anticipation that he or any of his entourage would whizz through the streets lasted well into the night. People gathered on street corners and balconies, and jumped at the sound of any fast modern car, rare enough sights for Cubans more accustomed to beat-up Ladas, Skodas or cars imported from the US in the 1950s.
The dilapidation in Old Havana is extraordinary. It is a miracle many of these historical buildings, which would have been condemned in Europe or America, still stand. Here’s a typical street in downtown Havana.
As Obama walked around as his entourage passed in the distance, men, women and children hovered wherever they thought they might have a vantage. Security everywhere meant public couldn’t get close. Cubans’ best hope for a sight of the US president might be tomorrow, when he makes a speech in Parque Centrale.
4.02pm GMT
16:02
At the museum for José Martí, Barack Obama left a long note whose text wasn’t legible on the Cuban live footage of his visit. The White House press pool has dutifully gone back to find out what he wrote in the guest book.
“It is a great honor to pay tribute to Jose Marti, who gave his life for independence of his homeland,” Obama wrote. “His passion for liberty, freedom and self-determination lives on in the Cuban people today.”
Obama signing the guestbook at the José Marti Memorial/Museum pic.twitter.com/xjTEq1s1Mp
3.57pm GMT
15:57
The remarkable juxtapositions keep coming from the White House press corps. Here’s the president of the United States standing in front of monuments to Che Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos, the revolutionaries who were Fidel Castro’s top lieutenants.
#ObamaenCuba #Ché #Cienfuegos pic.twitter.com/CGNCYApMYc
3.50pm GMT3.50pm GMT
15:5015:50
The White House pool reporters are filing their notes of the morning.The White House pool reporters are filing their notes of the morning.
When the president’s motorcade left for the José Martí memorial, one writes, “hundreds of people lined the street on many stretches of the route, waving and taking pictures of the motorcade.”When the president’s motorcade left for the José Martí memorial, one writes, “hundreds of people lined the street on many stretches of the route, waving and taking pictures of the motorcade.”
The only major reminder that this is Cuba, the cold war foe and communist neighbor, was “an enormous banner of Huge Chavez [was] hanging on one lovely estate; it might have been the Venezuelan embassy, as we were in the diplomatic neighborhood.”The only major reminder that this is Cuba, the cold war foe and communist neighbor, was “an enormous banner of Huge Chavez [was] hanging on one lovely estate; it might have been the Venezuelan embassy, as we were in the diplomatic neighborhood.”
The pooler then had a few notes about Obama’s visit to the nearby museum, where the 96-year-old director, Aide Diaz Ortega, met him.The pooler then had a few notes about Obama’s visit to the nearby museum, where the 96-year-old director, Aide Diaz Ortega, met him.
Obama signed the guest book as Ms. Ortega watched him pen a longish note (contents to come) taking his hand afterward to thank home for coming -- “muy amable” of him, she said – and to tell him about Jose Marti.Obama signed the guest book as Ms. Ortega watched him pen a longish note (contents to come) taking his hand afterward to thank home for coming -- “muy amable” of him, she said – and to tell him about Jose Marti.
Around this point Obama told her he would have to come back after he finished being president, and then head off to the Palace of the Revolution for his meeting with Raúl Castro.Around this point Obama told her he would have to come back after he finished being president, and then head off to the Palace of the Revolution for his meeting with Raúl Castro.
.@JohnKerry @AmbassadorRice Vilsack @PennyPritzker @rhodes44 @PressSec listen to national anthem @ Rev Palace pic.twitter.com/2GgquqkzRy.@JohnKerry @AmbassadorRice Vilsack @PennyPritzker @rhodes44 @PressSec listen to national anthem @ Rev Palace pic.twitter.com/2GgquqkzRy
One pool reporter caught up with Secretary of State John Kerry, who was at the palace and also at the wreath-laying ceremony.One pool reporter caught up with Secretary of State John Kerry, who was at the palace and also at the wreath-laying ceremony.
“I thought it was very interesting,” [he said of] the wreath laying ceremony. “It was more than that, you felt that it was a historic moment.”“I thought it was very interesting,” [he said of] the wreath laying ceremony. “It was more than that, you felt that it was a historic moment.”
I asked him if he cried during the ceremonyI asked him if he cried during the ceremony
And he shook his head and said “No.”And he shook his head and said “No.”
