WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — On July 20, the United States and Cuba plan to officially reestablish diplomatic ties by reopening respective embassies in the countries’ capitals.
The decision was announced last Wednesday by US President Barack Obama as part of his administration’s ongoing efforts to normalize US-Cuban relations. The two countries broke off ties more than 50 years ago during the Cold War.
“Certainly it [arrest] is concerning to us, there is no question. Again, we are always going to be very vocal and very candid about human rights concerns where we see them wherever that is, but it’s not going to change the policy about the restoration of diplomatic relations with Cuba.”
The spokesperson added that the arrest, on the other hand, reinforces the need to move forward with reestablishing diplomatic relations with Havana.
“Opening that embassy, we believe, will advance our human rights agenda by opening up channels of official engagement through the reestablishment of those relations.”
Kirby noted that the members of the US Interests Section in Cuba have confirmed the reports of beating and detention of political activist Antonio Rodiles as well as detention of almost 100 peaceful activists by Cuban authorities on Sunday afternoon.
“We will continue to criticize the violations of human rights and advocate for human rights to peaceful assembly, association and freedom of expression and religion and we will continue to voice our support for improved human rights conditions and democratic reforms in Cuba.”
