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What They're Saying: The President's Action on Cuba Policy

December 17, 2014 at 3:35 PM ET by Katherine Vargas
Summary: 
Today, the President announced the most significant changes to our Cuban policy in more than 50 years -- and people from around the world are weighing in.

Today, the President announced the most significant changes to our Cuban policy in more than 50 years -- ending an outdated approach that has failed to advance our interests for decades.

People and organizations from around the world are weighing in. Take a look at what they're saying, and then add your voice to the conversation using hashtag #CubaPolicy.

Read more here.

 

“We hope these monumental steps will contribute to a more full realization of the rights and freedoms of the Cuban people and create tangible avenues for their economic, political, and social engagement.”

 -- Statement by Roots of Hope

“Today’s prisoner exchange between the USA and Cuba presents the best opportunity in more than half a century to forge an agenda for human rights change amid efforts to normalize relations between the two countries.”

-- Statement by Amnesty International

 

“In the last month, President Obama has used executive orders to address the two largest structural impediments to better US relations with Latin America; immigration, and Cuba. We commend his leadership on both counts. Today, nearly 55 years of ineffective Cuba sanctions policy has come to an end.”

-- Peter Schechter, Director, Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

 

Read more here.

“Chag Sameach. What a blessing to be a citizen of the United States of America. Thank you President Obama for everything you have done today.”

-- Statement by Alan Gross, upon returning home

“The Holy Father wishes to express his warm congratulations for the historic decision taken by the Governments of the United States of America and Cuba to establish diplomatic relations, with the aim of overcoming, in the interest of the citizens of both countries, the difficulties which have marked their recent history.”

-- Statement by the Vatican

Katherine Vargas

Director of Hispanic Media