I did.I did.
The Beast in front of the José Marti Memorial/Museum in Havana pic.twitter.com/YbbAHOISH8The Beast in front of the José Marti Memorial/Museum in Havana pic.twitter.com/YbbAHOISH8
3.38pm GMT3.38pm GMT
15:3815:38
What was said the first time an American president met a Cuban one within the Havana’s halls of power?What was said the first time an American president met a Cuban one within the Havana’s halls of power?
“We had a great dinner.”“We had a great dinner.”
After meeting in the Palace of the Revolution, Raúl Castro asked Barack Obama how he found Havana so far. “We had a great tour yesterday,” Obama said. “Enjoyed it.”After meeting in the Palace of the Revolution, Raúl Castro asked Barack Obama how he found Havana so far. “We had a great tour yesterday,” Obama said. “Enjoyed it.”
Per the White House pool report, Obama and Castro then spent a few moments “talking about the common experience of raising daughters.”Per the White House pool report, Obama and Castro then spent a few moments “talking about the common experience of raising daughters.”
President Obama shakes hands with Cuban President Castrohttps://t.co/WJUNqKUzmIPresident Obama shakes hands with Cuban President Castrohttps://t.co/WJUNqKUzmI
UpdatedUpdated
at 3.41pm GMTat 3.41pm GMT
3.28pm GMT3.28pm GMT
15:2815:28
My colleague Dan Roberts captured a bit of the moment when the Star Spangled Banner played over Cuban soil at the memorial of a revolutionary who fought to bring the country independence from Spain.My colleague Dan Roberts captured a bit of the moment when the Star Spangled Banner played over Cuban soil at the memorial of a revolutionary who fought to bring the country independence from Spain.
Cuban band play Star-Spangled Banner in Revolution Square (via live feed) chills spines in White House press centre pic.twitter.com/fKdWZEW5RJCuban band play Star-Spangled Banner in Revolution Square (via live feed) chills spines in White House press centre pic.twitter.com/fKdWZEW5RJ
3.13pm GMT3.13pm GMT
15:1315:13
With that the two presidents are off to have a long bilateral meeting – the first between the heads of Cuba and the US since Fidel Castro toppled General Fulgencio Batista in 1959 and the cold war froze relations between nations.With that the two presidents are off to have a long bilateral meeting – the first between the heads of Cuba and the US since Fidel Castro toppled General Fulgencio Batista in 1959 and the cold war froze relations between nations.
The sound has been cut from the Cuban live footage, so we’re left to wait until the presidents make comments to the press, this afternoon, to learn anything of the talks.The sound has been cut from the Cuban live footage, so we’re left to wait until the presidents make comments to the press, this afternoon, to learn anything of the talks.
Elsewhere in the Palace of the Revolution, the dozens of aides and diplomats from both governments will continue their talks.Elsewhere in the Palace of the Revolution, the dozens of aides and diplomats from both governments will continue their talks.
3.06pm GMT3.06pm GMT
15:0615:06
The military band strikes up again. They play La Bayemesa and the Star Spangled Banner. “Presentan armas!” the leading officer shouts. “Descansa armas!”The military band strikes up again. They play La Bayemesa and the Star Spangled Banner. “Presentan armas!” the leading officer shouts. “Descansa armas!”
Castro and Obama go down the line meeting his White House advisers. Secretary of state John Kerry gives the Cuban president an enthusiastic handshake. “You know Mr Rhodes,” Obama tells Castro, referring to his adviser Ben Rhodes. “These are the two that actually did all the work,” he says, indicating the top American diplomats to Cuba.Castro and Obama go down the line meeting his White House advisers. Secretary of state John Kerry gives the Cuban president an enthusiastic handshake. “You know Mr Rhodes,” Obama tells Castro, referring to his adviser Ben Rhodes. “These are the two that actually did all the work,” he says, indicating the top American diplomats to Cuba.
He then meets the Cuban officials, and offers some party words to the soldiers and band.He then meets the Cuban officials, and offers some party words to the soldiers and band.
