High Level Cuba US Meeting Held for Reason Unknown

[flamingdem]

** Seems like something has got to give, why not now

http://progresoweekly.us/high-level-cuba-u-s-meeting-held-reason-unknown/?utm_source=5-16-14&utm_campaign=5-16-14&utm_medium=email

Assistant Secretary of State Roberta Jacobson met Thursday in Washington with the director of the North American department of the Cuban Foreign Ministry, Josefina Vidal, according to the news agency Agence France-Presse. The U.S. State Department confirmed the meeting.

The two governments have already expressed their interest in normalizing relations through a gradual process, although no concrete steps have been seen so far.

A spokesman for the U.S. State Department told the AFP that the meeting took place in the morning but that neither party revealed details.

The United States and Cuba maintain regular contacts at a technical level to discuss specific issues, such as immigration guidelines and postal activities, but those are not comparable to Vidal’s visit to Washington, which constitutes a high-level diplomatic dialogue.

[rickford66]

1. rediculous stuff still going on

I've met people (US citizens) who travel freely and frequently to Cuba. What's the holdup ?

[Mika]

2. The only US citizens that can go freely to Cuba are those with family living on the island.

All others need a permit, as per US law.

[rickford66]

3. Maybe

But the ones I know of travel for artistic reasons. Not Cubans and have no relatives there. That's all I know. They're well known around here and would have no reason to lie. That's all I know so I won't get into an argument about it.

[Mika]

4. No argument. Just clarification. They have permits.

I know artists who travel to and from Cuba too. They have permits.
The US's requirement for a permit is not "freely" traveling.

[OutNow]

5. US citizens travel to Cuba

The economic boycott of Cuba should be ended immediately. That said, there have been changes to make it easier for US citizens to travel legally to Cuba.

A short description of travel rules can be found at

http://gocaribbean.about.com/od/cuba/a/How-To-Travel-To-Cuba-If-You-Are-An-American.htm

Did you know there is a program for US students to attend medical school in Cuba? Cuba is well known for its excellent health care system. Now students from the US can obtain their medical degree at Cuban medical schools. Learn more at

http://www.ifconews.org/node/1363

[Judi Lynn]

6. The Cuban Foreign Minister's name has come up other times, lately, too.

It would be wonderful to think respectable is going to be done regarding Cuba.

Cannot remember any time hearing Josefina Vidal has traveled to Washington, D.C. This could be very good news. Hope the President has the courage to do something good on the behalf of the majority of U.S. citizens who want to put this hideous history toward the tiny country behind us all.

[center]

Foreign Minister Josefina Vidal[/center]

[flamingdem]

7. We can always dream Judy!

Imagine the reaction from the usual suspects - heads will explode!

So the next thing we'd have to imagine is what deals are being made to make this happen.

[FrodosPet]

9. Engage Cuba NOW! They need commercial relationships and open communications!

Cuba desperately needs foreign investment, knowledge, and markets if it to ever become anything but a destitute island with too many doctors and not enough carpenters, electricians, and plumbers.

[Vogon_Glory]

8. The US And Cuba SHOULD Be Talking

The US and Cuba should be talking, formal diplomatic ties or not. Both countries have common interests and concerns (examples: weather tracking, the ecological health of the Gulf, the activities of Narco-gangsters elsewhere in the Caribbean). Thoughtful people aren't required to be red-flag waving, Che tee shirt-wearing, parlor pinks to see that that discussions between Washington and Havana makes sense.

[flamingdem]

10. Exactly Vogon

It's only logical at this point. When it finally happens the US and Cuba will be good buddies if the relationship is set up with respect, and that respect is maintained.

[Judi Lynn]

11. Cuba Partially Resumes Consular Activities in Washington

Cuba Partially Resumes Consular Activities in Washington
World | Agence France-Presse | Updated: May 14, 2014 02:50 IST

Washington: Cuba's de facto embassy in Washington said Tuesday that it would begin renewing some citizens' expired passports despite being unable to find a US bank able to handle its finances.

Cuba halted consular services in mid-February after failing to resolve a long-running search for a local bank.

The Cuban mission will nonetheless begin renewing passports "that have expired or are about to expire" for individuals with trips to Cuba scheduled from May 15 to August 31.

The passports will be issued with the help of "travel agencies with a working relationship with the consular office," the Cuban Interests Section said.

More:
http://www.ndtv.com/article/world/cuba-partially-resumes-consular-activities-in-washington-523843?curl=1400401951