Statements of Cuba's Minister of Foreign Relations

"The most serious and dangerous aspect about this new situation is uncertainty about the real capacity of current authorities in Washington to overcome political and ideological currents that, under the previous administration, threatened the world."

"The neoconservative forces that took George Bush to the presidency ... have very quickly regrouped and still have the reins of power and considerable influence, contrary to the announced change."

"the American fascist right, represented by (former Vice President Dick) Cheney, openly supports and sustains the [military] coup [in Honduras]."

"The world reacted with profound optimism to the change in government in Washington," Rodriguez said. But he added Obama's words, including promises to make changes in several U.S. policies, do not "coincide with reality".

"The detention and torture center at Guantanamo Naval Base, which usurps part of Cuban territory, has not been shut down. The occupation troops in Iraq have not been withdrawn. The war in Afghanistan is expanding," he said.

EMBARGO "REMAINS INTACT"

Regarding Cuba, Rodriguez said Obama had taken "positive" steps" by allowing Cuban Americans to travel and send money freely to the communist-ruled island.

He added U.S.-initiated talks with Havana on migration and on the possible reinstatement of direct postal service between the long-time foes had been "respectful and fruitful."

But he said many other issues had not been addressed, above all the 47-year-old U.S. trade embargo against Cuba, which the Cuban government blames for most of its economic problems.

Rodriguez said Obama had acted "contrary to what all the American public opinion polls reflect" when he signed two weeks ago a yearly renewal of the act that imposes the embargo.

"The crucial thing is that the economic, commercial and financial blockade against Cuba remains intact," he said.

Rodriguez said the U.S. embargo would never achieve its goal. "Those who try to put an end to the revolution and bend the will of the Cuban people are suffering from delusions," he said.

Source: Reuters

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JG: Cuba's Minister of Foreign Relations is absolutely right in his appraisal of the Obama administration. Obama is 100% capitalist, and therefore seeks the destruction of Cuba's Socialist system. When he talks about bringing "liberty" to Cuba he continues with the failed policies of his ten predecessors. and shows his total ignorance of Cuban history. Obama would like, if he could, turn Cuba into another garish temple of imperialist decadence like Cancun, Mexico, or turn Cuba into another docile and submissive Puerto Rico.

Those of us who were hoping for "audacious hope" from Barack Obama have reached the conclusion that he is merely following in the footsteps of one the the most corrupt and immoral of U.S. Presidents: Bill Clinton.

With his "me too" policies, which mimic those of George W. Bush, we now know that Barack H. Obama is not a person worthy of trust. I will never vote for him again. He got elected because people voted for the "lesser of two evils" when they compared him to John McCain.

Cuba is wasting its time when it sits at the table with functionaries of the Obama administration. He is not a friend of Cuba. He is the enemy.