This article is from the source 'washpo' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/congress/the-latest-white-house-castro-wasnt-expected-at-airport/2016/03/20/15966042-eef9-11e5-a2a3-d4e9697917d1_story.html

The article has changed 14 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 7 Version 8
The Latest: Google offering high-speed Internet at Cuba cafe The Latest: Castro urges Obama to life more restrictions
(about 1 hour later)
HAVANA — The Latest on President Barack Obama’s trip to Cuba (all times local):HAVANA — The Latest on President Barack Obama’s trip to Cuba (all times local):
2:10 p.m.
Cuban President Raul Castro is calling on President Barack Obama to lift even more restrictions on Cuba.
He’s also urging the return of land used for the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay.
Castro says in a statement after Monday’s meeting with the U.S. president that he welcomes changes by Obama to allow commercial flights to resume and changes in the area of telecommunications, for example. But he says an economic blockade that remains in place is the “most important obstacle” to Cuba’s economic development and the well-being of the Cuban people.
Castro says he recognizes that Obama wants the blockade lifted entirely, but that Congress has refused to go along.
Castro spoke after meeting with Obama in Havana during Obama’s historic visit to the island nation.
___
1 p.m.1 p.m.
Google is opening a cutting-edge online technology center at the studio of one of Cuba’s most famous artists, offering free Internet at speeds nearly 70 times faster than currently available to the Cuban public.Google is opening a cutting-edge online technology center at the studio of one of Cuba’s most famous artists, offering free Internet at speeds nearly 70 times faster than currently available to the Cuban public.
President Barack Obama says Google’s effort is part of a wider plan to improve Internet access across the island.President Barack Obama says Google’s effort is part of a wider plan to improve Internet access across the island.
The U.S. technology giant has built a studio outfitted with laptops, cellphones and virtual-reality goggles at the complex run by Alexis Leiva Machado, a sculptor known as Kcho.The U.S. technology giant has built a studio outfitted with laptops, cellphones and virtual-reality goggles at the complex run by Alexis Leiva Machado, a sculptor known as Kcho.
In an exclusive tour of the site for The Associated Press on Monday, Brett Perlmutter, Google’s head of Cuba operations, said the company was optimistic that the studio would be part of a broader cooperative effort to bring Internet access to the Cuban people.In an exclusive tour of the site for The Associated Press on Monday, Brett Perlmutter, Google’s head of Cuba operations, said the company was optimistic that the studio would be part of a broader cooperative effort to bring Internet access to the Cuban people.
The project has limited reach but enormous symbolic importance in a country that tightly controls of Internet access. Some Cuban officials see the Internet as a potential tool for the U.S. to exert influence over the island’s culture and politics.The project has limited reach but enormous symbolic importance in a country that tightly controls of Internet access. Some Cuban officials see the Internet as a potential tool for the U.S. to exert influence over the island’s culture and politics.
____
12:15 p.m.12:15 p.m.
Western Union is joining the growing list of companies looking to conduct more business in Cuba.Western Union is joining the growing list of companies looking to conduct more business in Cuba.
The company says it intends to expand its service handling money transfers to Cuba in response to new regulations announced last week by the Obama administration.The company says it intends to expand its service handling money transfers to Cuba in response to new regulations announced last week by the Obama administration.
Western Union already handles remittances from the United States to Cuba. Soon, it will begin processing remittances from other countries into Cuba.Western Union already handles remittances from the United States to Cuba. Soon, it will begin processing remittances from other countries into Cuba.
Monday’s statement from Western Union quotes company executive Odilon Almeida as saying remittances to Cuba fund families and private small businesses and can be a “powerful catalyst for empowerment and innovation.”Monday’s statement from Western Union quotes company executive Odilon Almeida as saying remittances to Cuba fund families and private small businesses and can be a “powerful catalyst for empowerment and innovation.”
A key goal of Obama’s regulatory changes is to support the island’s 400,000 or so private entrepreneurs, who have been allowed to go into business for themselves under economic reforms instituted by President Raul Castro.A key goal of Obama’s regulatory changes is to support the island’s 400,000 or so private entrepreneurs, who have been allowed to go into business for themselves under economic reforms instituted by President Raul Castro.
______
11:45 a.m.11:45 a.m.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced that the United States and Cuba will share agricultural research and ideas, a move designed to help U.S. farmers better understand the Cuban market.Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced that the United States and Cuba will share agricultural research and ideas, a move designed to help U.S. farmers better understand the Cuban market.
