Castro hails thaw in Cuban-US ties, insists staying on socialist path

Cuban leader Raul Castro on Saturday hailed the removal of an "obstacle" in the island country 's relations with the United States, voicing willingness to have reciprocal dialogue with Washington on any topic and insisting that the country would stay on the socialist path.

"The Cuban people appreciate the correct decision of U.S. President Barack Obama. It represents the removal of an obstacle in relations between our countries," he said when closing the twice-yearly meeting of the National Assembly.

"We share the idea that a new chapter can be opened between the U.S. and Cuba beginning with the restoring of diplomatic relations, " he said, referring to simultaneous televised broadcasts, from Washington and Havana, serving to highlight the historic decision to normalize ties following 50 years of frosty, often hostile relations.

"An important step has been taken, but the essential thing remains, the cessation of the economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba, which has intensified in recent years particularly in terms of financial transactions," he said.

He appealed to U.S. President Barack Obama to use "with determination" his executive power to substantially change the embargo in areas that do not require Congressional approval.

He also cautioned that the island country faces a "long and difficult struggle" before the eventual lifting of the decades-old U.S. blockade.

Meanwhile, Castro stressed that "to improve relations, the United States should not ask Cuba to renounce the ideas for which Cuba has fought for more than a century, for which its people have shed blood and has taken many risks."

He 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.

He noted that between the governments of the United States and Cuba, there are profound differences including different conceptions of the exercise of national sovereignty, democracy, political models and international relations.

"We reiterate our willingness for respectful and reciprocal dialogue concerning disagreements," Castro said, adding that Havana will go to future contacts with the U.S. government in a " constructive and mutual respect spirit."

Castro announced he would attend the Seventh Summit of the Americas scheduled to be held in Panama in April, in what will be the first participation of the island in a meeting of this kind.

"I confirm that I will attend (the summit) to express our positions with sincerity and respect for all heads of state and government without exception," he said.

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