Cuba and the United States begin third round of talks
This article originally appeared in the Granma | Thursday, 21 May 2015 | Click here for original article
Talks continue in advancing the process of reestablishing diplomatic relations and the opening of embassies
WASHINGTON.— The Cuban and U.S. delegations will resume bilateral talks today, to be held at the Department of State in Washington, to continue advancing in the process of reestablishing diplomatic relations and the opening of embassies.
Both sides have expressed optimism regarding the environment that surrounds this third round of talks.
Cuban Foreign Ministry sources commented this week that the just decision by President Barack Obama to exclude our country from the list of state sponsors of terrorism and the progress in regards to ensuring the availability of banking services for the Cuban diplomatic mission in Washington, create a conducive bilateral context to progress in the restoration of diplomatic relations.
A high-ranking U.S. official, who requested anonymity, recently said in a conference call that she hopes that this meeting will serve to iron out the outstanding issues in order to open embassies.
According to reports, one of the focuses of this round of talks will be the functioning of the diplomatic missions and the conduct of officials.
Cuba will insist on compliance with the principles of international law enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and the obligations set out under the Vienna Conventions on Diplomatic Relations and Consular Relations, a diplomatic source from the island added.
As in previous meetings, the Cuban delegation is headed by Josefina Vidal, Ministry of Foreign Relations director general for the United States, whilst the U.S. will be represented by Roberta Jacobson, assistant secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs.