U.S. farmers are eager to step up access to Cuban markets. Agricultural exports to Cuba have fallen to their lowest levels since 2002, making the U.S. Cuba’s fourth-largest supplier behind the European Union, Brazil and Argentina.U.S. farmers are eager to step up access to Cuban markets. Agricultural exports to Cuba have fallen to their lowest levels since 2002, making the U.S. Cuba’s fourth-largest supplier behind the European Union, Brazil and Argentina.
Vilsack is in Cuba as part of President Barack Obama’s visit to the island. Vilsack has signed a memorandum of understanding with Cuba’s agricultural minister establishing how the two nations will share research.Vilsack is in Cuba as part of President Barack Obama’s visit to the island. Vilsack has signed a memorandum of understanding with Cuba’s agricultural minister establishing how the two nations will share research.
The various activities researchers will undertake include testing recipes and specific products used by Cubans with the goal of increasing product development and acceptance. They will also study students’ eating practices to help ensure they’re getting adequate nutrition.The various activities researchers will undertake include testing recipes and specific products used by Cubans with the goal of increasing product development and acceptance. They will also study students’ eating practices to help ensure they’re getting adequate nutrition.
______
11 a.m.11 a.m.
President Barack Obama has signed many guest books during his time in office, but the message he left behind for Cubans is one for the history books.President Barack Obama has signed many guest books during his time in office, but the message he left behind for Cubans is one for the history books.
“It is a great honor to pay tribute to Jose Marti, who gave his life for independence of his homeland. His passion for liberty, freedom, and self-determination lives on in the Cuban people today,” Obama wrote in dark ink in the book after he laid a wreath and toured a memorial dedicated to the memory of Jose Marti.“It is a great honor to pay tribute to Jose Marti, who gave his life for independence of his homeland. His passion for liberty, freedom, and self-determination lives on in the Cuban people today,” Obama wrote in dark ink in the book after he laid a wreath and toured a memorial dedicated to the memory of Jose Marti.
Marti was an influential poet and journalist who became a symbol for Cuba’s bid for independence against Spain in the 19th century.Marti was an influential poet and journalist who became a symbol for Cuba’s bid for independence against Spain in the 19th century.
______
10:45 a.m.10:45 a.m.
In a long-anticipated moment, President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro shook hands warmly and smiled for the cameras as they greeted each other at the Revolutionary Palace.In a long-anticipated moment, President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro shook hands warmly and smiled for the cameras as they greeted each other at the Revolutionary Palace.
It was the leaders’ first meeting since Obama arrived in Cuba on Sunday and a milestone in the new era of closer relations between the two countries.It was the leaders’ first meeting since Obama arrived in Cuba on Sunday and a milestone in the new era of closer relations between the two countries.
Obama and Castro exchanged words briefly, although their remarks were not picked up by the television cameras nearby.Obama and Castro exchanged words briefly, although their remarks were not picked up by the television cameras nearby.
The men then watched a display of Cuban troops. Secretary of State John Kerry, National Security Adviser Susan Rice and several other U.S. officials looked on.The men then watched a display of Cuban troops. Secretary of State John Kerry, National Security Adviser Susan Rice and several other U.S. officials looked on.
Obama and Castro have met before. They first shook hands in 2013 in South Africa at the Nelson Mandela’s funeral.Obama and Castro have met before. They first shook hands in 2013 in South Africa at the Nelson Mandela’s funeral.
______
10:30 a.m.10:30 a.m.
President Barack Obama’s first stop on his first full day in Cuba was Revolutionary Square, home to a memorial to Cuba independence hero Jose Marti.President Barack Obama’s first stop on his first full day in Cuba was Revolutionary Square, home to a memorial to Cuba independence hero Jose Marti.
Obama arrived midmorning for a brief wreath-laying ceremony. Standing in a lineup of Cuba and U.S. officials, the president listened as a military band played both the Cuban and American national anthem. He held his hand on his heart for the “Star Spangled Banner” and watched as three Cuba soldiers carried a massive wreath of red and white roses to the base of the Marti memorial. Obama made no remarks.Obama arrived midmorning for a brief wreath-laying ceremony. Standing in a lineup of Cuba and U.S. officials, the president listened as a military band played both the Cuban and American national anthem. He held his hand on his heart for the “Star Spangled Banner” and watched as three Cuba soldiers carried a massive wreath of red and white roses to the base of the Marti memorial. Obama made no remarks.
The scene was heavy with reminders of Cuba’s history.The scene was heavy with reminders of Cuba’s history.
