The Model is Changing A Little

The Model is Changing A Little
March 19, 2013
Dariela Aquique

HAVANA TIMES — Cuba's current president has referred more than once to
the country's interest in talks with the US government (clarifying that
this must be on the basis of absolute respect for self-determination –
which I agree with, by the way).

This is occurring at the same time that most of his Latin American
counterparts are speaking to their northern neighbor in an increasingly
hostile tone.

Something of significance for Cubans and news to the world took place at
the late February meeting of Cuba's National Assembly, where Raul Castro
was re-elected president.

He announced constitutional changes whereby term limits would not exceed
two five-year periods and a maximum age limit would be established. He
also made it known that this would be his final term in office.

This contrasts to referendums in Venezuela and other countries in the
region where unlimited presidential reelections are increasingly
advocated. These are modeled on mandates centering on the current leaders.

Recently the Cuban president met with several US lawmakers (mostly
Democrats, but among them was one Republican). This news was given
without many details and very few photos. In fact, the reason for the
meeting wasn't made public in Cuba.

Despite all this, I have no reason to think the basic character of the
Cuban government is changing. What I do believe, and what's tangible, is
that its foreign policy has been changing to a certain degree.

Independent of the US government having been historically
interventionist — with colonial desires that have often been inhuman and
genocidal for many peoples of the world — nothing can be built on a
foundation of bitterness.

These are times when we must turn to dialogue (without conceding our
dignity or determination).

Instead, we must embrace the principle of respect for different
ideologies, political projects and social systems. It's time that
nations establish relations of respect.

At this point in the game, I don't think a single citizen exists in Cuba
advocating our annexation to the US (though this is a tacit element of
the staunchest opposition).

Nor do I don't think the Cuban government is acquiescing to our historic
enemy. I think we're going through a stage of maturation. Gone is the
euphoria of the first decades of the revolution.

While still the same people, but without those hair-raising speeches,
the model has changed a little.

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