BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, DECEMBER 23RD 2014 (CUOPM) – St Kitts and Nevis’ Minister of Foreign Affairs the Hon. Patrice Nisbett welcomes the thawing of relations between the United States and Cuba describing it as “historic and significant development.”
“We rejoice with the loved ones, friends and well-wishers of the Cuban Five who have waited for so long to be reunited with their fathers, sons, grandparents and uncles,” a Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement said.
He said that St. Kitts and Nevis has been proud to support the annual call for the resolution at the United Nations for the United States to lift the decades-long financial, commercial and economic embargo which has caused untold difficulties for the people of the Republic.
“My Government commends both leaders for engaging in civil dialogue that has resulted in this milestone which will redound to the benefit of their peoples, the hemisphere and the world over. This remarkable move presents a new shift in US foreign policy and offers novel economic prospects for the Cuban people worldwide,” said Mr. Nisbett.
“Certainly, this is a political renaissance which will be revered the world over. This new policy symbolizes the close of a cold war belligerence and the start of a new chapter which seeks to normalize diplomatic and economic ties between both countries. No longer must Cuba be isolated from hemispheric activities,” Mr. Nisbett added.
He also said that the Government and people of St. Kitts and Nevis also wishes to applaud the efforts of Pope Francis of the Vatican and the Canadian Government who were very instrumental in brokering the deal to mend the broken relations between Cuba and the United States.
“We anticipate that communication on this matter, and indeed, all other matters will continue to be addressed on the principle of respect for sovereign equality and that the US Congress will soon reach consensus to end the embargo,” said the St. Kitts and Nevis Foreign Minister.
Mr. Nisbett said St. Kitts and Nevis enjoys excellent bilateral relations with both the Republic of Cuba and the United States of America is overjoyed for the advancement toward normalizing relations between the two friendly nations.
“The Government and people of St. Kitts and Nevis extends warm congratulations to the Governments of the United States of America and the Republic of Cuba for consenting to restore diplomatic relations, reopen embassies for the first time since 1961 and strengthen their bilateral relations,” the statement said.