Raúl Castro: Cuba ready 'to discuss everything' with U.S.

CNN ^ | 4/17/2009

[Alter Kaker]

(CNN) -- The Cuban government, long the object of a U.S. economic blockade, is prepared to meet with the Obama administration, Cuba's leader said.

We've told the North American government, in private and in public, that we are prepared, wherever they want, to discuss everything -- human rights, freedom of the press, political prisoners -- everything, everything, everything that they want to discuss," Cuban President Raúl Castro said Thursday at a summit of leftist Latin American leaders in Venezuela.

The response came days after President Obama lifted all restrictions on the ability of American citizens to visit relatives in Cuba as well as to send them remittances. Travel restrictions for Americans of non-Cuban descent will remain in place.

This week's move represents a significant shift in a U.S. policy that had remained largely unchanged for nearly half a century. The U.S. government instituted the embargo three years after Fidel Castro came to power in 1959.

In Mexico City for meetings with Mexican President Felipe Calderon, Obama offered a carrot and a stick to Havana.

[444Flyer]

Why don’t we discuss what you all and Russia have been up to?;)

[HiTech RedNeck]

Ayup, and mucho other stuff. We’ll believe it when we see it.

[nickcarraway]

Like who was the best Yankees shortstop?

[Doogle]

tell everything?...hmmmm..ok Raúooool who died after your brother took that face plant a few years back ....

. http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=fidel+falls+down&hl=en&emb=0&aq=0&oq=Fidel+falls#

[DoughtyOne]

I’ll discuss socialism with you, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to adopt it, or change my ways.

Nice try Raul.

[angkor]

>>>> Travel restrictions for Americans of non-Cuban descent will remain in place. <<<<<

Huh?

[San Jacinto]

We've told the North American government, in private and in public, that we are prepared, wherever they want, to discuss everything -- human rights, freedom of the press, political prisoners -- everything, everything, everything that they want to discuss," Cuban President Raúl Castro said Thursday at a summit of leftist Latin American leaders in Venezuela.

AND WE EXPECT TO HAVE NO DISAGREEMENT AT ALL WITH OUR NEW COMRADE IN THE WHITE HOUSE.

[devane617]

To hell with the Castro’s...I say slap the crap out of them, take the cigars, and leave.

[villagerjoel]

I wish I were dictator of Cuba. It would be a wonderful place if you allowed it to become something like the Hong Kong of the Caribbean.

[Dan Nunn]

Maybe Obama can give him some tips.

[Dan Nunn]

I wish I were dictator of Cuba. It would be a wonderful place if you allowed it to become something like the Hong Kong of the Caribbean.

Except you have to wear that awful green military gear all day. When was the last time you saw Fidel or Raul in trunks on the beach soaking up the sun?

[EGPWS]

The Cuban government, long the object of a U.S. economic blockade, is prepared to meet with the Obama administration, Cuba's leader said.

Well, of course it's prepared.

It will be like stealing candy from a baby for them now.

[JennysCool]

A real American president would make any talks with Cuba contingent on the release of political prisoners.

[La Enchiladita]

Paving the way for them to receive U.S.$ aid, among other things.

[Islaminaction]

BINGO!

[keepitreal]

Just bring your checkbook, comrade, and we’ll talk about anything. Once you pay us, we’ll do what we want.

[ScreamingFist]

I see reparations for Cubans coming soon.......

[Joe Boucher]

112 years old and fidel can still slap hell out of bambi.

[CottonBall]

The response came days after President Obama lifted all restrictions on the ability of American citizens to visit relatives in Cuba as well as to send them remittances.

Oh goody. More dollars flowing out of the country. That'll help the recession.