Castro praises US-Cuba deal

Lawmakers in Havana on Saturday hailed the historic agreement concluded earlier in the week between their country and Washington.

In a speech at the parliament, President Raul Castro said: "The Cuban people cheer this correct decision of US President Barack Obama. It represents the removal of an obstacle in relations between our countries."

The Cuban parliament ratified Havana's deal with the United States at its Saturday session.

"We reiterate our willingness for respectful and reciprocal dialogue concerning disagreements," Castro said, adding that his country was willing to talk about all subjects regarding Cuba as well as the US.

However, Cuba would not give up its socialist principles, Castro stressed.

"In the same way that we have never demanded that the United States change its political system, we will demand respect for us," the Cuban leader was quoted as saying by Reuters news agency .

No changes 'overnight'

Castro also confirmed he would attend the Summit of Americas in April next year, where he and Obama would further discuss their plans.

Earlier this week, US President Barack Obama finalized the historic deal with Havana following several weeks of clandestine negotiations which led to the two countries swapping prisoners and Washington releasing three Cuban intelligence agents who were arrested in the US for spying on Cuban expats.

However, there are still hurdles to cross before Cuba and US come closer to each other. Among other things, the Congress needs to approve a complete removal of economic sanctions against the South American country.

Obama also said he wasn't anticipating "overnight changes," especially since the regime in Havana still "repressed its people."

mg/tj (AFP, AP, Reuters)