Cuba To Increase Dialogue With US: Raul Castro Calls For 'Civilised Relations'

Cuban President Raul Castro has offered a further sign of an increased diplomatic dialogue with the United States. The Cuban leader gave a rare public speech in which he offered the possibility for a "respectful dialogue" that would not compromise the sovereignty of the island and affirmed that both countries can establish a "civilzed relationship." The comments come after a historic handshake with President Barack Obama at Nelson Mandela's funeral.

Raul Castro explained that "if in recent times we have been capable of maintaining some exchanges over topics of mutual benefit...we believe that we can resolve other matters of interest, establish a civilized relationship between both countries, a relationship that is desired by our people, the vast majority of American citizens and Cuban migrants." The speech was given outside the National Assembly: Mr. Castro revealed that his administration had reached out to Washington "on numerous occasions" in the hopes of creating "a respectful dialogue" between both nations.

"We do not wish for the United States to change it's political and social system," continued Castro. "Nor will we accept changes in our own. If we truly want to move forward in bi-national relations, we will have to learn to respect our differences and grow accustomed to licing peacefully with them."