Pelosi Statement on Flag-Raising at U.S. Embassy in Havana

Contact: Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

San Francisco – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement on the flag-raising ceremony at the U.S. embassy in Havana, Cuba:

"Today's flag-raising ceremony at the U.S. embassy in Havana represents a proud and forward-looking moment for the United States and the Cuban people.

"It is clear that the absence of a U.S. embassy in Cuba has served neither the strategic interests of our nation, nor the democratic aspirations of the Cuban people. After more than half a century without embassies in each other's countries, we are opening a new chapter of possibility for a new, more productive relationship with Cuba that can support and advance key American priorities – including human rights, counter-narcotics cooperation, business opportunities for American companies, migration, family unification, and cultural and faith-based exchanges.

"This is an historic, breakthrough moment for our engagement and relations with the Cuban people and the entire region. With President Obama's strong leadership, it is my hope that we can build on this progress and continue to take our relations in a positive and constructive direction."

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