The White House Blog

Today, the President announced the most significant changes to our Cuban policy in more than 50 years -- ending an outdated approach that has failed to advance our interests for decades.

People and organizations from around the world are weighing in. Take a look at what they're saying, and then add your voice to the conversation using hashtag #CubaPolicy.

"Commercial exchange between the U.S. and Cuban private sectors will bring shared benefits" —@USChamber: http://t.co/dgRlTCQdQs #CubaPolicy

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) December 17, 2014

Read more here.

 

---

“We hope these monumental steps will contribute to a more full realization of the rights and freedoms of the Cuban people and create tangible avenues for their economic, political, and social engagement.”

 -- Statement by Roots of Hope

---

Welcome home to Maryland, Alan Gross. Here's wishing you boundless joy with your friends and family this holiday season.

— Martin O'Malley (@GovernorOMalley) December 17, 2014

---

“Today’s prisoner exchange between the USA and Cuba presents the best opportunity in more than half a century to forge an agenda for human rights change amid efforts to normalize relations between the two countries.”

-- Statement by Amnesty International

---

 

President Obama speaks with President Raúl Castro of Cuba before announcing his #CubaPolicy: http://t.co/ZeORP4H0jr pic.twitter.com/dJMxK2IAor

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) December 17, 2014

---

“In the last month, President Obama has used executive orders to address the two largest structural impediments to better US relations with Latin America; immigration, and Cuba. We commend his leadership on both counts. Today, nearly 55 years of ineffective Cuba sanctions policy has come to an end.”

-- Peter Schechter, Director, Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

---

 

Alan Gross. Back on U.S. soil. pic.twitter.com/Ut5jvdQGg2

— Jeff Flake (@JeffFlake) December 17, 2014

Read more here.

---

“Chag Sameach. What a blessing to be a citizen of the United States of America. Thank you President Obama for everything you have done today.”

-- Statement by Alan Gross, upon returning home

---

With today's Cuba news, now possible to imagine 30 MLB teams with academies on island, similar to D.R. Profound impact on baseball industry.

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 17, 2014

---

.@Pontifex expresses his support for today's #CubaPolicy announcement by President Obama: http://t.co/wIgkkJeTsf pic.twitter.com/Nk559Nn8tm

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) December 17, 2014

“The Holy Father wishes to express his warm congratulations for the historic decision taken by the Governments of the United States of America and Cuba to establish diplomatic relations, with the aim of overcoming, in the interest of the citizens of both countries, the difficulties which have marked their recent history.”

-- Statement by the Vatican