President Obama, Raul Castro Hold Joint Press Conference In Cuba

President Obama called it "a new day" for United States-Cuba relations as he spoke to reporters Monday alongside Cuba President Raul Castro as part of the first visit by a U.S. president to Cuba in 88 years.

Obama also called on Cuba to make reforms toward human rights and democracy, while Castro criticized America for its continued operation of Guantanamo Bay and urged the United States to lift its trade embargo, something that can only be done with congressional approval.

The joint remarks came on the first full day of Obama’s historic visit to Cuba, a signal of improved diplomacy between the nations. The press conference was itself notable, as Castro rarely speaks to local media in the communist country.

Earlier in the day, Obama laid a wreath at the Jose Marti Memorial, which is dedicated to a Cuban revolutionary hero. He had a closed-door meeting with Castro before the two leaders held the joint press conference.

The American trade embargo on Cuba, and how and when it could be lifted, was the main topic of discussion.

“What we did for 50 years did not serve our interests or the interests of the Cuban people,” Obama said.

Obama said there are still steps Cuba needs to take on human rights and democracy before Congress can be persuaded to lift the embargo.

“We recognize the position President Obama is in, and the position his government holds against the blockade, and that they have called on Congress to lift it,” Castro said.

Castro asked that the United States hand over control of Guantanamo Bay, a controversial U.S. military prison located in Southeast Cuba that Obama has repeatedly criticized and tried to close.

In one tense exchange with a reporter, Castro denied that Cuba held any political prisoners.

“If there are political prisoners, give me a list, right now,” he said. “What political prisoners? Give me their names, and if there are political prisoners, they will be free by tonight.”

Obama was scheduled to take part in a Cuban entrepreneurial event at La Cervecería in Havana before attending a state dinner at the Palace of the Revolution.

The president is visiting Cuba with his wife, Michelle, and their two daughters, Sasha and Malia. Obama is the first U.S. president to visit Cuba since Calvin Coolidge in 1928.

Image via the White House