HAVANA/WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – Former Cuban leader Fidel Castro seemed alert and energetic yesterday in his first known talks with U.S. officials in years, and asked how to best help U.S. President Barack Obama normalize relations between their countries, U.S. lawmakers said.
“Of course, he has been ill. But I think we will agree that he was very healthy, very energetic, very clear thinking,” said Representative Barbara Lee.
Lee, flanked by fellow members of the Congressional Black Caucus, made the comments at a news conference in Washington just hours after three of them met with Fidel Castro in Cuba.
These were the first known talks between U.S. officials and Fidel Castro, 82, since he underwent surgery in July 2006.
The full seven-member U.S. delegation met with President Raul Castro, who took over from his ailing brother last year.
The meetings took place at a time of possible change in hostile U.S.-Cuba relations, spurred by Obama’s vow to move toward normalizing ties with the communist-ruled island, 90 miles (145 km) from Florida.
The United States has maintained a trade embargo against Cuba since 1962. The U.S. policy of isolating Havana began soon after Fidel Castro took power in 1959.
Lee, who led the U.S. group, and the others in the delegation said Fidel Castro appeared eager to try to improve links between the countries.
“He was very well aware of what was going on,” Representative Laura Richardson told the Washington news conference.
“As he leaned in, he looked directly into our eyes, quite aware of what was happening, and said to us ‘how can we help President Obama?’“
News reports have said Obama will shortly lift restrictions on family travel and remittances between Cuba and the United States. The U.S. Congress is considering legislation that would eliminate a ban on Americans visiting Cuba.
Obama has said he would maintain the trade embargo until Cuba shows progress on human rights and democracy, which Lee said the delegation discussed only generally with the Cubans.
