In Cuba, hope for better US relations under Obama
By WILL WEISSERT
Associated Press Writer
HAVANA -- Cubans expressed hope Tuesday that Barack Obama's inauguration
could bring monumental changes to their island, even if bans on
satellite television kept most from witnessing the moment.
"The American people have taken a great step," said Alain Echeverria,
who slipped into a hotel lobby to watch. The 34-year-old was wearing a
Obama-Biden T-shirt he begged off an American tourist on U.S. election day.
"He comes in with ideas that are different from all the other
presidents," Echeverria said. "The peoples of all the world will receive
him with open arms."
Cubans blame many of their woes on U.S. trade sanctions that took effect
in 1962 and prohibit most trade between the countries. Obama has said he
will ease some restrictions on travel and remittances but doesn't plan
to end the embargo itself without major concessions from Cuba.
However, that was enough to leave many Cubans excited about the new
president - especially the few with access to cable TV or pirate
satellite dishes. The event was not carried live on state-controlled
radio or television.
At a cafe in Old Havana, a musician with the house band stood rapt as he
listened to Obama's speech on satellite TV beamed in for tourists.
"This country would change a lot if they took away the embargo," said
Alberto Romero, 28. "Most Cubans are hopeful that he'll do something to
change the situation."
Across town at the U.S. Interests Section, which Washington maintains in
Havana instead of an embassy, authorities invited about 30 dissidents,
activists and opposition leaders to watch the inauguration over wine,
rum drinks, pasta and pizza squares.
"Obama's victory and his inauguration represents a victory for the
United States, but also for Cuba," said Oscar Espinosa Chepe, jailed in
2003 for his anti-communist views but released provisionally the
following year for health reasons.
Yuri Perez, a university student and opposition activist, noted the
irony of watching the event inside the U.S. mission.
"We have read about democracy but we have never lived it. We have to
watch it on TV like this," he said. "In Cuban schools, the young people
are so excited. Even though we aren't American, we feel proud."
Associated Press writer Niko Price contributed to this report.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/americas/AP/story/863396.html
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