Cuba and US Hold Migration Talks in Havana

Representatives of Cuba and the United States held a round of migration talks on Wednesday in this city capital to consider the pace of ongoing bilateral accords in the field.

In a press conference, Cuban deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio described the dialog as constructive and open and he noted that Cuba considers these talks very important along the cooperation that may result from them.

During the exchange, the Cuban side reiterated its willingness to honor all its compromises and urged the United States to do the same.

The privileged treatment given to Cubans entering US territory combined with the economic blockade maintained against the island pose a major contradiction to reaching the goals pursued by the bilateral accords and on the mutual commitment to guarantee regular, orderly and safe migration, the official explained.

Cuba also insisted in the need that the US embassy in Havana should fully resume consular services for those who apply for non-immigrant visas. While this process was partially restored in August for a given category, it is not yet a full service as it was in the past.

The Cuban side explained that the granting of non-emigrant multiple visas in Havana, like in the past, would prevent many from trying to migrate to the US in order to get their residence and be able to travel between the two nations.

Cuba also expressed concern about the number of its nationals who are now in a legal limbo in US territory. Also addressed was an increasing trafficking in persons involving individuals and organizations operating from southern United States and the island expressed its willingness to expand and strengthen bilateral cooperation in migration.