WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – The United States and Cuba met yesterday to discuss how they intend to treat future dialogue on the thorny issue of human rights as the countries move toward restoring diplomatic ties.
No major announcements emerged from the meeting, the first formal dialogue between the countries on human rights since U.S. President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro announced on Dec. 17 they were seeking to restore diplomatic ties.
“The atmosphere of the meeting was professional, and there was broad agreement on the way forward for a future substantive dialogue,” the State Department said in a statement at the end of the day.
“Both sides expressed willingness to discuss a wide range of topics in future substantive talks,” it added.
The U.S. delegation was led by Tom Malinowski, the State Department’s assistant secretary for human rights and democracy. Pedro Luis Pedroso, deputy director of multilateral affairs and law at the ministry of foreign affairs, led the Cuban side.
