What is the purpose of the visit?

(Baonghean) - One month after the announcement of the re-establishment of bilateral relations by the leaders of the US and Cuba, on January 17, a group of US Democratic congressmen led by Senator Patrick Leahy arrived in Cuba, starting a 3-day visit to the island nation ahead of a bilateral meeting next week in Havana to discuss normalizing relations between the two countries. Compared to the visit to Cuba in early 2013, this visit to Cuba by the US Democratic congressmen delegation has a completely different nature, at the same time showing support for the White House's policy of normalizing relations with Cuba.

One month after the United States and Cuba made a historic announcement to re-establish bilateral relations, a delegation of US Democratic congressmen is the first official US officials to officially visit Cuba as part of the roadmap for normalizing relations between the two countries. The delegation of four US senators and two US congressmen visiting Cuba this time will have meetings with representatives of the Cuban government, ambassadors of several countries in Cuba and Cardinal - Archbishop of Havana Jaime Ortega. The US delegation led by Senator Patrick Leahy will also discuss the process of normalizing relations with Cuban officials and ensure a "constructive relationship in the future".

Cuban President Raul Castro (right) and Democratic Senator Patrick Leahy during a meeting in Havana on February 19, 2013. Source: AFP/VNA

In February 2013, US Senator Patrick Leahy visited Cuba to negotiate the release of US contractor Alan Gross, who had been detained by the Cuban government for “violating the territorial integrity” of the country. If the visit in February 2013 was for negotiation, this visit by the US Democratic Congressional delegation is a constructive negotiation based on the principle that both sides want. The visit of the US Congressional delegation to Cuba this time is also to “pave the way” for bilateral diplomatic activities to normalize relations. Because according to the schedule, delegations from the US will also quickly work in Cuba next week.

The visit to Cuba by the US Democratic Congressional delegation also shows a careful calculation of this party in supporting President Obama. While many US Congressmen, mainly Republicans, have criticized the White House's re-establishment of normal diplomatic relations with Cuba, this move by the Democratic Congressional delegation is a strong support for this policy of President Obama. Moreover, in the context that the Democratic Party has lost control of both houses of Congress to the Republican Party, the support of the White House's policy at the present time by Democratic Congressmen will attract the sympathy of many American voters. The policy of improving relations with Cuba is clearly receiving the support of a large number of American people. The results of a public opinion poll by the US PEW Research and Investigation Center released on January 16 showed that the majority of Americans support normalizing relations and removing the economic embargo against Cuba. Up to 63% of Americans surveyed support the opening of embassies between Cuba and the US, and 66% of Americans surveyed believe that the US should end the embargo policy that has lasted for more than 50 years against Cuba. In addition, in terms of foreign affairs, the US is gradually regaining its position in the Latin American region in the context of the increasing influence of Russia and China in this region. American companies will also receive many lucrative contracts in Cuba once the embargo policy is completely lifted.

Thus, it is clear that the visit to Cuba, exactly one month after the US and Cuban governments announced the resumption of normal relations, by the US Democratic Congressional delegation has created a new wind blowing into the next steps of the White House in the process of normalizing relations with Cuba. It would be too early to say that both houses of the US Congress controlled by the Republican Party will soon lift the embargo against Cuba, but the positive moves from the Democratic Congressmen are also likely to attract the support of some Republican Congressmen. And so, this is another smart move by the Democratic Congressmen in supporting the White House's policy towards Cuba.

Nguyen Cao Bien