Cuba says it is willing to open dialogue with the United States

2011-09-27 19:53:50 GMT+7 (ICT)

HAVANA, CUBA (BNO NEWS) -- The government of Cuba on Tuesday said it is willing to open a 'respectful dialogue' with the government of the United States to discuss 'pending issues.'

Josefina Vidal, Director of the Cuban Foreign Ministry's North American Department, confirmed that its government is willing to begin political dialogue with the United States in mutual respect, although noting that it would not accept special conditions from the White House in order to have a civilized relationship.

"Cuba reaffirms its traditional position to hold a respectful dialogue with the United States to resolve pending issues," Vidal stated. "Our only requirements are that the meeting be carried out on the basis of equity, reciprocity, and equality."

Since Raul Castro took over the Cuban Presidency in 2008, which had been under his brother Fidel Castro for over 30 years, the country has expressed willingness to open dialogue with the United States.

The U.S. and Cuba have not had official political ties since the early 60s as the current embargo prohibits U.S. corporations from doing business with Cuba. However, U.S. President Barack Obama has eased travel restrictions for Cuban Americans and eased some of the country's economic sanctions.

Cuba has requested the complete lifting of the embargo as well as the release of five Cuban agents accused of spying. The accused spies have been imprisoned in the United States since 1998.

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This needs to resolved, but Florida has both a significant Cuban community and 25 electoral votes. For this reason talks won't begin until at least the first Wednesday of November 2012.