ADVERTISEMENT

US President preparing to visit Cuba as soon as March

Obama said in December that he would consider visiting Cuba as part of an opening to Havana that saw the two countries restore diplomatic ties and take steps toward expanded commercial relations.

Obama says will try to block Islamic State from 'digging in' in Libya

U.S. President Barack Obama is preparing to visit Cuba as soon as March, a person briefed on the matter said on Wednesday, a major step in the thaw between former Cold War foes the United States and Communist-run Cuba.

A U.S. official, asked about the prospects for a March visit by Obama, declined to discuss the timing for such a trip. "The president has said he would like to go if the conditions are right," the official said.

The White House declined comment.

In December 2014, Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro shocked the world by announcing the former adversaries would normalize relations after a 54-year break.

ADVERTISEMENT

Obama said in a December interview with Yahoo News that he hoped to visit Cuba in 2016 but only if enough progress had been made in bilateral relations and he was able to meet with political dissidents as part of an effort to "nudge the Cuban government in a new direction."

A Cuban foreign ministry official said in reaction to the December interview that Obama was welcome to visit Cuba but not meddle in the country's internal affairs.

Washington and Havana restored diplomatic ties in July, but commerce remains limited by the U.S. trade embargo, which includes a ban on American tourism to the island.

The Republican majority in Congress has defied Obama's call to rescind the five-decade-old embargo, so he has used his executive authority to relax some trade and travel restrictions.

On Tuesday, American and Cuban officials signed an arrangement to restore scheduled air service between the two countries after half a century.

ADVERTISEMENT

Republican presidential candidate Marco Rubio, a Florida senator whose parents emigrated from Cuba, asked at a CNN town hall event in South Carolina whether he would visit Cuba, replied: "Not if it's not a free Cuba."

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Obama, Clinton support Biden at NYC fundraiser amid protests

Obama, Clinton support Biden at NYC fundraiser amid protests

Tinubu’s refusal to celebrate 72nd birthday marks great leadership - Rahman

Tinubu’s refusal to celebrate 72nd birthday marks great leadership - Rahman

Adamawa Police reaffirms ban on motorcycles in Yola

Adamawa Police reaffirms ban on motorcycles in Yola

You make bold decisions & live with consequences - Ondo Gov hails Tinubu at 72

You make bold decisions & live with consequences - Ondo Gov hails Tinubu at 72

170 electrical vandalism cases in 2 years, 100 charged to court - EEDC

170 electrical vandalism cases in 2 years, 100 charged to court - EEDC

Tinubu appoints Bello as chairman of code of conduct bureau

Tinubu appoints Bello as chairman of code of conduct bureau

Don't curse, condemn Nigeria in your sermons - Tinubu tells clerics

Don't curse, condemn Nigeria in your sermons - Tinubu tells clerics

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT