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| Cuban leader Raul Castro (L) speaks at the closing of the twice-yearly meeting of the National Assembly in Havana, Cuba, Dec. 20, 2014. Cuban leader Raul Castro told parliament on Saturday that his government is willing to have reciprocal dialogue on any topic with the United States. He also insisted Cuba would not give up its socialist principles. (Xinhua/Liu Bin) |
HAVANA, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- Cuban leader Raul Castro told parliament on Saturday that his government is willing to have reciprocal dialogue on any topic with the United States.
"We reiterate our willingness for respectful and reciprocal dialogue concerning disagreements," Castro said when closing the twice-yearly session of the National Assembly.
"We have strong convictions and a lot of concerns about what happens in the United States on democracy and human rights," he said. Cuba, however, will maintain contacts with the U.S. government in a "constructive and mutual respect spirit."
He also insisted Cuba would not give up its socialist principles.
"In the same way that we have never demanded that the United States change its political system, we will demand respect for ours," Castro said.
His address to the National Assembly follows simultaneous television announcements by both governments Wednesday that Cuba and the United States will reopen embassies and exchange ambassadors for the first time in more than 50 years.
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