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| Castro to Obama: end the embargo and return Guantánamo – live | Castro to Obama: end the embargo and return Guantánamo – live |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| 7.06pm GMT | |
| 19:06 | |
| The Huffington Post’s Jennifer Bendery does a quick fact-check of Raúl Castro’s claim that there aren’t actually any political prisoners in Cuba – or at least that he’d have to look into it if someone would give him a name. | |
| The Cuban Observatory for Human Rights estimated that, as of the end of last year, there were at least a few dozen political prisoners in Cuba. | |
| Just yesterday the Guardian saw a political protest forcibly broken up by police, and few dozen people bundled into police vans, as well. | |
| Related: 'The oppression is high': Cuban police break up protest ahead of Obama's visit | |
| Between 27-70 political prisoners in Cuba at the end of 2015, per Freedom House, an indie watchdog group. pic.twitter.com/poREgWJ5q2 | |
| 7.01pm GMT | |
| 19:01 | |
| Castro defends Cuba's record on human rights | |
| Castro answers a question about Cuba’s compliance with international standards of human rights. | |
| “There are 61 international instruments to recognize how many countries in the world comply with all the human rights and civil rights,” he sys. | |
| “What country complies with them all? Do you know? I know. None. Not a single country. Some countries comply with some rights, others apply others.” | |
| He says that Cuba complies with 40, and that he doesn’t believe human rights issues should be “politicized”. | |
| “Do you think that there’s a more central right than to healthcare? So that millions of children don’t die for the lack of a vaccine or treatment?” he asks. | |
| “Do you agree with the right to free education, for all those born everywhere in the world? I think many countries don’t think this is a human right.” | |
| He boasts about Cuba’s healthcare system, saying that pregnant women go to the hospital days before they’re due to ensure a safe delivery – “it doesn’t matter whether they live in distant places or the country.” | |
| Then Castro points out that Cuba has laws about equal pay regardless of gender: “In Cuba women get the same pay for the same work. I can give you many, many examples. | |
| “I don’t think we can use the argument of human rights for political confrontation. That’s not fair. That’s not correct. I’m not saying that’s not honest, or that it’s not part of discussions, but let us work together so that we can all comply with rights. | |
| “I’m going to end here because there’s a commitment we’ve got to get to.” | |
| But the question about political prisoners is clearly still on his mind: “It’s not right to ask me about political prisoners in general, please give me the name of a political prisoner.” | |
| Updated | |
| at 7.16pm GMT | |
| 6.54pm GMT | |
| 18:54 | |
| Obama: the embargo will end | |
| “The embargo’s gonna end,” Obama declares. “When, I can’t be entirely sure … and the path is going to continue beyond my adminsitration. | |
| “The reason is logic. The reason is what we did for 50 years did not serve our interests or the interests of the Cuban people. … If you keep on doing something over and over again for 50 years and it doesn’t work it might make sense to try something new.” | |
| He gets to the qualification: “Having said that lifting the embargo requires the votes of a majority in Congress and maybe even more than a majority in the Senate. As I’ve indicated to President Castro two things I think will help accelerate the case … | |
| “The first is to the degree that we can take advantage of the existing changes that we’ve already made … that will help to validate this change in policy.” | |
| He gives the example of allowing US companies to build infrastructure and internet access in Cuba, saying that this will open the country and make business easier for Americans and Cubans both. | |
| “The second area is human rights,” he continues. “People are still concerned about that inside of Cuba. Keep in mind i’ve got fierce disagreements with the Chinese about Cuba. I’m going to Vietnam. I have deep disagreements with them as well. | |
| If I engage, frankly, clearly, stating what our beliefs are but also being clear that we can’t force change on any particular country, ultimately it has to come from within. That is going to be a more useful strategy than the same kindso f rigid disagreement that for 50 years did nothing. | |
| “What this comes down to,” Obama concludes, “is I have faith in people. If they’re talking and interacting and going to school together and doing business together … they will recognize that people are people. And in that context, I believe that change will occur.” | |
