[wanabidii] Press Releases: United States and Cuba Hold Migration Talks

You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Press Releases: United States and Cuba Hold Migration Talks 12/01/2015 12:38 PM EST United States and Cuba Hold Migration Talks Media Note Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC December 1, 2015 The United States and Cuba held biannual Migration Talks on November 30 at the U.S. Department of State.  Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs Deputy Assistant Secretary Alex Lee led the discussions for the United States; Director General Josefina Vidal of the U.S. Division of the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs led the Cuban delegation.  The delegations discussed continuing implementation of the U.S.-Cuba Migration Accords, which provide for the safe, orderly, and legal migration of Cubans to the United States.  The groups also discussed recent trends in migration, such as the entry of Cuban migrants into the United States and human smuggling.  The U.S. delegation expressed its concern for the safety of the thousands of Cuban migrants transiting through Central America. The U.S. and Cuban delegations agreed to expert-level meetings on how both governments will contribute to combatting the smuggling organizations that take advantage of Cuban migrants. The meeting provided an opportunity to review progress on shared priorities and to identify mechanisms to continue narrowing our differences. As with any bilateral relationship, there were some areas of disagreement, but it took place in a respectful, cooperative, and productive environment. The last Migration Talks were held in Havana in January 2015; the July session was postponed due to the ceremonies marking the re-opening of the U.S. and Cuban embassies in July and August.  The United States is committed to supporting safe, orderly, and legal migration from Cuba through the effective implementation of the 1994-95 U.S.-Cuba Migration Accords. The Administration has no plans to alter current migration policy regarding Cuba. For further information, please contact WHA Press at WHAPress@State.Gov. The Office of Website Management, Bureau of Public Affairs, manages this site as a portal for information from the U.S. State Department. External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein. Stay connected with the State Department:       External links found in this content or on Department of State websites that go to other non-Department websites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.  Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Department of State. This email was sent to wanabidii@googlegroups.com using GovDelivery, on behalf of: U.S. Department of State · 2201 C Street NW · Washington, DC 20520