President Castro:
(as interpreted) Mr. President Barack Obama,
we are pleased to welcome you on this,
the first visit of a President of the
United States of America to our country
in 88 years. We have observed that, in
the 15 months that have passed since a decision
was made to establish our diplomatic relations, we
have obtained concrete results. We were able to resume
direct postal exchanges, and we signed an agreement
to resume commercial flights. We have signed two
memorandums of understanding on the protection
of the environment and the maritime areas,
and another one to secure the safety of
sea navigation. Today, another one will be
signed on cooperation in the area of
agriculture. At the moment, another set
of bilateral instruments are being negotiated to
cooperate in such areas as counternarcotics, the safety
of commerce and travelers, and health. About this last issue, we
have agreed to deepen our cooperation in the
prevention and treatment of transmissible
diseases such as Zika and non-transmissible chronic
diseases, cancer included. This cooperation is
beneficial not only for Cuba and the United States,
but also for our hemisphere
at large. Following the decisions
made by President Obama, to modify the application
of some aspects of the blockade, Cuban enterprises and their
American counterparts are working to identify possible commercial operations that could materialize in the
still-restrictive framework of existing
regulations. The fact is that some have
already materialized, especially in the area
of telecommunications, an area in which our country
already has a program designed on the basis of its
priorities and a necessary technological sovereignty:
one that can secure the appropriate use at the
service of national interests. Progress has also been made
toward the acquisition of medicines, medical material,
and equipment for power generation and
environmental protection; these among
others. Much more
could be done if the U.S. blockade
were lifted. We recognize the position
of President Obama and his administration against
the blockade and his repeated appeals to Congress
to have it removed. The most recent measures
adopted by his administration are positive but
insufficient. I have the opportunity to
discuss with the President all the steps that we
think could be taken in order to remove
restrictions that remain enforced and make a
significant contribution to the debunking
of the blockade. This is essential because
the blockade remains in force and because it
contains discouraging elements and intimidating effects and
extraterritorial outrage. I put forward to the President
some examples on this, showing their
negative consequences for both Cuba and
other countries. The blockade stands as the
most important obstacle to our economic development and the
well-being of the Cuban people. That's why its removal
will be of the essence to normalize
bilateral relations. And actually, it will
also bring benefits to the Cuban immigrants
who wish the best for their families
and their country. In order to move forward
to its normalization, it will also be necessary
to return the territory illegally occupied by
Guantanamo Naval Base. Since they stand as the
two main obstacles, these issues were again dealt
with in the editorial ran on March 9 by the
official newspaper of the Communist Party of Cuba,
and again, only four days ago in the press
conference offered by our foreign minister
Bruno Rodriguez, both pieces extensively
reported by the media. Other policies should also be
abolished for normal relations to develop between the
United States and Cuba. No one should intend to
have the Cuban people renounce the destiny
it shows in freedom and sovereignty, the
same for which it has made enormous
sacrifices. We also discussed
international issues, particularly those that
could have an impact on regional peace
and stability. We had thought to
discuss other issues, but we did not
have enough time. I had planned to
raise our concern over the destabilization
some are trying to promote in Venezuela, something
which we consider to be counterproductive to the overall
situation in the continent. I did not have the chance
to raise it with him. I'm raising
it here. Likewise, we talked about
the ongoing peace process in Colombia and the
efforts to put an end to that
conflict. There are profound
differences between our countries that will not
go away, since we hold different concepts on
many subjects such as political systems, democracy,
the exercise of human rights, social justice,
international relations, and world peace
and stability. We defend
human rights. In our view, civil,
political, economic, social, and cultural
rights are indivisible, interdependent,
and universal. Actually, we find
it inconceivable that a government does not
defend and ensure the right to healthcare, education,
social security, food provision, and development,
equal pay, and the rights
of children. We oppose political manipulation
and double standards in the approach
to human rights. Cuba has much to say
and show on this issue. That is why I have
reiterated to the President our willingness to
continue moving forward with the dialogue on this matter
that was already initiated. On December 17th, 2014, as
