Washington, July 15: Representatives from arch Cold-war foes, the US and Cuba have held “constructive discussions” on migration and the implementation of a related accord, the first such meeting in six years.
The implementation of the US-Cuban Migration Accords was discussed in the talks that were held in New York. The US team was led by the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Craig Kelly. The last such meeting took place in 2003.
During the talks, the US reaffirmed its commitment to promote safe, orderly, and legal migration. “Engaging in these talks underscores our interest in pursuing constructive discussions with the government of Cuba to advance US interests on issues of mutual concern,” the State Department spokesman, Ian Kelly, said in a statement.
The US delegation highlighted areas of successful cooperation in migration, while also identifying issues that have been obstacles to the full implementation of the Accords, Kelly said.
“The agenda for the talks reflected long-standing US priorities on Cuba migration issues, including: ensuring that the US Interests Section in Havana is able to operate fully and effectively; gaining access to a deep water port for the safe repatriation of migrants; ensuring that the American consular staff at the US,” he said.
Interests Section in Havana are able to monitor the welfare of repatriated migrants; and gaining Cuban government acceptance for the repatriation of all Cuban nationals who are excludable on criminal grounds, the statement said.
The US views these talks as a venue to achieve practical, positive results that contribute to the full implementation of the Accords and to the safety of our citizens, Kelly said.
–Agencies