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                            Cuba Set for Obama Visit

   by Victoria Macchi

   Count the number of candy-colored classic cars at a Havana stoplight,
   and you'll find just as many expectations for the imminent visit of
   U.S. President Barack Obama.

   There are those who hope the visit is a milestone en route to lifting
   the economic embargo by the U.S., and those who believe Cuba cannot
   really change under the current government.

   There are Cubans like Yosleny Borroto, who see the first state visit by
   an American leader since the 1920s as a sign of the changes she sees in
   her country.

   "He has been one of the U.S. president's who has extended his hand to
   us. To help us... to help us get ahead as a country," said Borroto.

   ''

   Expectations|
   For Claudia Toledo, an international buyer for a major food company,
   the nascent rapprochement means her job could improve; access to
   machine parts from the U.S., for example. It also feels like a sign of
   more openness to practical, daily-life benefits, like more Internet
   access.

   "This participation from both sides is good for both countries," Toledo
   said.

   No one expects immediate changes -- except for a few road repairs along
   Obama's route through the capital and at least a day without alcohol
   sales, as mandated by the government.

   ''

   Once the excitement fades, the trade embargo remains firmly intact,
   though the arrival of American CEOs with the president (from Xerox and
   Marriott) hints at future business pacts. Commercial flights from the
   U.S. are already scheduled to resume later this year.

   Some fear more problems ahead
   But then there are Cubans like Oscar Casanella Saint-Blancard. He
   already feels targeted by the government for his friendships with
   outspoken dissidents, and fears that reestablished diplomatic relations
   between Washington and Havana not only fall short of real change, they
   may in fact bring more problems.

   "The first question is... What's going to be the behavior of the Cuban
   government [afterwards]?"

   "It's not enough to be more politically open or flexible..." said
   Casanella. "It's not enough that part of the embargo mechanism starts
   to crumble. Because there's an embargo from the Cuban government
   against the Cuban people, and I think that's the one that does the most
   damage."

   WATCH: VOA's Ramon Taylor reports from Havana, on Facebook.
   [1]Click here.

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   [2]http://www.voanews.com/content/cuba-set-for-obama-visit/3245295.html

References

   1. https://www.facebook.com/voiceofamerica/videos/10153589122493074/?permPage=1
   2. http://www.voanews.com/content/cuba-set-for-obama-visit/3245295.html