we announced the decision to reestablish diplomatic
relations, I said that we should learn
the art of coexisting with our differences in
a civilized manner. In my remarks to Parliament
on July 15th, 2015, I said, "Changing
everything that needs to be changed is the sovereign
and exclusive concern of Cubans. The revolutionary
government is willing to advance to a normalization
of relations, for it is convinced that both
countries can coexist and cooperate in a civilized
manner and for their mutual benefit, regardless of
existing and future differences, and thus contribute to
peace, security, stability, development, and equity in our continent and around the world." Today I reaffirm that
we should exercise the art of civilized
coexistence, which involves accepting and
respecting differences and preventing these
from becoming the center of our
relationship. We should instead promote
links that can benefit both our countries and
peoples while focusing on those things that bring
us closer and not on those that pull
us apart. We agree that a long and
complex path still lies ahead, but what is most
important is that we have started taking the first
steps to build a new type of relationship: one
that has never existed between Cuba and the
United States. Actually, destroying a
bridge can be an easy and quick undertaking; however,
its solid reconstruction can prove a lengthy
and challenging -- a lengthy and
challenging endeavor. After four failed
attempts, and given proof of the will
and perseverance on September 2, 2013, American
swimmer Diana Nyad managed to cross the Florida
Straits, swimming without an anti-shark cage
to protect her. For that exploit
of conquering the geographical distance
between our two countries -- it was for that exploit
that, on August 13th, 2014, that the national anthems of
Cuba and the United States were played; she was presented
with the Order of Sport Merits, a decoration awarded
by the state council. Such feat carries a
powerful message, one that should
serve as an example to our bilateral relations,
for it confirms that, if she could do it,
then we can do it, too. To President Obama, I
reiterate our appreciation for his visit and
the willingness of the government of Cuba
to continue moving forward in the forthcoming
months for the wellbeing of our peoples
and countries. Thank you
very much. President Obama:
Buenas tardes. President Castro, to you,
the Cuban government and the Cuban people,
thank you for the welcome that you have extended
to me, to my family, and to my
delegation. For more than half a century,
the sight of a U.S. president here in Havana would
have been unimaginable. But this is a new day --
es un nuevo día -- between our
two countries. With your indulgence,
Mr. President, I want to go just briefly off topic
because during this weekend, I received news that one
of our outstanding United States
Armed Service members, Marine Staff Sergeant
Louis F. Cardin of Temecula, California, was killed in Northern Iraq as we assisted the Iraqi government in dealing with ISIL, the terrorist organization there. And I just wanted to give
my thoughts and prayers to the family there and those
who have been injured. It's a reminder that
even as we embark on this historic visit, there
are U.S. Armed Service members who are sacrificing
each and every day on behalf of our
freedom and our safety. So I'm grateful
to them. My wife, Michelle, and I
brought our daughters -- and by the way, they don't
always want to go with us; they're teenagers now. They have friends at home
and they have things to do -- but they wanted to come to
Cuba because they understood, and we wanted to show
them, the beauty of Cuba and
its people. We were moved by the Cubans
who received us yesterday, smiling and waving, as we
drove in from the airport. We were grateful for the
opportunity to experience Old Havana and some
excellent Cuban food. Our visit to the cathedral
was a reminder of the values that we share, of the deep
faith that sustains so many Cubans
and Americans. And it also gave me an
opportunity to express my gratitude to
Cardinal Ortega, who, along with His Holiness Pope
Francis, did so much to support the improved relations
between our governments. This morning, I was
honored to pay tribute to José Martí -- not only his
role in Cuban independence, but the profound words
that he wrote and spoke in support of liberty
and freedom everywhere. I bring with me the
greetings and the friendship of the
American people. In fact, I'm joined on
this trip by nearly 40 members of Congress --
Democrats and Republicans. This is the largest such
delegation of my presidency, and it indicates the
excitement and interest in America about the process
that we've undertaken. These members of Congress
recognize that our new relationship with the Cuban
people is in the interest of both nations. I'm also joined by some of
America's top business leaders and entrepreneurs because
we're ready to pursue more commercial
ties, which create jobs and opportunity for Cubans
and Americans alike. And I'm especially pleased
that I'm joined on this trip by so many
Cuban Americans. For them, and for the
more than two million proud Cuban Americans across
the United States, this is a moment filled
