US to Re establish Diplomatic Ties with Cuba
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huey
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http://www.cbsnews.com/news/obama-to-start-normalizing-u-s-relations-with-cuba/The Obama administration announced Wednesday that the United States is taking steps to restore full diplomacy with Cuba, a historic move that will end 50 years of frozen relations the communist nation.
Since entering the White House, President Obama had expressed interest in normalizing relations with Cuba. The breakthrough announced Wednesday came after Cuba agreed to release American prisoner Alan Gross.
Mr. Obama called Cuban President Raul Castro on Tuesday -- the first engagement at the presidential level between Cuba and the United States since the Cuban revolution -- to discuss the release of Gross and one other man characterized as a U.S. intelligence asset, as well as the United States' release of three Cuban intelligence officers. They also discussed areas of potential cooperation between the two nations, including counter-terrorism efforts. -
more cuban women in the US. Obama the goat
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If that comes to pass will they try to have Assata Shakur and other Pathers and activist there arrested? IDK why on surface this seems good but my gut feels there is something backhanded about this.
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If that comes to pass will they try to have Assata Shakur and other Pathers and activist there arrested? IDK why on surface this seems good but my gut feels there is something backhanded about this.
that will most definitely happen; but not right away -
Ass at a Shakur better run!
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If that comes to pass will they try to have Assata Shakur and other Pathers and activist there arrested? IDK why on surface this seems good but my gut feels there is something backhanded about this.
He should give them a pardon on the way out -
Yeah, they still want them over there.
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Read more at http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2014/12/17/fact-sheet-charting-new-course-cubaFACT SHEET: Charting a New Course on Cuba
Adjusting regulations to more effectively empower the Cuban people-
Our travel and remittance policies are helping Cubans by providing alternative sources of information and opportunities for self-employment and private property ownership, and by strengthening independent civil society.
These measures will further increase people-to-people contact; further support civil society in Cuba; and further enhance the free flow of information to, from, and among the Cuban people. Persons must comply with all provisions of the revised regulations; violations of the terms and conditions are enforceable under U.S. law.
Facilitating an expansion of travel under general licenses for the 12 existing categories of travel to Cuba authorized by law-
General licenses will be made available for all authorized travelers in the following existing categories: (1) family visits; (2) official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations; (3) journalistic activity; (4) professional research and professional meetings; (5) educational activities; (6) religious activities; (7) public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions; (8) support for the Cuban people; (9) humanitarian projects; (10) activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes; (11) exportation, importation, or transmission of information or information materials; and (12) certain export transactions that may be considered for authorization under existing regulations and guidelines.
Travelers in the 12 categories of travel to Cuba authorized by law will be able to make arrangements through any service provider that complies with the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) regulations governing travel services to Cuba, and general licenses will authorize provision of such services.
The policy changes make it easier for Americans to provide business training for private Cuban businesses and small farmers and provide other support for the growth of Cuba’s nascent private sector. Additional options for promoting the growth of entrepreneurship and the private sector in Cuba will be explored.
Facilitating remittances to Cuba by U.S. persons-
Remittance levels will be raised from $500 to $2,000 per quarter for general donative remittances to Cuban nationals (except to certain officials of the government or the Communist party); and donative remittances for humanitarian projects, support for the Cuban people, and support for the development of private businesses in Cuba will no longer require a specific license.
Remittance forwarders will no longer require a specific license.
Authorizing expanded commercial sales/exports from the United States of certain goods and services-
The expansion will seek to empower the nascent Cuban private sector. Items that will be authorized for export include certain building materials for private residential construction, goods for use by private sector Cuban entrepreneurs, and agricultural equipment for small farmers. This change will make it easier for Cuban citizens to have access to certain lower-priced goods to improve their living standards and gain greater economic independence from the state.
Authorizing American citizens to import additional goods from Cuba-
U.S. institutions will be permitted to open correspondent accounts at Cuban financial institutions to facilitate the processing of authorized transactions.
The regulatory definition of the statutory term “cash in advance” will be revised to specify that it means “cash before transfer of title”; this will provide more efficient financing of authorized trade with Cuba.
U.S. credit and debit cards will be permitted for use by travelers to Cuba.
These measures will improve the speed, efficiency, and oversight of authorized payments between the United States and Cuba.
Initiating new efforts to increase Cubans’ access to communications and their ability to communicate freely-
Cuba has an internet ? of about five percent—one of the lowest rates in the world. The cost of telecommunications in Cuba is exorbitantly high, while the services offered are extremely limited.
The commercial export of certain items that will contribute to the ability of the Cuban people to communicate with people in the United States and the rest of the world will be authorized. This will include the commercial sale of certain consumer communications devices, related software, applications, hardware, and services, and items for the establishment and update of communications-related systems.
Telecommunications providers will be allowed to establish the necessary mechanisms, including infrastructure, in Cuba to provide commercial telecommunications and internet services, which will improve telecommunications between the United States and Cuba.