| Updated | |
| at 7.17pm GMT | |
| 6.47pm GMT | 6.47pm GMT |
| 18:47 | 18:47 |
| A reporter asks Castro to expand on his hopeful remarks about “civilized coexistence”, and Castro gives a few examples. | A reporter asks Castro to expand on his hopeful remarks about “civilized coexistence”, and Castro gives a few examples. |
| He notes the cooperation between doctors “In Haiti with cholera, and Africa with Ebola, that [cooperation] is the future of mankind if we want to save the human species.” | He notes the cooperation between doctors “In Haiti with cholera, and Africa with Ebola, that [cooperation] is the future of mankind if we want to save the human species.” |
| “Water levels are rising,” he adds, alluding to US-Cuba cooperation on climate change, and then he loses his train of thought somewhat. “These are too many questions for me – I think some should go to President Obama.” | “Water levels are rising,” he adds, alluding to US-Cuba cooperation on climate change, and then he loses his train of thought somewhat. “These are too many questions for me – I think some should go to President Obama.” |
| Obama answers a question about the embargo. “We have administratively made a number of modifications on the embargo,” he says. | Obama answers a question about the embargo. “We have administratively made a number of modifications on the embargo,” he says. |
| “We’ve actually been fairly aggressive in exercising as much flexibility as we can given that the law putting the embargo in place has not been repealed by Congress.” | “We’ve actually been fairly aggressive in exercising as much flexibility as we can given that the law putting the embargo in place has not been repealed by Congress.” |
| “There may be some technical aspects that we can still make adjustments on depending on problems as they arise. For instance the issue around the dollar and the need to make modifications … to encourage rather than discourage reforms that the Cuban government itself is willing to engage in and to facilitate trade and commerce.” | “There may be some technical aspects that we can still make adjustments on depending on problems as they arise. For instance the issue around the dollar and the need to make modifications … to encourage rather than discourage reforms that the Cuban government itself is willing to engage in and to facilitate trade and commerce.” |
| Obama blames Congress a bit for tying his hands: “Frankly Congress is not as active as I would like during presidential election years.” | Obama blames Congress a bit for tying his hands: “Frankly Congress is not as active as I would like during presidential election years.” |
| But he says he’s still hopeful: “The fact that we have such a large congressional delegation, including Republicans and Democrats, is an indication that there is growing interest for lifting the embargo.” | But he says he’s still hopeful: “The fact that we have such a large congressional delegation, including Republicans and Democrats, is an indication that there is growing interest for lifting the embargo.” |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 7.18pm GMT | |
| 6.42pm GMT | 6.42pm GMT |
| 18:42 | 18:42 |
| Castro denies Cuban political prisoners exist | |
| The second to Castro: this is a new direction for your country, why do you have Cuban political prisoners, and why don’t you release them? | The second to Castro: this is a new direction for your country, why do you have Cuban political prisoners, and why don’t you release them? |
| Castro is defiant. “Give me a list and I’ll release them,” he says, suggesting Cuba has none. “If we have those political prisoners they will be released before tonight ends.” | Castro is defiant. “Give me a list and I’ll release them,” he says, suggesting Cuba has none. “If we have those political prisoners they will be released before tonight ends.” |
| A third to Castro: who do you prefer, Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump? | A third to Castro: who do you prefer, Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump? |
| “Well, I can’t vote in the United States,” Castro jokes. | “Well, I can’t vote in the United States,” Castro jokes. |
| NB: Obama did not answer the question about why he didn’t meet Fidel Castro. | NB: Obama did not answer the question about why he didn’t meet Fidel Castro. |
| Updated | |
| at 7.21pm GMT | |
| 6.38pm GMT | 6.38pm GMT |
| 18:38 | 18:38 |
| The presidents take questions. The first to Obama: how did you urge Castro on human rights and why didn’t you meet with Fidel Castro? | The presidents take questions. The first to Obama: how did you urge Castro on human rights and why didn’t you meet with Fidel Castro? |
