Roberta S. Jacobson

You have seen a 21 percent increase in tax revenue because of fiscal reform and closing of the budget gap.

They should all be able to travel freely.

There is nothing in the policy that we undertook that was not something done in our national interest.

We will continue to encourage our allies to take every public and private opportunity to support respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in Cuba.

The exit of either of the Castro brothers is very, very significant.

We are also asking other countries to encourage the Cuban Government to allow greater access by the United Nations and other international organizations.

Cubans are also entitled to access uncensored information, including through the Internet.

The importance of Pope Francis as a figure in Latin America just cannot be overstated.

Our previous approach to relations with Cuba over a half century, though rooted in the best of intentions, failed to empower the Cuban people.

While progress has been made in our efforts to reestablish diplomatic relations, we are not there yet.

The President's new approach makes clear that the United States can no longer be blamed as an obstacle to progress on such things as access to information or connecting Cubans to the world.