The heroic deed of the Cuban people, and the solidarity worldwide of governments, presidents, parliamentarians, men and women with good will for the freedom of the Cuban Five antiterrorist fighters that ended with the arrival to Cuba of Gerardo, Ramon and Antonio and the announcement of the re-establishment of the diplomatic relations between the United States (US) and Cuba discern a future filled with confidence, optimism and hope.
While some people thought the case of the Cuban Five seemed to perpetuate, talks between top officials from Havana and Washington with the support of well known international personalities among them the Pope Francisco, returned the dream hoped and put an end to the 16 years of anguish, inhuman imprisonment, isolation and pain.
While retelling this story, we could never forget that the historical leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro, who was convinced of their return when he said on June 23, 2001 in the Anti-imperialist Tribune. “I will just tell you one thing, they will return.” The Cuban Five are already with us, not by the grace of a promise, but for the tested commitment and fidelity to the just causes of Fidel. He was the first one to devote his entire life to this battle for life, together forever with his people and the millions of people all over the world.
Thanks to the effort of many people, Mirta Rodriguez banished the fear not to be able to see the return of his beloved son; Laura saw his beloved father walk down the stairs of the plane with his own legs and not in a wheelchair; Gerardo and Ramon laid a wreath of flowers and a kiss, absent for years, on the tombs where the remains of their mothers rest; Rene and Fernando are now enjoying their real freedom.
Many diplomats expressed several times that the re-establishment of the diplomatic relations between Cuba and the US would be strongly influenced by the freedom of the Cuban Five antiterrorist fighters. At present that claim is a reality.
The antiquated, hostile and unfruitful policy of the US against Cuba for more than 50 years has mutilated the relations of neighboring countries and caused harm to several generations of Cubans that now seems is going to finish and put an end to the terrible chapter of political conflicts between both nations.
In this December 17, there were not only releases from prisons. We are also witnessing a new period in the life of the Cubans and the Americans.
Raul Castro has just reiterated his disposition to hold respectful talks without impositions, based on sovereign equality, so that the most diverse and complex topics could be treated between the two nations, without detrimental effects to the national independence and the self determination of the Cubans, without renouncing to the principles.
Pesident Barack Obama’s position was brave. It is a pleasure that his administration is in the disposition to produce significant changes in its policy towards Cuba, work in the normalization of the relations and put an end to a period of political disagreements. The future of peace, security and democratic development claimed by the American head of state will be possible whenever we work on the basis of mutual respect to the differences. It is worth to take into consideration the values and interests of our people.
There was never a justification to include Cuba in the list of countries sponsors of terrorism. For more than five decades, the people of Cuba have claimed justice for the thousands of victims of terrorist attacks carried out from the US territory.
In the matter of human rights, Cuba is an example. Thousands of our doctors have been in historical internationalist missions with their disinterested services in poorer nations in the world and at present, hundreds of them are facing Ebola virus in African nations. Others are saving lives in complicated regions in South America. The same happens with our professionals and technicians in the branches of agriculture, sports and education.
It will be beneficial for the Cubans to have access to the American market and vice versa. It is worth think that in the matter of health, the proximity of the two countries will help our country purchase those drugs and technologies which are really necessary for the health assistance of oncology patients. How many innocent people could be saved from death?
The economic, commercial and finance blockade is the main obstacle for the definitive reconciliation. Eliminating it is the solution. It is difficult to learn how to live with our differences, but not impossible. It is time to work for the common welfare.