with great emotion. Ever since we made it
easier to travel between our countries, more
Cuban Americans are coming home. For many, this is a time of
new hope for the future. So, President Castro,
I want to thank you for the courtesy and
the spirit of openness that you've shown
during our talks. At our meeting in Panama
last year, you said that we're willing to
discuss every issue, and everything is
on the table. So with your
understanding, my statement will be a
little longer than usual. President Castro always
jokes with me about how long Castro brothers'
speeches can be. But I'm going to actually
go a little longer than you probably today,
with your indulgence. We have a half a century
of work to catch up on. Our growing engagement
with Cuba is guided by one overarching goal --
advancing the mutual interests of our two countries,
including improving the lives of our people,
both Cubans and Americans. That's why
I'm here. I've said consistently,
after more than five very difficult decades, the
relationship between our governments will not be
transformed overnight. We continue, as President
Castro indicated, to have some very serious
differences, including on democracy and
human rights. And President Castro and
I have had very frank and candid conversations
on these subjects. The United States
recognizes progress that Cuba has made as a nation,
its enormous achievements in education and
in health care. And perhaps most
importantly, I affirmed that Cuba's destiny
will not be decided by the United States
or any other nation. Cuba is sovereign and,
rightly, has great pride. And the future of Cuba
will be decided by Cubans, not by
anybody else. At the same time, as
we do wherever we go around the world, I made it
clear that the United States will continue to speak up
on behalf of democracy, including the right
of the Cuban people to decide their
own future. We'll speak out on behalf
of universal human rights, including freedom of speech,
and assembly, and religion. Indeed, I look forward to
meeting with and hearing from Cuban civil society
leaders tomorrow. But as you heard, President
Castro has also addressed what he views as shortcomings
in the United States around basic needs
for people, and poverty and inequality and
race relations. And we welcome that
constructive dialogue as well -- because we
believe that when we share our deepest beliefs and
ideas with an attitude of mutual respect, that we
can both learn and make the lives of our
people better. Part of normalizing
relations means that we discuss these
differences directly. So I'm very pleased that
we've agreed to hold our next U.S.-Cuba human
rights dialogue here in Havana later
this year. And both of our countries
will welcome visits by independent United Nations
experts as we combat human trafficking, which we
agree is a profound violation of human rights. Even as we discuss these
differences, we share a belief that we can
continue to make progress in those areas that
we have in common. President Castro, you said
in Panama that "we might disagree on something
today on which we would agree tomorrow." And that's certainly been
the case over the past 15 months and the days leading
up to this visit. And today, I can report
that we continue to move forward on many
fronts when it comes to normalizing
relations. We're moving ahead with
more opportunities for Americans to travel
to Cuba and interact with the
Cuban people. Over the past year, the
number of Americans coming here has surged. Last week, we gave approval
for individual Americans to come here for
educational travel. U.S. airlines will begin direct commercial flights this year. With last week's port
security announcement, we've removed the last
major hurdle to resuming cruises and
ferry service. All of which will mean
even more Americans visiting Cuba in the years
ahead and appreciating the incredible history and
culture of the Cuban people. We're moving ahead
with more trade. With only 90 miles between us,
we're natural trading partners. Other steps we took last week
-- allowing the U.S. dollar to be used more
widely with Cuba, giving Cubans more
access to the dollar in international transactions,
and allowing Cubans in the U.S. to earn salaries -- these
things will do more to create opportunities for
trade and joint ventures. We welcome Cuba's
important announcement that it plans to end
the 10 percent penalty on dollar conversions here,
which will open the door to more travel
and more commerce. And these steps show that we're
opening up to one another. With this visit, we've
agreed to deepen our cooperation on agriculture
to support our farmers and our ranchers. This afternoon, I'll
highlight some of the new commercial deals being announced
by major U.S. companies. And just as I continue to
call on Congress to lift the trade embargo, I discussed
with President Castro the steps we urge
Cuba to take to show that it's ready to do more
business, which includes allowing more joint
ventures and allowing foreign companies to
hire Cubans directly. We're moving ahead with
our efforts to help connect more Cubans to the
Internet and the global economy. Under President Castro,
Cuba has set a goal of bringing
Cubans online. And we want
to help. At this afternoon's