Updating the application of Cuba sanctions in third countries-
U.S.-owned or -controlled entities in third countries will be generally licensed to provide services to, and engage in financial transactions with, Cuban individuals in third countries. In addition, general licenses will unblock the accounts at U.S. banks of Cuban nationals who have relocated outside of Cuba; permit U.S. persons to participate in third-country professional meetings and conferences related to Cuba; and, allow foreign vessels to enter the United States after engaging in certain humanitarian trade with Cuba, among other measures.
Pursuing discussions with the Cuban and Mexican governments to discuss our unresolved maritime boundary in the Gulf of Mexico-
Previous agreements between the United States and Cuba delimit the maritime space between the two countries within 200 nautical miles from shore. The United States, Cuba, and Mexico have extended continental shelf in an area within the Gulf of Mexico where the three countries have not yet delimited any boundaries.
The United States is prepared to invite the governments of Cuba and Mexico to discuss shared maritime boundaries in the Gulf of Mexico.
Initiating a review of Cuba’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism-The President has instructed the Secretary of State to immediately launch such a review, and provide a report to the President within six months regarding Cuba’s support for international terrorism. Cuba was placed on the list in 1982.
A critical focus of our increased engagement will include continued strong support by the United States for improved human rights conditions and democratic reforms in Cuba. The promotion of democracy supports universal human rights by empowering civil society and a person’s right to speak freely, peacefully assemble, and associate, and by supporting the ability of people to freely determine their future. Our efforts are aimed at promoting the independence of the Cuban people so they do not need to rely on the Cuban state.
The U.S. Congress funds democracy programming in Cuba to provide humanitarian assistance, promote human rights and fundamental freedoms, and support the free flow of information in places where it is restricted and censored. The Administration will continue to implement U.S. programs aimed at promoting positive change in Cuba, and we will encourage reforms in our high level engagement with Cuban officials. -
Does russia have anything to do with this? And to expand, are these oil prices dipping so far so fast "sanctions" that aren't spelled out to sit Russia on it's back pocket for a second. I haven't be well versed in world politics for a minute. Somebody let me know.
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This has been quietly in the works for about 18 months.....
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The one thing I would like this president to do is pardon all the black political prisoners from the 70's.
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The one thing I would like this president to do is pardon all the black political prisoners from the 70's.
Me too but didn't Obama make the move to get Assata on the FBI most wanted list (1st female ever) and raise the reward on her to 2million? Don't seem like he'd pardon her after all that.
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Does think anyone think this has anything to do with Russia and Putin's speech coming tomorrow
The whole trade embargo started because of Russia and the cold war -
Now that they r cool with Cuba they can pack up their embassy and get the ? outta Haiti.
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Does think anyone think this has anything to do with Russia and Putin's speech coming tomorrow
The whole trade embargo started because of Russia and the cold war
the embargo predates Russia's involvement in Cuba but whats Putin's speech about? -
That's great, I mean if we can be partners and allies with suspect countries, why not them...
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They was saying that Russia economy is on the verge of a collapse with the price of a barrel of Oil dropping and with the US sanctions on them.With this happening this is a critical hit on Russia.
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I dont think ive ever had cuban food. But im excited!
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Yo, I think it's time ? stop sleepin on Obama.
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Communism is one of the greatest evils in the world. It's a system thatch I'll always ? over the workimg man no matter what he does.
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The_Jackal wrote: »Communism is one of the greatest evils in the world. It's a system thatch I'll always ? over the workimg man no matter what he does.
And capitalism is what.......? -
*putting on conspiracy brotha hat*If that comes to pass will they try to have Assata Shakur and other Pathers and activist there arrested? IDK why on surface this seems good but my gut feels there is something backhanded about this.
The more I think on it makes sense to get access to cuba since I am really starting to feel a revolution is brewing in the US. The powers be that most def do not want activist like Assata and the other soldiers over there still in "play" so to speak, getting at or assisting any of the people at the forefront of whats happening right now. IDK maybe I'm crazy but if this is chess and not checkers why not remove all dangers -
President Obama did not forget when that Russian fighter jets flew 500 ft over U.S Navy destroyer
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The_Jackal wrote: »Communism is one of the greatest evils in the world. It's a system thatch I'll always ? over the workimg man no matter what he does.
You're a little off with this statement my brother. On paper Communism is perfect for all involved IF we lived in a society were hate,greed and dictatorship was not around. Communism is believing that we all work for the better for all and whatever work is done and profits made off it gets broken down equally to all. Basically everyone shares in the riches BUT that doesn't work in this society. People won't share their wealth to those struggling and those in power will not share their power.
Capitalism is not as great as people make it out to be.
Socialism is the merger of both and that gets laughed at by most governments.
Americans ? though in the sense of laughing at Socialism. In 2014, tell a regular average joe in America that someone is a Socialist and they still go all crazy.
Here is the ? part.
America is a country that has things like Medicare, Medicaid, Welfare, Food Stamps, Social Security, Unions etc... All these are a part of the Socialist ideology. haha. so these ? haaaaattteee socialism, want to impeach Obama because he is a supposed Socialist, but the US has been a socialist country for decades before Obama.
