Posted on 01/28/2015 8:15:22 PM PST by Brad from Tennessee
SAN JOSÉ, Costa Rica—Cuban President Raúl Castro demanded Wednesday that the U.S. return the base at Guantanamo Bay, lift the half-century trade embargo on Cuba and compensate his country for damages before the two nations re-establish normal relations.
Mr. Castro told a summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States that Cuba and the U.S. are working toward full diplomatic relations but “if these problems aren’t resolved, this diplomatic rapprochement wouldn’t make any sense.”
Mr. Castro and U.S. President Barack Obama announced on Dec. 17 that they would move toward renewing full diplomatic relations by reopening embassies in each other’s countries. The two governments held negotiations in Havana last week to discuss both the reopening of embassies and the broader agenda of re-establishing normal relations.
On Wednesday, Mr. Castro emphasized an even broader list of Cuban demands, saying that while diplomatic ties may be re-established, normal relations with the U.S. depend on a series of concessions that appear highly unlikely in the near future.
The U.S. established the military base in 1903, and the current Cuban government has been demanding the land’s return since the 1959 revolution that brought it to power. Cuba also wants the U.S. to pay hundreds of millions of dollars in damages for losses caused by the embargo. . .
(Excerpt) Read more at wsj.com ...
Can old Jug Ears give it back without Congressional approval?
Didn't think so.
He has a pen and a phone
President Merkin Muffley will probably do everything Castro tells him to do.
Probably not. BUT, I think he could order it closed, or otherwise abandon it, in his role as Commander-in-Chief. Then, refuse to order troops in when Cuba takes the abandoned base over effectively giving it back to Cuba.
I remember predicting years ago that O would return Guantanamo to Cuba, or at least open it up to joint US/Cuban use.
It has always surprised me that I was wrong.
Of course, I’ve been predicting Castro’s imminent demise since GW Bush took office back in 2001. So what do I know.
It is a done deal already. O gave up Guantanamo, just like Carter gave up the Panama Canal, now run by the Red Chinese.
How do I know? I was in Mexico from the end of Dec at my favorite resort. Two Excellent head waiters were gone... to Cuba for more pay. Cuba cannot afford to pay more than Mex. at present sooooo... they know what is coming - treason - surrender of Guantanamo - and full diplomatic relationship with a totalitarian Commie regime... or am I redundant when speaking of O and Raul?
Cheeky bloke, ain’t he?
Ah, now who didn’t see THIS coming?
Obama had indicated he wanted to do it.
Hey Castro, suggestion, long walk, short pier...
Give it back to Cuba so Putin can put nukes on it, pointed at Washington DC.. Oh wait.. That might not be such a bad idea. LOL
Just goes to show: You give them an inch and they take a mile.
Raul isn’t showing graciousness and class by thanking the US for wanting to return to “normal” relations. FU Raul.
Recall in the 2008 debates, Romney had the temerity to say “I want to DOUBLE the number of terrorists held at Guantanamo.” That’s one thing he had right.
Prior to 9-11, Gitmo had zero value and the Pentagon knew it. It was held open because of the embargo.
I personally see this whole deal as a fake attempt to make progress. You have to have Cuba settle up on property taken from private citizens....which they will never do. So, it’s publicity for the news folks to harp on, but it goes nowhere.
Ummm... No! GITMO is a large and important base that the US has held for over a hundred years.
Served on an aircraft carrier in early 60s. Twice came out of Brooklyn Navy Shipyard and did carrier trials and shakedowns in GITMO Bay area. Fantastic waters. Some swim days on Sundays, with Marines in small boats around to shoot sharks.
Old salts told of days when crews would be given liberty in Havana and the casinos, prior to Castro takeover.
Sorry... The old memories just kicked in...
If any "president" had tried to do what Obama has done with "presidential memos", (not even executive orders anymore), they would have been arrested by the US Marshalls.
The only explanation is that our nation is being manipulated under direct Satanic control, and God is allowing it to happen.
Unfortunately, he’s liable to get everything he wants with dear leader in office.
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