entrepreneurship event, I'll discuss additional
steps we're taking to help more Cubans learn,
innovate, and do business online -- because in the
21st century, countries cannot be successful
unless their citizens have access to the
Internet. We're moving ahead with
more educational exchanges. Thanks to the
generous support of the Cuban-American
community, I can announce that my 100,000 Strong in the
Americas initiative will offer new opportunities
for university students to study abroad -- more
Americans at Cuban schools and more Cubans
at U.S. schools. And going forward,
educational grants and scholarships will be
available to Cuban students. And in partnership with
the Cuban government, we'll offer more English
language training for Cuban teachers, both
in Cuba and online. Even as Cubans prepare for the
arrival of the Rolling Stones, we're moving ahead with
more events and exchanges that bring Cubans and
Americans together as well. We all look forward to
tomorrow's matchup between the Tampa Bay Rays
and the Cuban National Team. More broadly, we're moving
ahead with partnerships in health, science,
and the environment. Just as Cubans and
American medical teams have worked together in
Haiti against cholera, and in West Africa against
Ebola -- and I want to give a special
commendation to Cuban doctors who volunteered and took
on some very tough assignments to save
lives in West Africa in partnership with us
and other nations. We very much appreciate
the work that they did. Our medical professionals
will now collaborate in new areas, preventing
the spread of viruses like Zika and leading new
research into cancer vaccines. Our governments will also
work together to protect the beautiful waters of
this region that we share. And as two countries
threatened by climate change, I believe we can
work together to protect communities in our
low-lying coasts. And we're inviting Cuba to
join us and our Caribbean and Central American
partners at this spring's regional energy
summit in Washington. And finally, we're
moving ahead with our closer cooperation
on regional security. We're working to deepen our law
enforcement coordination, especially against
narco-traffickers that threaten both
of our peoples. I want to thank
President Castro and the Cuban government for
hosting peace talks between the Colombian government
and the FARC. And we remain optimistic
that Colombians can achieve a lasting
and just peace. And although we did
not have an extensive discussion of Venezuela,
we did touch on the subject. And I believe that
the whole region has an interest in a country that
is addressing its economic challenges, is responsive
to the aspirations of its people, and is a source
of stability in the region. That is, I believe, an interest
that we should all share. So again, President Castro,
I want to thank you for welcoming me. I think it's fair to say
that the United States and Cuba are now engaged
across more areas than any time
during my lifetime. With every passing day,
more Americans are coming to Cuba, more U.S. businesses and schools and faith groups are working to forge
new partnerships with the
Cuban people. More Cubans are
benefitting from the opportunities that
this travel and trade bring. As you indicated, the road
ahead will not be easy. Fortunately, we don't have
to swim with sharks in order to achieve the goals
that you and I have set forth. As you say here in Cuba,
"echar para adelante." Despite the difficulties, we
will continue to move forward. We're focused
on the future. And I'm absolutely
confident that if we stay on this course, we can
deliver a better and brighter future for both the Cuban people
and the American people. Muchas
gracias. Thank you
very much. Male Speaker: (as interpreted)
We now will have a short Q&A session, so I
kindly ask the journalists to identify themselves and use the mics that are in the room. The first question for
President Barack Obama. First question,
Jim Acosta. The Press: (as
interpreted) Thank you, President
Castro, for your hospitality here
in Havana. (in English) In your meeting with President Castro, what words did you use
to urge him to pursue democratic reforms and expand human rights here in Cuba? Will you invite President
Castro to the White House? We know he's
been to New York. And why did you not
meet with Fidel Castro? And, President Castro, (as
interpreted) my father is Cuban. He left for the United
States when he was very young. This is a new,
democratic direction for your
country. And please, sir, why you have
Cuban political prisoners? And why don't
you release them? And another last question,
who do you prefer -- Hillary Clinton or
Donald Trump? Thank you. President Obama: Well, as
I think we both indicated, we had a very frank
conversation around issues of democracy and
human rights. Our starting point is
that we have two different systems -- two
different systems of government, two different
economies. And we have decades of
profound differences, both bilaterally and
internationally. What I have said to
President Castro is that we are moving forward
and not looking backwards; that we don't view Cuba as a
threat to the United States. I hope that my visit here
indicates the degree to which we're setting a new chapter
in Cuban-American relations. But as is true with
