Obama Advocates a ‘Step by Step’ Approach With Cuba

Obama Advocates a 'Step by Step' Approach With Cuba
September 16, 2015 3:23 PM

President Barack Obama says the United States will seek "step by step"
opportunities in Cuba until the U.S. Congress lifts the trade embargo on
the country.

Speaking to business leaders Wednesday at the quarterly meeting of the
Business Roundtable in Washington, Obama said he does not expect
"overnight transformation" in Cuba. He added that reestablishing
diplomatic relations with the communist island will open-up the
opportunity for "generational change."

"I do not think it is going to be an overnight transformation, but I am
convinced that by re-engaging Cuba, re-engaging the Cuban people, that
we are creating the environment in which a generational change and
transition will take place in that country," said President Obama.

Until Congress lifts the trade embargo on Cuba, this is going to be a
gradual process, Obama said, starting in such areas as the
telecommunication. Over time that creates space for personal freedom
and a long-term political transition, he said.

"For now, what we have said is that we will step by step look for areas
and opportunities within our authorities. As long as Congress still has
the embargo in place, there are certain things we can't do, but there
are certain things we can do for instance on telecommunications and we
are looking for opportunities there," said Obama.

Obama says the United States will continue to press the Cuban government
on issues of political freedom.

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