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The former President of the United States, Jimmy Carter, who passed away this Sunday at the age of 100 in Plains, Georgia, left a legacy of diplomacy and reconciliation with the Cuban government, which was led at the time by Fidel Castro.
One of the emblematic moments of his approach to Cuba occurred on May 13, 2002, when he delivered a historic speech at the Aula Magna of the University of Havana, in the presence of Castro.
This event marked a milestone in the relations between Cuba and the United States, which have been characterized by decades of tensions and confrontations.
During his intervention, Carter acknowledged the complex history between the two countries, emphasizing that while the United States supported Cuba's independence in the early 20th century, the Platt Amendment highlighted an unequal relationship.
"The harsh reality is that neither the United States nor Cuba has managed to establish a relationship that is positive and beneficial," he stated, emphasizing the need for a change in how both countries perceive and communicate with each other.
In his speech, Carter presented specific proposals to improve the bilateral relationship. He advocated for lifting the economic embargo, noting that it "induces anger and resentment, restricts the freedom of citizens of the United States, and hinders the exchange of ideas and mutual respect."
Additionally, he suggested establishing a commission to resolve historical disputes over properties confiscated after the Cuban Revolution and to promote cultural and student exchanges as bridges between both societies.
An interesting point arose when the former president addressed the issue of human rights and democracy, acknowledging Cuba's progress in education and health, but criticizing the lack of civil liberties.
He highlighted initiatives like the Varela Project, which sought peaceful changes through legally established mechanisms in the Cuban Constitution. "I have been informed that such an effort... has gathered enough signatures and has submitted a petition of this nature to the National Assembly."
"When Cubans exercise this right to peacefully change their laws through a direct vote, the world will see that it is Cubans, not foreigners, who will decide the future of this country," he stated.
Carter, who was always known for his self-criticism, acknowledged the imperfections of the United States in terms of human rights, such as racial inequalities and limited access to healthcare.
However, he defended the ability of democracies to correct historical mistakes, presenting this model as a framework adaptable to social changes.
The speech concluded with a call for reconciliation and an optimistic vision of a future in which Cuba and the United States could overcome their historical divide.
"After 43 years of feelings filled with animosity, we hope that in the near future, you can extend your hand over this great divide that separates our two countries," said Carter, envisioning a democratic and united hemisphere.
In March 2011, Carter made his second visit to Cuba, meeting with the then-ruler Raúl Castro, religious leaders, and members of civil society.
Although the visit was of a private nature, it was interpreted as an effort to mediate in bilateral issues, including the situation of Alan Gross, an American contractor detained on the island.
Carter Administration (1977-1981) and Its Relationship with Cuba
During Jimmy Carter's presidency (1977-1981), the relationship between the United States and Cuba experienced a period of relative openness and dialogue compared to previous administrations.
Carter adopted a more pragmatic and conciliatory approach, seeking to reduce the tensions inherited from the Cold War. In this context, one of his most significant achievements was the reopening of the Interest Sections in Washington and Havana in 1977.
The former president also implemented measures to ease travel restrictions to Cuba, allowing groups of academics, journalists, and religious leaders to visit the island.
Additionally, it facilitated the sending of remittances and packages to family members in Cuba, strengthening personal ties between Cubans on the island and those living in exile.
Carter's name also became indelibly linked to one of the largest maritime exoduses in Cuban history: the Mariel exodus.
Between April and October 1980, approximately 125,000 Cubans arrived in South Florida by boat, following the Cuban government's decision to allow a massive exodus of citizens from the port of Mariel.
This exodus created a political storm for Carter, who faced criticism both for his handling of the issue and for the social tensions that arose in the United States due to the massive influx of refugees.
In a speech delivered in May of that year, Carter reaffirmed his government's humanitarian stance, stating that the United States "will continue to offer open hearts and open arms to refugees seeking freedom."
However, this event became a politically divisive issue and may have contributed to his unsuccessful re-election bid in 1980.
Carter also faced significant challenges in his efforts to normalize relations. Cuba's support for revolutionary movements in Africa and Latin America created tensions with the United States, which viewed these actions as a threat to its geopolitical interests.
Additionally, although the possibility of lifting the economic embargo was discussed, internal political opposition and the context of the Cold War hindered substantial progress on this issue.
Nevertheless, despite these episodes, his administration laid the groundwork for future discussions on normalizing relations and is remembered as a president who sought to build bridges in a historically contentious relationship.
Frequently Asked Questions about Jimmy Carter and his historic speech in Havana
What did Jimmy Carter emphasize in his speech in Havana in 2002?
In his speech in Havana, Jimmy Carter emphasized the need to improve relations between the United States and Cuba. He advocated for lifting the economic embargo and promoting cultural and student exchanges. Additionally, he criticized the lack of civil liberties in Cuba and highlighted the Varela Project as an effort to achieve peaceful changes on the island.
What was Jimmy Carter's stance on human rights in Cuba?
Jimmy Carter acknowledged Cuba's progress in education and health but criticized the lack of civil liberties and human rights on the island. He advocated for the idea that Cubans should have the right to change their laws through a direct vote as part of a democratic process.
What impact did Jimmy Carter's speech have on Cuba-U.S. relations?
Jimmy Carter's speech in Havana in 2002 was a milestone in the relations between Cuba and the United States, as it marked the first time since 1959 that a U.S. president visited the island. He presented concrete proposals to improve bilateral relations and laid the groundwork for future dialogues on the normalization of relations between the two countries.
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