Letter: U.S. needs to reestablish relations with Cuba

Wednesday, June 27, 2007 | 7:22 a.m.

From what I observe, the Bush administration can't even spell diplomacy, or if it can, it doesn't know what it means or how to go about it. One matter in particular has been ignored after more than 40 years with no apparent efforts to seek a resolution. I'm referring to Cuba. So here are my suggestions on how to correct this problem easily and completely.

Step 1: Close the military detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and transfer the alleged "enemy combatants" to federal prisons in the United States pending trials or transport them to their countries of origin.

Step 2: Close the U.S. naval base in Cuba and return the land to the Cuban government.

Step 3: Have the U.S. State Department invite the Cuban government to convene with the full and sincere intention of restoring diplomatic relations and good will between our two countries.

Step 4: Change all existing laws and travel regulations to permit the free flow of citizens between Cuba and the U.S. for business and pleasure.

After this, take similar action by closing secret prisons in European countries, close the U.S. military prisons in Iraq and Afghanistan and undertake a major diplomatic effort toward regaining mutual respect and trust with Russia, Iran, Syria, North Korea and numerous other European and Middle East countries.

Is it worth a dedicated try? I think so. Correction: I know so.

Walter Morykwas, Las Vegas

archive