| Obama: “We had a very frank conversation around issues of democracy and human rights. Our starting point is we have two different systems, different systems of government, of economy. And we have decades of differences,” he says. | Obama: “We had a very frank conversation around issues of democracy and human rights. Our starting point is we have two different systems, different systems of government, of economy. And we have decades of differences,” he says. |
| “What I have said to President Castro is we are moving forward and not looking backward, that we don’t view Cuba as a threat to the United States. | “What I have said to President Castro is we are moving forward and not looking backward, that we don’t view Cuba as a threat to the United States. |
| “America believes in democracy, we believe that freedom of speech and freedom of assembly, and freedom of religion are not just American values but are universal values. | “America believes in democracy, we believe that freedom of speech and freedom of assembly, and freedom of religion are not just American values but are universal values. |
| “They may not be enshrined in the founding documents or constitution of every country … but the impulse, the human impulse toward freedom, the freedom that Jose Marti talked about, we think is a universal [freedom].” | “They may not be enshrined in the founding documents or constitution of every country … but the impulse, the human impulse toward freedom, the freedom that Jose Marti talked about, we think is a universal [freedom].” |
| “President Castro has pointed out in his view that everybody gets decent education or healthcare,” Obama continues, “are universal human rights as well.” | “President Castro has pointed out in his view that everybody gets decent education or healthcare,” Obama continues, “are universal human rights as well.” |
| “I personally don’t disagree with him, but it doesn’t detract” from the other conversations, he insists. | “I personally don’t disagree with him, but it doesn’t detract” from the other conversations, he insists. |
| “It’s not for the United States to dictate to Cuba how they should govern themselves,” he continues. “Hopefully that we can learn from each other. It does not mean that it has to be the only issue that we talk about.” | “It’s not for the United States to dictate to Cuba how they should govern themselves,” he continues. “Hopefully that we can learn from each other. It does not mean that it has to be the only issue that we talk about.” |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 7.15pm GMT | |
| 6.32pm GMT | 6.32pm GMT |
| 18:32 | 18:32 |
| “Even as Cubans prepare for the arrival of the Rolling Stones, we’re moving ahead,” with other cultural exchanges, Obama says. | “Even as Cubans prepare for the arrival of the Rolling Stones, we’re moving ahead,” with other cultural exchanges, Obama says. |
| “We all look forward to tomorrow’s matchup between the Tampa Bay Rays and Cuba’s national team, and more broadly we’re moving ahead with agreements on health, science and the environment.” | “We all look forward to tomorrow’s matchup between the Tampa Bay Rays and Cuba’s national team, and more broadly we’re moving ahead with agreements on health, science and the environment.” |
| He gives special praise to Cuban doctors who traveled to west Africa to combat Ebola. | He gives special praise to Cuban doctors who traveled to west Africa to combat Ebola. |
| “As two countries threatened by climate change I believe we can work together to protect communities on low-lying coasts.” | “As two countries threatened by climate change I believe we can work together to protect communities on low-lying coasts.” |
| Finally, he says Cuba and the US are working on regional security, particularly human and drug trafficking – and resolving the 52-year war between Farc rebels and the government in Colombia. He adds that he and Castro only spoke briefly | Finally, he says Cuba and the US are working on regional security, particularly human and drug trafficking – and resolving the 52-year war between Farc rebels and the government in Colombia. He adds that he and Castro only spoke briefly |
| “We remain optimistic that Colombians can achieve a lasting” peace, Obama says. “As you indicated the road ahead won’t be easy, fortunately we don’t have to swim with sharks in order to achieve the goals we’ve set forth.” | “We remain optimistic that Colombians can achieve a lasting” peace, Obama says. “As you indicated the road ahead won’t be easy, fortunately we don’t have to swim with sharks in order to achieve the goals we’ve set forth.” |
