The general secretary of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), Ernesto Samper, stated that the normalization of relations between Cuba and the United States to resolve pending issues such as blockade and the US military base in Guantanamo is a necessity.
Both governments recently took a historic step when they started talks to reestablished diplomatic relations, but we cannot forget the biggest issues to resolve: the embargo (blockade) and the US military base in Guantanamo, Samper told the Catalan newspaper Gara.
Asked about the role that UNASUR is playing in that process, the former Colombian president stated that it will be limited, but Cuba's return to the unity of American nations is seen with much enthusiasm.
It is a prodigal son who returns home. The difference is that here the son did not leave, but he was expelled, Samper said.
Regarding U.S. President Barack Obama, he said that predictions about his second term were marked by skepticism, because without a majority in the Congress, the worst could be expected.
Fortunately, Obama had the courage to change the trend and do important, progressive things in areas such as health care, immigration and relations with Cuba, which, in his opinion, shows that he is ready to take the plunge, he stated.
About Colombia, Samper expressed confidence in the conclusion of the peace talks being held in Havana, and called for further involvement of UNASUR in the execution of those agreements and the application of rules on truth, justice and reparation.
