Cuba Seeks Attendance at Summit of the Americas

HAVANA TIMES, Feb 10 — Colombian Foreign Minister Maria Angela Holguin Bogota said yesterday in Bogota that during her recent visit to Havana, the island’s government expressed interest in participating in the upcoming Summit of the Americas, reported the EFE news agency.

Holguin qualified that the representation of the island — if its attendance is permitted — could not participate in all of the discussions. She added, however, “I don’t believe Cuba wants come to a summit such as this and not participate in the discussions.”

The diplomat said the decision concerning Cuba’s attendance at the continental gathering scheduled to take place in Cartagena “must be consensual.” Meanwhile, the US government reiterated that “there must be significant improvements in political freedom and democracy in Cuba before it can join the Summit.”