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Address by Cuban President Raul Castro Cuban President officially announced the arrival appearance Homeland Gerardo, Antonio and Ramon, and the restoration of diplomatic relations between Cuba and the United States Raul Castro Ruz, in Granma, Havana, 17 December 2014 Since my election as President of the Councils of State and Ministers, I have reiterated on many occasions, our willingness to support the government of the United States respectful dialogue, based on sovereign equality, to discuss different topics reciprocally without prejudice to national independence and self-determination of our people. This is a position that was expressed to the Government of the United States, public and private, by comrade Fidel at different times in our long struggle, with the approach of discussing and resolving differences through negotiations without giving up one of our principles. The heroic Cuban people have demonstrated against great dangers, attacks, hardships and sacrifices, is and will be true to our ideals of independence and social justice. Closely united in these 56 years of Revolution, we have kept deep loyalty to those who fell defending these principles since the beginning of our wars of independence in 1868. Now we carry, despite the difficulties, updating our economic model to build a prosperous and sustainable socialism. Result of a dialogue at the highest level, including a telephone conversation I had yesterday with President Barack Obama, has made progress in addressing some issues of interest to both nations. As Fidel promised, in June 2001, when he said, will return !, arrived in our country today, Gerardo, Ramón and Antonio. The sheer joy of their families and all our people, who mobilized tirelessly to that end, extends between the hundreds of committees and groups of solidarity; governments, parliaments, organizations, institutions and personalities that during these 16 years and made strenuous efforts demanded for his release. All of them express our deepest gratitude and commitment. This decision by President Obama deserves the respect and recognition of our people. I want to thank and acknowledge the support of the Vatican, and especially, the Pope Francis, the improvement of relations between Cuba and the United States. Similarly, the Government of Canada for the facilities created for the realization of high-level dialogue between the two countries. In turn, we decided to release and send to the United States to a Cuban spy who served in that nation. Moreover, based on humanitarian grounds, today was also returned to his country US citizen Alan Gross. Unilaterally, as is our practice and strict adherence to our legal system, have received benefits corresponding criminal inmates, including the release of persons for whom the Government of the United States had shown interest. Likewise, we agree to the restoration of diplomatic relations. This does not mean that the main thing is resolved. The economic, commercial and financial blockade caused enormous human and economic damage to our country must cease. Although sanctions have been converted into law, the President of the United States can modify your application using its executive powers. Propose to the Government of the United States take mutual steps to improve bilateral climate and move towards normalization of ties between our countries, based on the principles of international law and the United Nations Charter. Cuba reiterates its willingness to sustain cooperation in multilateral bodies such as the United Nations. Recognizing that we have deep differences, mainly on national sovereignty, democracy, human rights and foreign policy, I reaffirm our willingness to discuss all these issues. I urge the Government of the United States to remove obstacles that prevent or restrict the links between our peoples, families and citizens of both countries, in particular those relating to travel, direct mail and telecommunications. Progress in sustained exchanges show that it is possible to find solutions to many problems. As we have said, we must learn the art of living, in a civilized manner, with our differences. On these important issues we will speak later. Thank you very much. [email protected] From: http://www.granma.cu/cuba/2014-12-17/alocucion-del-presidente-cubano-raul-ca stro -- -- You are subscribed. This footer can help you. Please POST your comments to [email protected] or reply to this message. 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