For more than 50 years there has not been an ambassador to Cuba but on Tuesday President Obama tapped Jeffrey DeLaurentis for the job. DeLaurentis has served as the United States’ charge d’affairs in Havana since 2014, overseeing the reopening of the US Embassy there and helping to shepherd in the new era of US-Cuba ties.
In a statement that elevated DeLaurentis’ title to “ambassador” Obama wrote it was a:common sense step forward toward a more normal and productive relationship between our two countries.
There is no public servant better suited to improve our ability to engage the Cuban people and advance US interests in Cuba than Jeff.
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According to CNN DeLaurentis was long expected to be named to the ambassador post, but critics of Obama’s Cuba policy have remained steadfast in their opposition to any nomination. Senators Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio have been among the most vocal critics, saying the Castro regime is still violating basic human rights.