countries around the world where we have normalized
relations, we will continue to stand up for basic
principles that we believe in. America believes
in democracy. We believe that freedom
of speech and freedom of assembly and freedom
of religion are not just American values,
but are universal values. They may not express
themselves exactly in the same way in every
country, they may not be enshrined in the founding
documents or constitutions of every country the same
way, or protected legally in exactly the same ways,
but the impulse -- the human impulse towards
freedom, the freedom that José Martí talked about, we
think is a universal longing. President Castro I think
has pointed out that, in his view, making sure
that everybody is getting a decent education or health
care, has basic security in old age -- that those things
are human rights, as well. I personally would
not disagree with him. But it doesn't detract from
some of these other concerns. And the goal of the human
rights dialogue is not for the United States to
dictate to Cuba how they should govern themselves, but to
make sure that we are having a frank and
candid conversation around this issue and
hopefully that we can learn from each other. It does not mean that it
has to be the only issue we talk about. Economics, health,
scientific exchanges, international cooperation on
issues of regional as well as global import
are also important. But this is something that
we are going to stay on. And I actually welcome
President Castro commenting on some of the
areas where he feels that we're falling short because
I think we should not be immune or afraid of criticism
or discussion, as well. Here's the one thing I do
know is that when I talk to Cuban Americans -- and,
Jim, you're second generation, and so I think I speak
not for you directly, but for many that I talk to
around the United States -- I think there is
enormous hope that there can be
reconciliation. And the bridge that
President Castro discussed can be built between the
Cuban American community and Cubans here. There are family ties
and cultural ties that are
so strong. And I think everyone would
benefit from those ties being reestablished. One of the impediments to
strengthening those ties is these disagreements around
human rights and democracy. And to the extent that
we can have a good conversation about that and to
actually make progress, that, I think,
will allow us to see the full flowering of a
relationship that is possible. In the absence of that, I
think it will continue to be a very
powerful irritant. And this is not unique
to U.S.-Cuban relations. It's one that, as you know, I
have conversations with when we go to bilateral
meetings with some of our very close allies, as well as
countries that we don't have as close of a
relationship to. But I think it is
something that matters. And I've met with people
who have been subject to arbitrary detention, and
that's something that I generally have to speak
out on because I hear from them directly and I know
what it means for them. Go ahead. Excuse me. (laughter) President Castro:
(as interpreted) I was asking if his
question was directed to me or to
President Obama. You talked about
political prisoners. The President: And
Trump and Hilary. President Castro:
(as interpreted) For him or
for me? The Press: (as
interpreted) For you, President Castro,
what did you say about political
prisoners? Can you repeat that question about political prisoners? President Castro:
(as interpreted) Did you ask if we had
political prisoners? Did you ask if we had
political prisoners? The Press: (as interpreted) I
wanted to know if you have Cuban political prisoners and
why you don't release them. President Castro: (as
interpreted) Give me the list of political prisoners
prisoners and I will release them
immediately. Just mention
a list. What political
prisoners? Give me a name
or names. After this meeting is
over, you can give me a list of political
prisoners. And if we have those
political prisoners, they will be released
before tonight ends. The Press: (as interpreted) And
what about your preference for -- my greetings for
President Obama. President Castro:
(as interpreted) Well, I cannot vote
in the United States. The Press: (as
interpreted) My question is for
President Raul Castro. My name is
Boris Frente. I'm from
Cuban TV. President Raul Castro, you
have repeatedly stated, and today once again, that
we must learn to coexist in a civilized manner
with our differences. Could you broaden
this concept? This is a historical
moment that we are living. And then I have a brief
question for President Obama. President Obama,
could U.S. government give more space to
eliminate U.S. blockade during your mandate so that
another generation of Cubans would not have to suffer this economic and commercial blockade against Cuba? President Castro:
(as interpreted) The first question
was for me. Please repeat
your question, because I couldn't
hear well. The Press: (as
interpreted) You have said repeatedly
that we must learn to coexist in a civilized
manner with our differences. President Castro:
(as interpreted) Well, President Obama himself
has referred to that. We have given the first
steps -- many for being the first steps. And we must continue
giving these steps. And I'm sure that we
will be able to coexist peacefully in an environment
of mutual cooperation as we are doing
already in many fields for the benefit of
both countries and for the benefit of
other countries as we have already done -- in
Haiti, with the cholera and in Africa
with the Ebola. That is the future of
mankind if we want to save the
humans species. The level of water grows and
the island may become smaller. You are asking too
many questions to me. I think questions should be
directed to President Obama. President Obama: So we
have administratively already made a number of
modifications on the embargo. I referred to a number of them
in my opening statement. And we've actually been
fairly aggressive in exercising as much flexibility as we
can, given that the law putting the embargo in place has
not been repealed by Congress. There may be some technical
aspects of the embargo that we can still
make adjustments on, depending on problems
as they arise. So, for example, the issue
around the dollar and the need to make modifications
in terms of how the embargo was implemented to encourage,
rather than discourage reforms that the Cuban
government itself is willing to engage in and to facilitate greater trade and commerce, that is something that grew out of the dialogue between our governments, and we
have made appropriate adjustments to it. It will take some time
for commercial banks to understand the new rules,
but we actually think that this is an area
where we can improve current circumstances. But I'll be honest with
you that the list of things that we can
do administratively is growing shorter, and the
bulk of changes that have to be made with respect to
the embargo are now going to rely on Congress
making changes. I've been very clear about
the interests in getting that done
before I leave. Frankly, Congress is not
as productive as I would like during a presidential
election year. But the fact that we have
such a large congressional delegation with Democrats
and Republicans with us is an indication that
there is growing interest inside of Congress for
lifting the embargo. As I just indicated in
my earlier answer, how quickly that happens will,
in part, depend on whether we can bridge some of
our differences around human
rights issues. And that's why the dialogue
I think is so important. It sends a signal that at
least there's engagement between the two countries
on these matters. Now, I promised the
President I would take one more question. Andrea Mitchell
of NBC. Andrea, if you
can get the mic. The Press: Thank
you, Mr. President. Do you feel, after your
meeting today, that you have made enough progress
to even accelerate the pace and that the Cuban
government is able to move quickly enough so that the
changes that you have made through these technical
adjustments to the embargo will be permanent, cannot be
reversed by the next President? And what advice have you
given to President Castro about the ability of having the
blockade, the embargo lifted? Because he has said again
today this is a continuous issue which is blocking
progress, from their standpoint. And you said the conversations
about human rights were frank and candid
and that you want to move forward. But even as you were
arriving, there were dramatic arrests of
peaceful protests -- the Ladies
in White. What signal
does that send? Can you have civilized
coexistence at the same time you have such
profound disagreements about the very definitions
of what human rights means, as President Castro
expressed today? And for President Castro,
for many of us, it's remarkable to hear you
speak about all these subjects. Can you tell us what
you see in the future? President Obama has
nine months remaining. You have said you would
be stepping down in 2018. What is the future of our
two countries, given the different definitions and
the different interpretations of profound issues like
democracy and human rights? Thank you. President Obama: Well,
Andrea, the embargo is going to end. When, I can't be entirely
sure, but I believe it will end. And the path that we're
on will continue beyond my
administration. The reason
is logic. The reason is that what we
did for 50 years did not serve our interests or the interests
of the Cuban people. And as I said when we
made the announcement about normalization of
relations, if you keep on doing something over and
over again for 50 years and it doesn't work,
it might make sense to try
something new. And that's what
we've done. And the fact that there
has been strong support not just inside of
Congress, not just among the American people, but
also among the Cuban people indicates that this is a process
that should and will continue. Having said that, lifting
the embargo requires the votes of a majority in
Congress, and maybe even more than a majority
in the Senate. And as I indicated to
President Castro, two things I think will help
accelerate the pace of bringing the
embargo to an end. The first is to the degree
that we can take advantage of the existing changes
that we've already made and we see progress, that
will help to validate this change
in policy. So, for example, we have
said that it is no longer a restriction on U.S.
