Barack Obama and Raul Catro meet, hopeful to restore ties

PANAMA CITY (AP) – President Barack Obama says it is time to “turn the page” on old divisions when it comes to the United States’ relationship with its longtime adversary, Cuba.

As Obama opened a meeting with Cuban President Raul Castro today, he told reporters, “It was my belief it was time to try something new, that it was important for us to engage more directly with the Cuban government, ” adding “And more importantly, with Cuban people.”

Castro said he was ready to discuss sensitive issues, including human rights and freedom of the press.

Castro said –quote– “We are disposed to talk about everything – with patience.” He also admitted that– quote– “Some things we will agree with, and others we won’t.”

The two are meeting in Panama on the sidelines of the Summit of the Americas.