| “I’m absolutely confident that if we stay on this course we can achieve a better and brighter future for the Cuban and American people. Muchas gracias.” | “I’m absolutely confident that if we stay on this course we can achieve a better and brighter future for the Cuban and American people. Muchas gracias.” |
| “We're focused on the future”-@POTUS with Pres. Castro. Get the facts on #USCuba relations: https://t.co/LTJWzR14UN https://t.co/qwJl1pE4xc | |
| Updated | |
| at 7.11pm GMT | |
| 6.29pm GMT | 6.29pm GMT |
| 18:29 | 18:29 |
| The president begins his own laundry list of diplomatic achievements in the last year. | The president begins his own laundry list of diplomatic achievements in the last year. |
| He says the US has expanded new flights, and begun resuming cruises and ferry service, meaning “even more Americans visiting Cuba in the years ahead and appreciating the incredible history and culture of the Cuban people.” | He says the US has expanded new flights, and begun resuming cruises and ferry service, meaning “even more Americans visiting Cuba in the years ahead and appreciating the incredible history and culture of the Cuban people.” |
| Then its trade. He says new rules allow the US dollar to be used more widely, more access to the dollar in international transactions, and allowing Cubans in the US to earn salaries. | Then its trade. He says new rules allow the US dollar to be used more widely, more access to the dollar in international transactions, and allowing Cubans in the US to earn salaries. |
| “Just as I continue to call on Congress to lift the trade embargo, I encouraged President Castro” to ease restrictions on business in Cuba itself, Obama says. | “Just as I continue to call on Congress to lift the trade embargo, I encouraged President Castro” to ease restrictions on business in Cuba itself, Obama says. |
| Then he says “we want to help” bring Cuba online. “In the 21st century countries cannot be successful unless their citizens have access to the internet.” | Then he says “we want to help” bring Cuba online. “In the 21st century countries cannot be successful unless their citizens have access to the internet.” |
| 6.26pm GMT | 6.26pm GMT |
| 18:26 | 18:26 |
| Obama warns his speech will be a little long: “We have a half a century of work to catch up on.” | Obama warns his speech will be a little long: “We have a half a century of work to catch up on.” |
| “Our growing engagement with Cuba is guided by one overarching goal: advancing the interest of our continent” and the lives of their nation’s peoples. | “Our growing engagement with Cuba is guided by one overarching goal: advancing the interest of our continent” and the lives of their nation’s peoples. |
| He says he’s had “very frank and candid conversations” about human rights with Castro, which they have great differences on. | He says he’s had “very frank and candid conversations” about human rights with Castro, which they have great differences on. |
| Then he praises Cuba’s “enormous achievements” in education and healthcare, and says the US has no interest in directing the island’s fate. | Then he praises Cuba’s “enormous achievements” in education and healthcare, and says the US has no interest in directing the island’s fate. |
| That’s “not be decided by the United states or any other nation,” he says. “Cuba is sovereign and rightly has great pride. And the future of Cuba will be decided by Cubans, and not by anybody else.” | That’s “not be decided by the United states or any other nation,” he says. “Cuba is sovereign and rightly has great pride. And the future of Cuba will be decided by Cubans, and not by anybody else.” |
| Obama adds that he appreciates Castro’s criticism of access to basic rights in the US: “We welcome that constructive dialogue as well. Because we believe that … we can learn and make the lives of our people better.” | Obama adds that he appreciates Castro’s criticism of access to basic rights in the US: “We welcome that constructive dialogue as well. Because we believe that … we can learn and make the lives of our people better.” |
| “I’m very pleased that we’ve agreed to hold our next Cuba-US human rights dialogue in Havana.” | “I’m very pleased that we’ve agreed to hold our next Cuba-US human rights dialogue in Havana.” |
| "I bring with me the greetings and friendship of the American people"-@POTUS speaking with Pres. Castro. #CubaVisit https://t.co/wTehOTuCQl | |
| Updated | |
| at 7.20pm GMT | |
| 6.22pm GMT | 6.22pm GMT |
| 18:22 | 18:22 |
| Obama speaks from Havana | Obama speaks from Havana |
| Barack Obama thanks Castro for his hospitality, and says that it would have been “unimaginable” for more than 50 years to hear an American president speak from Cuba. | Barack Obama thanks Castro for his hospitality, and says that it would have been “unimaginable” for more than 50 years to hear an American president speak from Cuba. |
