On the agenda today is a historical assessment of the steps being taken to open up relations between Cuba and the United States. Our host Cody Weddle interviews Dr. Esteban Morales, Professor of Economics and Political Science at the University of Havana, a member of the National Commission of Race Relations of the National Union for Writers and Artists in Cuba), and author of numerous articles and books. Our guest answers questions regarding the importance of taking Cuba off of the state sponsors of terrorism list, the obstacles to opening a U.S. embassy in Cuba, the importance of the Vienna Convention in defining illegal activities by a foreign embassy in a host country, the reasons U.S. congressional opposition to lifting the blockade will not necessarily derail the normalization process, President Obama’s vast prerogatives for ending punitive economic measures against Cuba, the reasons for intense international interest in Cuba in the new scenario, Cuba’s need to develop different types of tourism, opportunities for Cuba-U.S. cooperation in science and technology, the strength of Cuba’s cultural identity and traditions, the significance of the recent naming of head negotiator Roberta Jacobson as US Ambassador to Mexico, and signs of Obama’s increased willingness to dialogue. teleSUR