Senator Cardin Statement on the U.S. Embassy Opening in Havana

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement regarding the opening of a U.S. Embassy in Havana, Cuba.

“Today, for the first time since 1961, the United States is opening the doors of a U.S. Embassy in Havana.  As is the case across the world, our embassy in Cuba will embody the values and principles of the United States and strengthen our ability to advance our national interests, engage the Cuban people, and advocate for fundamental freedoms.

“Though the reopening of the American and Cuban embassies is a historical milestone in U.S. – Cuban relations, for a full normalization of relations to occur, the Cuban government must recognize that it is out of step today with the international community on human rights issues.

 “Reform will not come to Cuba overnight, but we are moving in a more hopeful direction.” 

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