companies to invest in helping to build Internet and broadband infrastructure inside of Cuba. It is not against U.S. law,
as it's been interpreted by the
administration. If we start seeing those
kinds of commercial deals taking place and
Cubans are benefitting from greater access to the
Internet -- and when I go to the entrepreneurship
meeting later this afternoon, I understand that
we're going to meet some young Cubans who are
already getting trained and are facile in
using the Internet, they're interested in
startups -- that builds a constituency for
ending the embargo. If we build on the work
that we're doing in agriculture, and you
start seeing more U.S. farmers interacting with Cuban
farmers, and there's more exports and
imports -- that builds a constituency and the
possibility of ending the embargo
increases. So hopefully taking
advantage of what we've already
done will help. And the second area,
which we've already discussed extensively, is
the issue of human rights. People are still concerned
about that inside of Cuba. Now, keep in mind I've
got fierce disagreements with the Chinese
around human rights. I'll be going to Vietnam
later this year -- I have deep disagreements
with them as well. When we first visited
Burma, people questioned whether we should
be traveling there because of longstanding human
rights violations in our view. And the approach that I've
taken has been that if I engage frankly, clearly, stating
what our beliefs are but also being clear
that we can't force change on any particular country
-- ultimately it has to come from within -- then
that is going to be a more useful strategy
than the same kinds of rigid disengagement that
for 50 years did nothing. I guess ultimately what
this comes down to, Andrea, is I have
faith in people. I think that if you meet
Cubans here and Cubans meet Americans, and they're
meeting and talking and interacting and doing
business together, and going to school
together and learning from each other, then they'll
recognize people are people. And in that context, I believe
that change will occur. Okay, now I'm done, but
Señor Presidente, I think Andrea had a question for you
just about your vision. It's up
to you. He did say he was only
going to take one question and I was going
to take two. But I leave it up to you
if you want to address that question. The Press:
Por favor. (laughter) President Obama: Andrea,
she's one of our most esteemed journalists in
America, and I'm sure she'd appreciate just
a short, brief answer. President Castro:
Andrea -- The Press: Mr.
President. President Castro:
(as interpreted) The other day, I
asked a question to our foreign
minister. Andrea, but there is a
program here to be fulfilled. I know that if I stay
here, you will make 500 questions. I said that I was
going to answer one. Well, I answered
one and a half. President Obama has
already helped me out with the answer
here, Andrea. I was reading something
about human rights, but I'm going to make
the question to you now. There are 61 international
instruments recognized. How many countries in the
world comply with all the human rights and civil
rights that have been included in these
61 instruments? What country complies
with them all? Do you know
how many? I do. None. None,
whatsoever. Some countries
comply some rights; others comply
others. And we are among
these countries. Out of these 61 instruments,
Cuba has complied with 47 of these
human rights instruments. There are countries that
may comply with more, there's those that
comply with less. I think the human rights
issue should not be politicized. That is not
correct. That is a purpose that
will stay the same way. For example, for Cuba, that does
not fulfill all the rights. Do you think there's
any more sacred right than the right to health, so
that billions of children don't die just for the lack
of a vaccine or a drug or a medicament? For example, do you agree with
the right to free education for all those born
anywhere in the world or in any country? I think many countries
don't think this is a human right. In Cuba, all children
are born in a hospital and they are registered
that same day, because when mothers are in advance
pregnancy they go to hospitals days before,
many days before delivery, so that all children
are born in hospitals. It doesn't matter if they
live in faraway places or in mountains
or hills. We have many other rights
-- a right to health, the right to
education. And this is my last
example that I will mention. Do you think that for equal
work, men get better paid than women just for
the fact of being women? Well, in Cuba, women get
the same pay for same work. I can give you
many, many examples. I don't think we can use
the argument of human rights for political
confrontation. That is
not fair. It's not
correct. I'm not saying that
it's not honest. It's part of
confrontations, of course. But let us work so that
we can all comply with all
human rights. It's like talking about
pride -- I'm going to end here because there is a commitment
that we should end in time. It's not correct to ask me about
political prisoners in general. Please give me the name
of a political prisoner. And I think
this is enough. We have
concluded. Thank you for your
participation.