2.59pm GMT2.59pm GMT
14:5914:59
Raúl Castro meets Barack ObamaRaúl Castro meets Barack Obama
Inside the vast Palace of the Revolution, Cuban president Raúl Castro has just welcomed American president Barack Obama in front of rows of military personnel in white. History is made – and quietly. The Cuban camera relaying the live footage is too far from the presidents to make out what they’re saying.Inside the vast Palace of the Revolution, Cuban president Raúl Castro has just welcomed American president Barack Obama in front of rows of military personnel in white. History is made – and quietly. The Cuban camera relaying the live footage is too far from the presidents to make out what they’re saying.
Secretary of state John Kerry and top White House advisers Susan Rice and Ben Rhodes are all standing by.Secretary of state John Kerry and top White House advisers Susan Rice and Ben Rhodes are all standing by.
2.51pm GMT2.51pm GMT
14:5114:51
The headlines in Havana, courtesy my colleague Dan Roberts, who’s following Barack Obama as he meets diplomats and dignitaries in Havana.The headlines in Havana, courtesy my colleague Dan Roberts, who’s following Barack Obama as he meets diplomats and dignitaries in Havana.
Obama’s just met an official at the Museum of the Revolution, just nearby the memorial, and he’s written a note in the guest book there. “I’ll have to come back when I’m no longer president and I no longer have so many obligations,” he tells her.Obama’s just met an official at the Museum of the Revolution, just nearby the memorial, and he’s written a note in the guest book there. “I’ll have to come back when I’m no longer president and I no longer have so many obligations,” he tells her.
A front page many Cubans (or Americans) thought they'd never see pic.twitter.com/kCUyJi0gzuA front page many Cubans (or Americans) thought they'd never see pic.twitter.com/kCUyJi0gzu
And another Cuban front page from this morning in Havana for those who don't trust Granma pic.twitter.com/YxrtvBmu1rAnd another Cuban front page from this morning in Havana for those who don't trust Granma pic.twitter.com/YxrtvBmu1r
2.49pm GMT2.49pm GMT
14:4914:49
And with that the brief ceremony ends. The Obama and his aides swiftly go back to “the Beast,” as the armored presidential limousine is known. He’s expected to meet with Raúl Castro sometime between 11am-12pm ET.And with that the brief ceremony ends. The Obama and his aides swiftly go back to “the Beast,” as the armored presidential limousine is known. He’s expected to meet with Raúl Castro sometime between 11am-12pm ET.
José Martí was a poet and journalist in the late 19th century, and one of the leaders of the Cuban rebellion for independence against the Spanish. The US, driven by a mix of imperialist ambitions and a more idealistic desire to help Cuba throw off empire and decide its own fate, eventually got caught up in the war, and helped secure the island’s freedom.José Martí was a poet and journalist in the late 19th century, and one of the leaders of the Cuban rebellion for independence against the Spanish. The US, driven by a mix of imperialist ambitions and a more idealistic desire to help Cuba throw off empire and decide its own fate, eventually got caught up in the war, and helped secure the island’s freedom.
Martí was wary of Spanish and American influence alike, but had great respect for Abraham Lincoln, and believed passionately in Cuban nationalism and unity. He was killed in the rebellion, and was been dubbed “the apostle” of the revolution. He’s considered a national hero by the Castro regime and dissidents both.Martí was wary of Spanish and American influence alike, but had great respect for Abraham Lincoln, and believed passionately in Cuban nationalism and unity. He was killed in the rebellion, and was been dubbed “the apostle” of the revolution. He’s considered a national hero by the Castro regime and dissidents both.
UpdatedUpdated
at 2.52pm GMTat 2.52pm GMT
2.38pm GMT2.38pm GMT
14:3814:38
The president helps arrange the wreath at the memorial, which is placed at its base by two soldiers marching. Then there’s a lot of shuffling for photo ops with the press, all within sight of a monument to socialist revolutionary Che Guevara.The president helps arrange the wreath at the memorial, which is placed at its base by two soldiers marching. Then there’s a lot of shuffling for photo ops with the press, all within sight of a monument to socialist revolutionary Che Guevara.
2.33pm GMT2.33pm GMT
14:3314:33
Obama visits José Martí memorial
Barack Obama has arrived at the memorial to José Martí in Havana, dedicated to the poet and revolutionary who fought for Cuban independence from the Spanish empire in the late 19th century.Barack Obama has arrived at the memorial to José Martí in Havana, dedicated to the poet and revolutionary who fought for Cuban independence from the Spanish empire in the late 19th century.
