Obama: "The Embargo Is Going To End."
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MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) - President Barack Obama and Cuban leader Raul Castro stood side by side talking about what the future looks like when it comes to renewed relations between both countries.
"The embargo is going to end. When? I can't be entirely sure," said President Obama. "The path that we're on will continue and go beyond my administration."
Castro also shared his views on renewed relations - its benefits and obstacles.
"This cooperation is not only beneficial for the U.S. and Cuba. It benefits the hemisphere," said Castro who went on to reiterate what they are asking for to fully recuperate relations between both nations.
Click here to view pictures of the president's visit.
"More can be done if they lift the embargo by the U.S....The last policies adopted are good but not enough. This is essential." He went on, "this embargo is an obstacle for our economic development and for our community...lifting the embargo will be essential in our negotiations."
Castro said another issue that is essential to renewed relations is for the U.S. to return Guantanamo to Cuba.
When asked about political prisoners, Castro responded "give me a list of the political prisoners and I will release them immediately" if we have them. The Cuban leader went on to tell reporters they were asking him too many questions and that the questions should be directed at President Obama.
Related: Local Groups Compile Lists Of Political Prisoners After Castro's Comments
The issue of human rights remains a major topic for people who support and oppose renewed relations. CBS4's Eliott Rodriguez spoke with a Cuban television commentator about the topic and if the Cuban government is really willing to change.
"Everybody has a right to express their opinion," said Reinaldo Taladrid. "But maybe how and under what conditions because if you are receiving money from abroad, for political activities, maybe that damage your legitimate actions."
Click here to see a list of political prisoners released by the Cuban American National Foundation.
Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine is also in Cuba and he believes nurturing Capitalism on the island will benefit South Florida.
"I think it'd be complimentary, " said Levine. "People coming to Miami Beach will also be coming to Havana. You look at the pre-revolutionary travel trends and that's kind of what happened. I think there's also many, many years to go for Cuba and Havana to come up to the service levels of what we have in Miami Beach and Miami."
Related: Dissidents Question Obama's Trip To Cuba
Despite differences between both nations, President Obama said he does see things getting better.
"This is a new day. This is a 'nuevo dia' between both our countries," said the president. "We continue to have some very serious differences...but the United States recognizes the progress Cuba has made as a nation."
He went on, "the future of Cuba will be decided by Cubans not by anybody else. At the same time, the U.S. will continue to speak out about democracy...human rights...religion."
Along with Castro, the president asked for Congress to lift the embargo.
In the case of future meetings, the president said they agreed to hold the next meetings in Havana and will continue to work together in various areas like health, science, environment and the war on drugs.
"We continue to move forward on many fronts when it comes to normalizing relations," said the president. "If we stay on this course we can deliver a better and brighter future to the Cuban and American people."
Hours before, the two shook hands and smiled for the cameras as they greeted each other at the Revolutionary Palace during the first visit by a sitting U.S. president in 88 years.
Following the meeting with Castro, president met with Cuban entrepreneurs and asked for discourse on business in Cuba.
"The Cuban economy is beginning to change...today about half a million Cubans are running your own restaurants cafes, beauty shops, barbers," said Obama. "Cuba's economic future, its ability to create more jobs, a growing middle class....depends on growth in the private sector."
Obama went on to tell the Cuban entrepreneurs, "America wants to be your partner."
Amid his new efforts, President Obama is gaining new fans among Cuban-Americans.
Healthcare executive Mike Fernandez and former Commerce Secretary Carlo Guttierez are among the converts.
"The U.S. is a country. They share some support for fair air price in every nation in the world except for the one that is 90 miles away," said Fernandez. "There is something insane about that policy."
"In the U.S., for us one of our greatest of human rights is the right to make a living, the right to earn a living. That's what many Cubans are getting today. We should support that," said Guttierez.
President Obama also participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Jose Martí Memorial Monday morning.
The president and first lady will also attended a state dinner hosted by Raul Castro at the Presidential palace in Havana.
When the president arrived, he introduced Castro to Nancy Pelosi.
The president's party sat and listened as a Cuban orchestra, with brass and bass, struck up a lively "Cicuta Tibia" and then slid into a mambo.
Pres and Mrs Obama and Pres Castro watch performance by Cuban singers and musicians. pic.twitter.com/K4OhnOfobu
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) March 22, 2016
The head table comprised of President Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, Raul Castro, Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez, Secretary os State John Kerry, Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, Valerie Jarrett, Susan Rice, Nancy Pelosi and Esteban Lazo Hernandez.
The program says the diners will eat a meal that includes traditional pork and plantain chips.
Place setting at Cuban State Dinner for Pres Obama. (Pool photo by @alanacbs). pic.twitter.com/coF0QyKcdu
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) March 22, 2016
And you can't forget about these:
And plenty of Cuban cigars on hand for an after-dinner smoke. pic.twitter.com/VymSzj5LyY
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) March 22, 2016
CBS4's Eliott Rodriguez and Rudabeh Shahbazi are in Havana for this historic trip and will have live coverage on CBS4 News.
Click here to read more about U.S.- Cuba Relations.
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