The national flag of the Republic of Cuba

By Gary Raynaldo  DIPLOMATIC  TIMES

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the United States stands with Cubans who are pursuing freedom, prosperity, and “a future of greater dignity”.  The secretary of state made the comments Thursday in a “Message to the Cuban people on Cuban Independence Day”.   Cuba gained formal independence from the U.S. on May 20, 1902, as the Republic of Cuba. 

“Today, we recognize the strength and diversity of the Cuban people and their many contributions to the world. We celebrate the strong bonds between our two peoples, as well as the diverse backgrounds and ideas of Cuban artists, entrepreneurs, religious leaders, human rights defenders and advocates for equality, journalists, and environmentalists– just a few of the many people in Cuba with a strong voice and a desire to be heard. The United States stands with you and seeks to support you as you pursue freedom, prosperity, and a future of greater dignity.”

-U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken

White House Says Shift in Policy on Cuba Not One of Biden’s Top Priorities

“A shift in Cuba policy is not among President Joe Biden’s top foreign policy priorities, the White House said on Friday, when asked about plans by Raul Castro to step aside as Communist Party first secretary, the most powerful job in Cuba” – Reuters  reported April 16.

 Biden under pressure to spell out Cuba policy

Lawmakers are growing impatient for the Biden administration to nail down its stance toward Cuba as the White House gives few hints on how it will approach the island nation – The Hill