| He briefly goes off the speech and gives his condolences to the family of a US marine killed in Iraq this weekend. Then he returns to his prepared remarks, saying that it was important to him and his family, including his two daughters, to join him on this trip. | He briefly goes off the speech and gives his condolences to the family of a US marine killed in Iraq this weekend. Then he returns to his prepared remarks, saying that it was important to him and his family, including his two daughters, to join him on this trip. |
| “They wanted to come to Cuba because they understood and we wanted to show them the beauty of Cuba and its people. We were moved by the Cubans who received us yesterday … we were grateful for the experience to see Old Havana.” | “They wanted to come to Cuba because they understood and we wanted to show them the beauty of Cuba and its people. We were moved by the Cubans who received us yesterday … we were grateful for the experience to see Old Havana.” |
| He again praises Jose Marti, the 19th century poet who fought the Spanish, saying he values “not only his role in the fight for Cuban independence but his words.” | He again praises Jose Marti, the 19th century poet who fought the Spanish, saying he values “not only his role in the fight for Cuban independence but his words.” |
| “I bring with me the greetings and the friendship of the American people,” Obama continues, noting that he has dozens of members of Congress with him on the trip. | “I bring with me the greetings and the friendship of the American people,” Obama continues, noting that he has dozens of members of Congress with him on the trip. |
| He says it’s “the largest such delegation of my presidency and it indicates the excitement and interest in America in the process we’ve undertaken.” | He says it’s “the largest such delegation of my presidency and it indicates the excitement and interest in America in the process we’ve undertaken.” |
| Updated | |
| at 7.13pm GMT | |
| 6.19pm GMT | 6.19pm GMT |
| 18:19 | 18:19 |
| Castro says he hopes for “a new type of relationship, one that has never existed before.” | Castro says he hopes for “a new type of relationship, one that has never existed before.” |
| “Destroying a bridge can be an easy and quick undertaking,” he says. “Its solid reconstruction can prove a long and difficult endeavor.” | “Destroying a bridge can be an easy and quick undertaking,” he says. “Its solid reconstruction can prove a long and difficult endeavor.” |
| He then tells the story of Diane Nyad, an American swimmer who repeatedly tried to swim from Florida to Cuba without an anti-shark cage. She finally succeeded, Castro remembers. “Such a feat delivers a powerful message, one that should serve as an example to our nations.” | He then tells the story of Diane Nyad, an American swimmer who repeatedly tried to swim from Florida to Cuba without an anti-shark cage. She finally succeeded, Castro remembers. “Such a feat delivers a powerful message, one that should serve as an example to our nations.” |
| “If she could do it, then we can do it too.” | “If she could do it, then we can do it too.” |
| 6.16pm GMT | 6.16pm GMT |
| 18:16 | 18:16 |
| Castro says that he and Obama discussed international relations. | Castro says that he and Obama discussed international relations. |
| “There are profound differences between our countries that will not go away, since we hold different ideas on many subjects, such as political systems, democracy, the exercise of human rights, social justice, international relations, and world peace and stability.” | “There are profound differences between our countries that will not go away, since we hold different ideas on many subjects, such as political systems, democracy, the exercise of human rights, social justice, international relations, and world peace and stability.” |
| “We defend human rights. We consider that the civil, political, economic and cultural rights are indivisible, interdependent and universal.” | |
| He then criticizes the US on a number of fronts: “Actually, we find it inconceivable that a government does not ensure the right to healthcare, education, social security, food, and development, equal pay, and the rights of children.” | He then criticizes the US on a number of fronts: “Actually, we find it inconceivable that a government does not ensure the right to healthcare, education, social security, food, and development, equal pay, and the rights of children.” |
