Obama recognizes the government of Cuba obstacles for the road to normalization

Obama-Castro-press-conference

The Obama administration in its new package of measures and policy to make the changes irreversible difficulties and obstacles recognized by the government of Cuba that hinder the way to normalization.

"The participation of the United States with the Cuban government will be constrained by the continued repression of civil and political freedoms in Cuba , " Obama recognizes the directive.

The directive is anticipated that the government of Cuba will continue to oppose the change and delaying the process of normalization with the island.

Here are some excerpts of Obama policy.

Cuba is experiencing several transitions in areas such as leadership, economy, technological development, civil society and regional and global integration. Cuba's leaders recognize the need to make the transition to the next generation, but their priority is to make gradual changes and increases to ensure stability.

Cuba has an important economic potential rooted in the dynamism of its people and sustained commitment in areas such as education and health. However, the Cuban government faces major economic challenges, such as the elimination of its system of dual exchange rate, make its state companies more efficient and transparent, develop a financial system that offers extended services to individuals and industry private, and reducing its dependence on foreign grants.

Cuba remains highly dependent on imports of food and energy, however, must cope with the shortage of sources of foreign exchange to pay for imports you need. Significant emigration of Cubans working age population further aggravates the problem of Cuba which has a rapidly aging population.

A series of laws limiting US economic engagement with Cuba, which prevents complete elimination of travel restrictions in the United States to Cuba, prohibits government support US exports and providing credit of the United States for the purchase of agricultural products for Cuba, and require that the embargo will not be suspended or terminated unless the President determines that a transition government or elected democratically come to power in Cuba.

Due to legal restrictions and regulatory policies regarding Cuba, its economy is not generating enough foreign exchange to buy US exports that could arise from the easing of the embargo. Even if the United States Congress were to lift the embargo, Cubans can not realize their potential without continued economic reform in Cuba.

Cuban government regulations and opaque procurement practices hinder transactions that would be permitted under the laws of the United States with American companies. Standardization efforts have raised expectations of Cubans greater economic opportunities. It is estimated that 1 in 4 Cuban employees participating in an industry of entrepreneurs, an emerging, dynamic and independent private sector. The expansion of the private sector has increased resources to the Cuban people and created openings for nascent entrepreneurs involved with Cuban companies and non - governmental organizations in the United States.We note the measures undertaken by the Cuban government, although limited, are significant in regard to the expansion of legal protections and opportunities for small and medium enterprises, and which, if they expand and maintain, will improve the investment climate.

Cuba is not a member of international financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the Inter - American Development Bank, which could offer experience and possible economic and financial reforms and viable projects for investment. Although

Cuba has reached an agreement with several creditor nations for relief of bilateral debt through restructuring and forgiveness, it remains indebted to the government of the United States on bilateral debts before the Cuban revolution and does not participate in international capital markets. Cuba and the United States are members of the World Trade Organization (WTO), however, neither country is applying its agreements with respect to the other because of the embargo of the United States to Cuba.

The approach has allowed us to increase our cooperation with Cuba in regional issues such as the peace process in Colombia and healthcare in Haiti, and has undermined a historical meeting for critical regimes of the United States. Although Cuba has not expressed interest in participating in the OAS, he attended the Summit of the Americas in 2015. We also received willingly venture between Cuba and other allies of the United States around the world, including our allies treaties Europeans and Asians.At the same time, we recognize that Cuba and the United States will continue to have differences on many regional and global issues.

The participation of the United States with the Cuban government will also be limited by the continued repression of civil and political freedoms in Cuba. We anticipate that the Cuban government will continue to oppose US policies and migration operations and democracy programs, Radio and TV Marti, the presence of the United States Naval Base in Guantanamo, and the embargo.

The Government of the United States has no intention to change the current lease agreement and other provisions relating Guantanamo Naval Base, which allows the United States to improve and preserve regional security.

In this strategic environment, policies and actions that the United States seeks to advance our vision of normalization of relations between the United States and Cuba will shape significantly to the future of bilateral and regional relations so as well as our security and shared prosperity