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Cuba, U.S.
Resume Migration Talks
Havana - Cuba and the United
States on Tuesday resumed their migration talks
after a five-year hiatus, in the UN headquarters in
New York.
Cuba reaffirmed its "unequivocal" adherence to the
U.S.-Cuba Migration Accords, singed 15 years ago.
Cuban vice foreign minister Dagoberto Rodriguez said
it was "a fruitful working session" that will help
implement the migration agreements reached by both
sides.
U.S. State Department spokesman Ian Kelly said in a
statement that the United States reaffirmed its
commitment to promote "safe, orderly, and legal
migration."
"The United States views these talks as a venue to
achieve practical, positive results that contribute
to the full implementation of the Accords and to the
safety of our citizens," he said.
The migration talks were suspended in 2004 by the
U.S. government, citing Cuba's refusal to enter
talks on some "important issues." However, Cuba said
Washington was only trying to please the ultra right
anti-Cuban groups in Miami.
According to Kelly, the talks had a further
political meaning. "Engaging in these talks
underscores our interest in pursuing constructive
discussions with the government of Cuba to advance
U.S. interests on issues of mutual concern," he
said.
Since President Barack Obama took office in January,
the U.S. government has taken some favorable steps
on Cuba. In April, Obama eased restrictions on
travel and remittances to Cuba by U.S. nationals of
Cuban descent.
Cuban leader Raul Castro also expressed interests in
holding discussions with the United States on issues
of common concern. Cuba has proposed to continue
talks on migration with the United States in
December in Havana. |
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