Roberta S. Jacobson: “Free speech is a right that must be defended.”

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.

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.

We will continue to press for greater access--and for the Cuban Government to live up to Raul Castro's statement.

The actions taken by the Venezuelan Government today do not support the efforts at the dialogue table.