| ”We oppose political manipulation and double standards in the approach to ciil rights,” he says, a line that could easily be read as a criticism of US actions in Guantánamo versus its rhetoric on human rights. | ”We oppose political manipulation and double standards in the approach to ciil rights,” he says, a line that could easily be read as a criticism of US actions in Guantánamo versus its rhetoric on human rights. |
| He adds that he and Obama have agreed to keep talking. “We should learn the art of co-existing with our differences in a civilized manner.” | He adds that he and Obama have agreed to keep talking. “We should learn the art of co-existing with our differences in a civilized manner.” |
| “The revolutionary government is willing to advance toward normalization of relations because it is convinced that both countries can co-exist and cooperate in a civilized manner and for their mutual benefit, and thus contribute to peace, security and development in our continent and around the world.” | “The revolutionary government is willing to advance toward normalization of relations because it is convinced that both countries can co-exist and cooperate in a civilized manner and for their mutual benefit, and thus contribute to peace, security and development in our continent and around the world.” |
| Castro says embargo and Guantanamo are 2 biggest obstacles to fully normalized US-Cuba relations pic.twitter.com/pJVgofLKaO | |
| Updated | |
| at 7.22pm GMT | |
| 6.11pm GMT | 6.11pm GMT |
| 18:11 | 18:11 |
| Castro: end the embargo and return Guantánamo | Castro: end the embargo and return Guantánamo |
| Castro continues to say that there’s also been progress on projects to bring medicines to Cuba. | Castro continues to say that there’s also been progress on projects to bring medicines to Cuba. |
| “Much more could be done if the US blockade were lifted,” he says. “We recognize the position of president Obama and his administration against the blockade, and his repeated appeals to Congress to have it removed. | “Much more could be done if the US blockade were lifted,” he says. “We recognize the position of president Obama and his administration against the blockade, and his repeated appeals to Congress to have it removed. |
| “The most reasoned measures adopted by his administration are positive but insufficient. | “The most reasoned measures adopted by his administration are positive but insufficient. |
| “I had the opportunity to discuss with the president other steps that could be taken to remove restrictions that remain in force and make a significant effect in the reduction of the blockade. | “I had the opportunity to discuss with the president other steps that could be taken to remove restrictions that remain in force and make a significant effect in the reduction of the blockade. |
| “The blockade remains in force and it contains discouraging elements and intimidating effects and [is guilty of] extraterritorial outreach.” | “The blockade remains in force and it contains discouraging elements and intimidating effects and [is guilty of] extraterritorial outreach.” |
| He says he told Obama about some examples of how the blockade hurts Cuba and other countries. “It would bring benefits to Cuban emigres who wish the best for their families.” | He says he told Obama about some examples of how the blockade hurts Cuba and other countries. “It would bring benefits to Cuban emigres who wish the best for their families.” |
| Castro also says Cuba demands the US: “return the territory illegally occupied by Guantánamo Base.” | Castro also says Cuba demands the US: “return the territory illegally occupied by Guantánamo Base.” |
| He also takes a swipe at pro-democracy efforts: “No one should demand the Cuban people renounce their freedom and sovereignty.” | He also takes a swipe at pro-democracy efforts: “No one should demand the Cuban people renounce their freedom and sovereignty.” |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 7.21pm GMT | |
| 6.07pm GMT | 6.07pm GMT |
| 18:07 | 18:07 |
| Castro delivers remarks | Castro delivers remarks |
| Barack Obama and Raúl Castro are at the podiums, and Castro begins. | Barack Obama and Raúl Castro are at the podiums, and Castro begins. |
| “Mr President Barack Obama, We are pleased to welcome you on this the first visit of a president of the United states of America to our country in 88 years. | “Mr President Barack Obama, We are pleased to welcome you on this the first visit of a president of the United states of America to our country in 88 years. |
| “In the 15 months that have passed since the decsion was made to establish diplomatic relations, we have achieved concrete results.” | “In the 15 months that have passed since the decsion was made to establish diplomatic relations, we have achieved concrete results.” |
