President Obama hailed a “new chapter” in the U.S.-Cuba relationship at the White House Wednesday, announcing the launch of diplomatic talks with the island nation, a potentially legacy-defining item certain to add fuel to the fight over the scope of his executive actions.
“We will end an outdated approach that for decades has failed to advance our interests,” Obama said, announcing the largest shift in U.S. policy on Cuba in decades. “These 50 years have shown that isolation has not worked.”
The Obama administration will initiate diplomatic relations with Cuba and open an embassy in Havana in coming months, the president said.
The deal comes after the U.S. secured the release of government worker Alan Gross, who had been jailed in Cuba for five years, and an unnamed American intelligence source. As part of the deal, the administration agreed to return three Cuban prisoners convicted of spying in Florida on behalf of the Castro government.
The president also announced measures to ease travel and the flow of goods between the United States and Cuba.
However, the embargo on Cuba cannot be lifted without congressional approval. And critics accused the president of putting his legacy ahead of achieving democratic reforms in the communist nation.
“I look forward to engaging Congress in an honest and serious debate about lifting the embargo,” Obama said.
U.S. travelers will be licensed to visit Cuba for family reasons, government business, religious activities and other humanitarian projects.
Obama spoke with Cuban President Raul Castro by phone Tuesday, the first such discussions between the nations’ two leaders in more than five decades. The terms of the deal were hashed out during secret talks in Canada in which Pope Francis personally intervened, officials said.
Under the new guidelines, licensed American travelers are now authorized to import $400 worth of goods from Cuba but are limited to no more than $100 of tobacco products and alcohol.
U.S. banks can open accounts at Cuban financial institutions. And U.S. credit and debit cards are permitted for use in the island nation.
Obama argued that his change in policy was backed by both Americans and Cubans.
“Today the United States wants to be a partner in making the lives of ordinary Cubans a little easier,” Obama said. “I call on all my fellow leaders to give meaning to the commitment of democracy and human rights.”