Behind Obama were striking steel sculptures of two Cuban Revolution figures: Ernesto “Che” Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos.Behind Obama were striking steel sculptures of two Cuban Revolution figures: Ernesto “Che” Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos.
______
10:20 a.m.10:20 a.m.
Havana residents say they hope U.S. President Barack Obama’s meeting with Raul Castro of Cuba today will bring change that betters their lives in concrete ways.Havana residents say they hope U.S. President Barack Obama’s meeting with Raul Castro of Cuba today will bring change that betters their lives in concrete ways.
Just before the encounter was set to take place, Marta Rodriguez was waiting for a bus to go to work. She said “what I hope for is an agreement, an improvement for us.”Just before the encounter was set to take place, Marta Rodriguez was waiting for a bus to go to work. She said “what I hope for is an agreement, an improvement for us.”
Roberto Hernandez is a 52-year-old construction worker. He says some things have changed as longtime Cold War foes Havana and Washington repair relations, but added: “I don’t see a complete change as the people had expected.”Roberto Hernandez is a 52-year-old construction worker. He says some things have changed as longtime Cold War foes Havana and Washington repair relations, but added: “I don’t see a complete change as the people had expected.”
Hernandez says he’d like to see changes that include ending the U.S. embargo, which is also a chief demand of the Cuban government.Hernandez says he’d like to see changes that include ending the U.S. embargo, which is also a chief demand of the Cuban government.
Obama has implemented a number of measures poking holes in the embargo, but the power to lift it outright lies with the U.S. Congress.Obama has implemented a number of measures poking holes in the embargo, but the power to lift it outright lies with the U.S. Congress.
______
9:40 a.m.9:40 a.m.
There’s a slightly muted air in Havana surrounding President Barack Obama’s visit — one of the most anticipated events in decades for Cuba.There’s a slightly muted air in Havana surrounding President Barack Obama’s visit — one of the most anticipated events in decades for Cuba.
Officials have kept crowds small and while government press attention has been extensive, it’s fallen short of the blanket coverage given papal visits.Officials have kept crowds small and while government press attention has been extensive, it’s fallen short of the blanket coverage given papal visits.
That’s largely because deep differences remain between the two sides — as both are at pains to stress. Cuba’s government for decades has largely defined itself by its opposition to Washington — which treated Cuba as a sort of colony for the first half of the 20th century, often interfering in its affairs.That’s largely because deep differences remain between the two sides — as both are at pains to stress. Cuba’s government for decades has largely defined itself by its opposition to Washington — which treated Cuba as a sort of colony for the first half of the 20th century, often interfering in its affairs.
Among those who greeted Obama on Sunday is Gustavo Machin, Cuba’s deputy director of U.S. affairs. He says his government needs a strong negotiating position in facing the superpower.Among those who greeted Obama on Sunday is Gustavo Machin, Cuba’s deputy director of U.S. affairs. He says his government needs a strong negotiating position in facing the superpower.
In his words, “The United States has tried to absorb Cuba for many years and it’s never been able to absorb it.”In his words, “The United States has tried to absorb Cuba for many years and it’s never been able to absorb it.”
He adds: “We can have a closer relationship ... but all of Cuban history shows that no great power, as strong as it is, can overpower Cuba.”He adds: “We can have a closer relationship ... but all of Cuban history shows that no great power, as strong as it is, can overpower Cuba.”
______
8:55 a.m.8:55 a.m.
One of today’s key events on President Barack Obama’s historic trip to Cuba is a meeting with small-business people from the island and visiting American business executives.One of today’s key events on President Barack Obama’s historic trip to Cuba is a meeting with small-business people from the island and visiting American business executives.
Under economic reforms to Cuba’s once-monolithic Communist system, about 400,000 Cubans have opened or are employed by private small businesses. They include restaurateurs and cellphone repair technicians, fruit sellers, hair dressers and taxi drivers.Under economic reforms to Cuba’s once-monolithic Communist system, about 400,000 Cubans have opened or are employed by private small businesses. They include restaurateurs and cellphone repair technicians, fruit sellers, hair dressers and taxi drivers.
They’re known as “cuentapropistas” — roughly, “people working on their own account.” They make up a nascent private sector.They’re known as “cuentapropistas” — roughly, “people working on their own account.” They make up a nascent private sector.
The state still controls the main economic spheres, however, and the legally licensed activities covered by “cuentapropismo” do not cover professional-class workers such as lawyers, doctors and others.The state still controls the main economic spheres, however, and the legally licensed activities covered by “cuentapropismo” do not cover professional-class workers such as lawyers, doctors and others.