| “We were able to resume direct postal exchanges and we signed an agreement to resume commercial flights.” | “We were able to resume direct postal exchanges and we signed an agreement to resume commercial flights.” |
| He praises agreements on the protection of maritime environments and the rights of sea navigation, and he says today another agreement will be signed on agriculture. He says there are teams no working on deals to fight drug trafficking and to work together on medical initiatives, including one to combat the Zika virus. | He praises agreements on the protection of maritime environments and the rights of sea navigation, and he says today another agreement will be signed on agriculture. He says there are teams no working on deals to fight drug trafficking and to work together on medical initiatives, including one to combat the Zika virus. |
| “Cuban enterprises and their American counterparts are working to identify possible commercial operations that could materialize in the still restrictive framework of regulations. Some have already begun, especially in telecommunications.” | “Cuban enterprises and their American counterparts are working to identify possible commercial operations that could materialize in the still restrictive framework of regulations. Some have already begun, especially in telecommunications.” |
| 5.56pm GMT | 5.56pm GMT |
| 17:56 | 17:56 |
| We’re waiting on Barack Obama and Raúl Castro, who’ve finished the first bilateral meeting between an American and Cuban president and are expected to deliver remarks any minute now. | We’re waiting on Barack Obama and Raúl Castro, who’ve finished the first bilateral meeting between an American and Cuban president and are expected to deliver remarks any minute now. |
| Obama's closest adviser Valerie Jarrett waits for her boss to walk into the press conference with Raul Castro pic.twitter.com/MaW09RswQv | Obama's closest adviser Valerie Jarrett waits for her boss to walk into the press conference with Raul Castro pic.twitter.com/MaW09RswQv |
| 5.44pm GMT | 5.44pm GMT |
| 17:44 | 17:44 |
| Jonathan Watts | Jonathan Watts |
| The Guardian’s Latin America correspondent, Jonathan Watts, is with the giant American delegation to Cuba and investigating a conspicuous lack of Castro yesterday when Barack Obama landed in Havana. | The Guardian’s Latin America correspondent, Jonathan Watts, is with the giant American delegation to Cuba and investigating a conspicuous lack of Castro yesterday when Barack Obama landed in Havana. |
| There has been a lot of speculation in Havana about why Castro did not welcome Obama at the airport on Sunday, as he did for Pope Francis last September. Instead, the official greeting was from foreign minister Bruno Rodríguez. | There has been a lot of speculation in Havana about why Castro did not welcome Obama at the airport on Sunday, as he did for Pope Francis last September. Instead, the official greeting was from foreign minister Bruno Rodríguez. |
| This was also a lower level of protocol than Russian President Vladimir Putin and Venezuelan president Nicholas Maduro received – both leaders were met by the government’s number two, Diaz Cannel. | This was also a lower level of protocol than Russian President Vladimir Putin and Venezuelan president Nicholas Maduro received – both leaders were met by the government’s number two, Diaz Cannel. |
| Asked whether this was a snub, US officials dismissed Castro’s absence. saying it was not normal or expected on visits of this type to be met at the airport by a president. Maybe “US normal” is different from “Cuban normal”? | Asked whether this was a snub, US officials dismissed Castro’s absence. saying it was not normal or expected on visits of this type to be met at the airport by a president. Maybe “US normal” is different from “Cuban normal”? |
| It has been a challenge getting around Havana today because of the traffic disruption caused by the Obama motorcade. Chunks of the city have been blocked off and drivers are never sure how long they will have to wait. | It has been a challenge getting around Havana today because of the traffic disruption caused by the Obama motorcade. Chunks of the city have been blocked off and drivers are never sure how long they will have to wait. |
| As he got more frustrated this morning, my driver started singing a ditty, “Oh Obama, que vienes a hacer, aqui en Habana?” | As he got more frustrated this morning, my driver started singing a ditty, “Oh Obama, que vienes a hacer, aqui en Habana?” |
| En ingles: “Oh Obama, what have you come to do, here in Havana?” | En ingles: “Oh Obama, what have you come to do, here in Havana?” |