A military band is playing his welcome, with the Cuban and American flags flying in a strong breeze. They’re playing the Star Spangled Banner.A military band is playing his welcome, with the Cuban and American flags flying in a strong breeze. They’re playing the Star Spangled Banner.
UpdatedUpdated
at 2.35pm GMT at 4.04pm GMT
2.26pm GMT2.26pm GMT
14:2614:26
The Washington Post’s Latin America correspondent points out that Barack Obama will venture into territories once dominated by Fidel Castro and his Soviet backers – a symbolic venue that traces Cuba’s history from Spanish colony to strongman’s island to Soviet ally and, now, something else entirely.The Washington Post’s Latin America correspondent points out that Barack Obama will venture into territories once dominated by Fidel Castro and his Soviet backers – a symbolic venue that traces Cuba’s history from Spanish colony to strongman’s island to Soviet ally and, now, something else entirely.
Obama will go twice today to Palace of the Revolution, a site likely targeted for nuclear annihilation by US in 1962 (and prob long after)Obama will go twice today to Palace of the Revolution, a site likely targeted for nuclear annihilation by US in 1962 (and prob long after)
UpdatedUpdated
at 2.27pm GMTat 2.27pm GMT
2.04pm GMT2.04pm GMT
14:0414:04
Dan RobertsDan Roberts
Dan Roberts, the Guardian’s DC bureau chief, is with the White House press corps as it follows Barack Obama around Havana – or at least as close as they’re allowed to his diplomatic meetings with officials of the US’s erstwhile cold war foe. He reports from the city:Dan Roberts, the Guardian’s DC bureau chief, is with the White House press corps as it follows Barack Obama around Havana – or at least as close as they’re allowed to his diplomatic meetings with officials of the US’s erstwhile cold war foe. He reports from the city:
We are only a few hours into the official part of president Obama’s historic visit to Havana and already there is a historic mystery: will he, or won’t he have a joint press conference with Cuban president Raúl Castro?We are only a few hours into the official part of president Obama’s historic visit to Havana and already there is a historic mystery: will he, or won’t he have a joint press conference with Cuban president Raúl Castro?
The two leaders are due to have their first face-to-face meeting (apart from short handshakes in Panama and South Africa) in a three-hour bilateral, at the Palacio de la Revolución, after an official photo at 11am ET.The two leaders are due to have their first face-to-face meeting (apart from short handshakes in Panama and South Africa) in a three-hour bilateral, at the Palacio de la Revolución, after an official photo at 11am ET.
But whether the rapprochement stretches as far as facing journalists with questions as well as cameras is – 90 minutes beforehand – still unknown. Currently, the expectation is that a regiment of the 400 journalists in town, we’ll just get to hear some statements, and possibly the odd question shouted at the leaders.But whether the rapprochement stretches as far as facing journalists with questions as well as cameras is – 90 minutes beforehand – still unknown. Currently, the expectation is that a regiment of the 400 journalists in town, we’ll just get to hear some statements, and possibly the odd question shouted at the leaders.
The White House claims it has been pushing the Cuban government on the issue for weeks, and the latest tack is to argue that even President Xi Jinping of China agreed to a press conference of sorts – in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, no less – during Obama’s 2014 trip there. This was hardly a triumph of media freedom: Xi was accused of ignoring US journalists in favour of a planted question from Chinese press.The White House claims it has been pushing the Cuban government on the issue for weeks, and the latest tack is to argue that even President Xi Jinping of China agreed to a press conference of sorts – in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, no less – during Obama’s 2014 trip there. This was hardly a triumph of media freedom: Xi was accused of ignoring US journalists in favour of a planted question from Chinese press.
One thing is for certain this time in Havana, Obama will not be adding to his photo opportunity with Raúl Castro by meeting his brother Fidel. The White House ruled this out almost as soon as planning for the trip began, so it looks like both sides have their public relations red lines.One thing is for certain this time in Havana, Obama will not be adding to his photo opportunity with Raúl Castro by meeting his brother Fidel. The White House ruled this out almost as soon as planning for the trip began, so it looks like both sides have their public relations red lines.
