OTTAWA—Prime Minister Stephen Harper played down Canada’s role in helping to ease relations between the United States and Cuba and welcomed the development, which he called probably too long in coming.
“I don’t want to exaggerate Canada’s role,” he told CBC News after U.S. President Barack Obama announced his government and Cuba were moving toward ending a 50-year diplomatic standoff. Obama noted that Canada lent a hand by providing meeting places between Cuban and U.S. negotiators.
“We facilitated places where the two countries could have a dialogue and explore ways of normalizing the relationship,” Harper said.
“That’s what we did and we think it’s a good development, probably an overdue development.
“I personally believe changes are coming in Cuba and this will facilitate those,” Harper remarked. “But look, I’m pleased the president acknowledged our role in this.”
With Canada’s help, officials from the U.S. and Cuba reportedly held seven meetings in Toronto and Ottawa.
Earlier, Harper released a statement welcoming the changes announced by Obama.
“I wish to congratulate the government of the United States and the Government of Cuba on their successful dialogue and negotiations which will lead to normalized relations between their two countries,” Harper said.
“Canada supports a future for Cuba that fully embraces the fundamental values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law,” the prime minister said.
“Canada was pleased to host the senior officials from the United States and Cuba, which permitted them the discretion required to carry out these important talks.”
Canada, which maintained diplomatic ties with Cuba after the U.S. broke off relations with the island nation when Fidel Castro came to power, has over the decades tried to play a constructive role in relations between Cuba and its neighbours. Former prime minister Pierre Trudeau had good relations with Castro and Canada has continued over the years to invest and send thousands of tourists to the island country.
Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau noted Canada’s friendships with both the U.S. and Cuba which allowed to act as host to the critical discussions.
“To see the welcome steps of building ties between the two countries appear today is a very good piece of news and I look forward to Canada continuing to play a positive role in brining together those two countries,” Trudeau said.
NDP MP Paul Dewar also praised the steps taken by Obama.
“President Obama has made major progress in normalizing relations with Cuba and I believe this will be beneficial to the people of Cuba,” Dewar said in a statement.
Source:: Metro News
