Thursday, March 10, 2016

No President Obama - Fidel Castro Meeting

A picture of former Cuban President Fidel Castro is seen inside a private shop under refurbishment in Havana, February 24, 2016. REUTERS/ALEXANDRE MENEGHINI

Reuters: No Obama meeting with Fidel Castro, dissident talks on track: White House

The White House has ruled out an encounter between President Barack Obama and revolutionary leader Fidel Castro in Cuba this month and is confident the Cuban government will not create obstacles to a meeting between Obama and dissidents in Havana, a top adviser said on Wednesday.

Despite the goal of improving ties between former Cold War foes, deputy national security adviser Ben Rhodes said Obama would not use his trip to meet Cuba's demands that he shutter Radio and TV Marti, U.S. broadcasters created to transmit anti-communist programing to the island nation.

Obama plans to hold talks with Cuban President Raul Castro during his historic March 20-22 visit but will not meet with Castro's brother, a legendary figure who took power in a 1959 revolution and led Cuba for 49 years.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: The cynic in me believes that this is the whole purpose of the trip .... meeting Fidel Castro. And while the White House has ruled out such a meeting .... I will still not be surprised if such a "photo-op" is arranged. In the meantime .... Cuba is making it very clear that they have no intention of changing any of their policies .... Cuba issues bristling editorial ahead of Obama visit (Reuters).

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