In the meantime, Obama is going back in history to less diplomatically sensitive times. He will lay a wreath this morning to José Martí, who led the war of independence against the Spanish in the 19th century. This afternoon he takes part in a discussion on entrepreneurship and then is back at the palace for a state dinner tonight.In the meantime, Obama is going back in history to less diplomatically sensitive times. He will lay a wreath this morning to José Martí, who led the war of independence against the Spanish in the 19th century. This afternoon he takes part in a discussion on entrepreneurship and then is back at the palace for a state dinner tonight.
1.42pm GMT1.42pm GMT
13:4213:42
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of Barack Obama’s historic trip to Cuba, the first by a US president since Calvin Coolidge arrived in Havana by battleship in 1928.Hello and welcome to our live coverage of Barack Obama’s historic trip to Cuba, the first by a US president since Calvin Coolidge arrived in Havana by battleship in 1928.
Obama is with his family, dozens of White House staffers and members of Congress and a massive delegation that also includes business executives and a baseball team.Obama is with his family, dozens of White House staffers and members of Congress and a massive delegation that also includes business executives and a baseball team.
“Como andan?” he asked US embassy staff in Havana. “It’s all happening because of you. Every day you’re bringing the US and Cuba closer together.”“Como andan?” he asked US embassy staff in Havana. “It’s all happening because of you. Every day you’re bringing the US and Cuba closer together.”
Monday will see a lot more business than tourism: the president begins the day with a wreath-laying ceremony at the memorial for José Martí, a poet who died fighting for independence against the Spanish in 1895.Monday will see a lot more business than tourism: the president begins the day with a wreath-laying ceremony at the memorial for José Martí, a poet who died fighting for independence against the Spanish in 1895.
Then he meets Cuban president Raúl Castro, brother of Fidel, for an official welcoming and an extended meeting that will be closed to the press. Both presidents are set to make comments to the press around 1pm ET.Then he meets Cuban president Raúl Castro, brother of Fidel, for an official welcoming and an extended meeting that will be closed to the press. Both presidents are set to make comments to the press around 1pm ET.
Afterward, Obama will do spend some time at an event meant to foster entrepreneurs and business, and then he and his wife will meet Castro again for a state dinner at the Palace of the Revolution.Afterward, Obama will do spend some time at an event meant to foster entrepreneurs and business, and then he and his wife will meet Castro again for a state dinner at the Palace of the Revolution.
Casting a shadow over all this diplomacy and rapprochement are the continued disputes between the US, the Castro regime and Cuban dissidents, who say Obama needs to do more to push for human rights and democratic freedoms. On Sunday, just hours before the president touched down, several dozen activists were arrested and protests forcibly broken up.Casting a shadow over all this diplomacy and rapprochement are the continued disputes between the US, the Castro regime and Cuban dissidents, who say Obama needs to do more to push for human rights and democratic freedoms. On Sunday, just hours before the president touched down, several dozen activists were arrested and protests forcibly broken up.
The Guardian’s DC bureau chief, Dan Roberts, is trailing Obama around Havana today, and our Latin America correspondent, Jon Watts, ismeeting the people of Havana – just days after an interview with Che Guevara’s son, a trip to the Cuban city on the outskirts of Guantánamo Bay, and a look ahead to what could be a new age of the Americas.The Guardian’s DC bureau chief, Dan Roberts, is trailing Obama around Havana today, and our Latin America correspondent, Jon Watts, ismeeting the people of Havana – just days after an interview with Che Guevara’s son, a trip to the Cuban city on the outskirts of Guantánamo Bay, and a look ahead to what could be a new age of the Americas.
There will also, inevitably, be some tourism. On Sunday the first family visited Havana’s 18th-century Cathedral of St Christopher, and were cheered by crowds at Plaza de Armas, a statue of Christopher Columbus, the palace once used by the vice-governor and the supreme court, and the city museum (once the Spanish governor’s palace). There, Obama posed with a 19th-century portrait of Abraham Lincoln.There will also, inevitably, be some tourism. On Sunday the first family visited Havana’s 18th-century Cathedral of St Christopher, and were cheered by crowds at Plaza de Armas, a statue of Christopher Columbus, the palace once used by the vice-governor and the supreme court, and the city museum (once the Spanish governor’s palace). There, Obama posed with a 19th-century portrait of Abraham Lincoln.
Related: Obamas touch down in Havana but Cuban concern is whether business takes offRelated: Obamas touch down in Havana but Cuban concern is whether business takes off