Washington Conditions Dialogue with Havana

HAVANA TIMES – Following the recent speech of Cuban President Raul Castro, an official of the US State Department said that his country is open to dialogue with Havana if it guarantees the protection of Human Rights , AFP reported .

“If we really want to advance bilateral relations, we must learn to mutually respect our differences and get used to live peacefully with them, that’s the only way,” Castro had said before the Cuban parliament.Meanwhile, the senior US official, who requested anonymity, said that his government “is open to forging a new relationship with Cuba when the Cuban people enjoy the protection of fundamental human rights and the ability to determine freely their own political future.

He also recalled the position of President Barack Obama to continue reviewing US policy toward Cuba, while at the same time demanding democratic reforms on the island, as expressed last November by Secretary of State, John Kerry.