Mixed Reaction To Restoration Of Diplomatic Ties With Cuba
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) - A new chapter has begun in the history books as the U.S. and Cuba restore diplomatic relations.
At the stroke of midnight on Monday, the American special interest office in Havana and the Cuban special interest office in Washington D.C. became embassies. This is the first time the two countries have had diplomatic relations since 1961.
Monday morning the Cuban embassy in Washington D.C. officially opened with a flag-raising ceremony followed with remarks by the Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez. Also Monday, a Cuban flag was raised at the Dept. of State.
Addressing deputies in Havana days ago Cuban leader Raul Castro said the path to normal relations between the two countries would be "long and complex."
"This change will require the will to find solutions to the problems that have accumulated over more than five decades," said Castro.
In Miami's Little Havana patrons at the popular Cuban restaurant Versailles had varying opinions on the renewed relations.
Many are outraged by the president's decision to restore diplomatic relations with the communist country.
"The Obama Administration didn't take any concessions from the Cuban government. There's still political prisoners. There's no freedom in Cuba and yet the United States is turning its back on all those people that have had everything taken away from them, including my own family," Helen Amaro said.
Some people believe the historic move won't bring change for people living under an oppressive Castro regime, especially when human rights violations continue on the island.
"You know how many people die in Cuba everyday? How many women they hit everyday? Cuba will not change," said Dr. Blanca Garcia.
Some younger Cuban-Americans support reaching out if it will help achieve freedom.
"If putting the embassy in the island is gonna move the country toward that direction than yes, I'm for it," said Gabriel Artime.
But even some with open minds, like President Democracy Movement Ramon Saul Sanchez, remain skeptical. They say the embassies are just a symbolic step forward and believe there is still a long struggle ahead.
"It's always nice to see two enemies become friends. Cuba has opened to the United States but has not opened to the Cuban people," Sanchez said.
Presidential Candidate Senator Marco Rubio, speaking on CNN, once again voiced his opposition for the renewed relations between the two nations.
"This recognition somehow sends a message to dissidents around, others around the world that the United States accepts the Cuban form of government today as a legitimate form of government. I do not. I believe the people of Cuba deserve what everyone else in the Western hemisphere has democracy," said Rubio.
Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, who is also in the GOP presidential race, tweeted out Monday morning:
Obama's rush to restore diplomatic relations with Cuba is wrong. This embassy will only serve to further legitimize repressive regime.
Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, who is also in the GOP presidential race, tweeted out Monday morning:
Obama's rush to restore diplomatic relations with Cuba is wrong. This embassy will only serve to further legitimize repressive regime.
— Jeb Bush (@JebBush) July 20, 2015
We need an American President to go to Havana only in solidarity with a free Cuban people. http://t.co/ffjEsdoyjT
— Jeb Bush (@JebBush) July 20, 2015
In West Miami-Dade a few Cuban-American members of congress condemned the opening of the embassy. U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen released a statement that reads in part, "The Cuban people's oppressors will not hesitate to use this 'embassy' as a spy hub, as they have done in the past to threaten our homeland… While human rights activists are imprisoned and jailed for speaking out for freedom and justice, the Obama administration is rejoicing and looking the other way today as embassies are opened."
Gov. Rick Scott, also in "firm opposition" of reestablishing ties, put out a statement Monday that reads in part, "This move by President Obama will further tie our great nation to the oppressive Castro regime. As Governor, I will continue to stand with the people of Cuba in their prodemocracy movement."
Florida International University's Cuba expert Jorge Duhany said a half-century policy of isolationism against this island just hasn't aided the people there.
"You have to have more engagement, more contact, more trade and tourism and communication in order to promote those same changes on the island.
Secretary of State John Kerry will travel to Cuba on August 14 to celebrate the re-opening of U.S. Embassy Havana and raise the U.S. flag.