Obama’s relaxation of the U.S. embargo of Cuba is aimed partly at encouraging relationships with the private businesses.Obama’s relaxation of the U.S. embargo of Cuba is aimed partly at encouraging relationships with the private businesses.
______
8:40 a.m.8:40 a.m.
The initial public event of President Barack Obama’s first full day in Cuba will be at Havana’s sprawling Revolution Square, where giant sculptures of revolutionary leaders Ernesto “Che” Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos gaze down from ministry buildings. It’s home to the government palace, the seat of executive power, and the national library.The initial public event of President Barack Obama’s first full day in Cuba will be at Havana’s sprawling Revolution Square, where giant sculptures of revolutionary leaders Ernesto “Che” Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos gaze down from ministry buildings. It’s home to the government palace, the seat of executive power, and the national library.
The plaza is where the government organizes massive patriotic marches and where in years past Fidel Castro made a habit of giving hours-long speeches under the blazing sun. Musical groups put on huge free concerts here, and Popes John Paul II, Benedict XVI and Francis all celebrated Mass in the iconic space.The plaza is where the government organizes massive patriotic marches and where in years past Fidel Castro made a habit of giving hours-long speeches under the blazing sun. Musical groups put on huge free concerts here, and Popes John Paul II, Benedict XVI and Francis all celebrated Mass in the iconic space.
Towering over it is the Monument to Jose Marti, a white spire that’s visible from many parts of the city. The monument is a mainstay on itineraries of visiting foreign leaders, who, as Obama plans to do, invariably stop to lay a ceremonial wreath during state visits.Towering over it is the Monument to Jose Marti, a white spire that’s visible from many parts of the city. The monument is a mainstay on itineraries of visiting foreign leaders, who, as Obama plans to do, invariably stop to lay a ceremonial wreath during state visits.
Marti is a poet and independence hero considered Cuba’s founding father. He’s embraced by both sides of the island’s political and geographical schism.Marti is a poet and independence hero considered Cuba’s founding father. He’s embraced by both sides of the island’s political and geographical schism.
The Cuban government lionizes him as an almost mythical figure in the struggle to free the island from Spanish colonial rule. Exiles also claim him as their own, and his name is used by the U.S.-funded Radio and TV Marti which beam broadcasts critical of the Cuban government at the island.The Cuban government lionizes him as an almost mythical figure in the struggle to free the island from Spanish colonial rule. Exiles also claim him as their own, and his name is used by the U.S.-funded Radio and TV Marti which beam broadcasts critical of the Cuban government at the island.
______
8:20 a.m.8:20 a.m.
President Barack Obama’s trip is getting coverage in Cuban state news media that’s respectful if muted compared to the global headlines about the visit.President Barack Obama’s trip is getting coverage in Cuban state news media that’s respectful if muted compared to the global headlines about the visit.
Cuba’s main paper is the Communist Party organ Granma. It published a 560-word front-page article titled “Obama in Cuba on official visit” that dryly recounts the president’s first half-day in Cuba. Television news led with Obama’s trip then moved quickly to press conferences by Cuban officials about the country’s achievement in medical research and the difficulties posed by the U.S. trade embargo on the island.Cuba’s main paper is the Communist Party organ Granma. It published a 560-word front-page article titled “Obama in Cuba on official visit” that dryly recounts the president’s first half-day in Cuba. Television news led with Obama’s trip then moved quickly to press conferences by Cuban officials about the country’s achievement in medical research and the difficulties posed by the U.S. trade embargo on the island.
The Communist government had dedicated more than a half-century to assertions of independence from the United States and it’s balancing its welcome of Obama with reminders that its system isn’t changing.The Communist government had dedicated more than a half-century to assertions of independence from the United States and it’s balancing its welcome of Obama with reminders that its system isn’t changing.
Videos circulating on social media showed a more enthusiastic reception. One taken with a cell phone from a building facing the restaurant where Obama dined Sunday night shows Cubans shouting “Obama!” to welcome him as his armored limousine arrives. He turns and waves to the people looking from their windows and rooftops.Videos circulating on social media showed a more enthusiastic reception. One taken with a cell phone from a building facing the restaurant where Obama dined Sunday night shows Cubans shouting “Obama!” to welcome him as his armored limousine arrives. He turns and waves to the people looking from their windows and rooftops.
Rapid global distribution of cellphone video taken in Cuba would have been impossible a year ago, before the country opened dozens of public Wi-Fi access spots around the country.Rapid global distribution of cellphone video taken in Cuba would have been impossible a year ago, before the country opened dozens of public Wi-Fi access spots around the country.
Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.