Roberta S. Jacobson

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

But comprehensive changes in our economic relationship will require congressional action to lift the embargo, and the President has urged Congress to begin that effort.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

As we move the process ahead, we hope we can also work together to find common ground toward our shared goal of enabling the Cuban people to freely determine their own future.

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