Roberta S. Jacobson

Our approach has drawn attention to the potential for greater political and economic freedom for the Cuban people.

It is remarkable to see how U.S. relations with countries of the hemisphere are increasingly characterized by mature partnerships and shared values and interests.

The greatest progress so far is just the acceptance by both sides that we do want diplomatic relations.

The principal human rights abuses were abridgement of the rights of citizens to change the government...

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

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

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

We could not accept not meeting with democracy activists and with the broadest swath of Cubans possible.

We are also deepening our engagement with Europe to encourage partners there to push for advances in human rights and democratic principles with their Cuban counterparts.

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

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.

We know there is a diversity of views in the Congress on this issue, and we hope we can work together to find common ground toward our shared goal of enabling the Cuban people to determine their own future.