Obama Seeks Improved Ties With Castro And Chavez

U.S. President Barack Obama and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez

President Barack Obama has expressed his desire for improved relations with communist Cuba and socialist Venezuela. I think this is a positive gesture.

Nations need to be at peace with each other. Nations do not have to share each other's political views, but strive for a level of mutual civility and understanding.

Obama: 'We can move U.S.-Cuban relations in a new direction'

April 17, 2009 -- Updated 0235 GMT (1035 HKT)

President Obama and Venezuela President Hugo Chavez greet each other Friday at the Summit of the Americas.

Before addressing the representatives of 34 countries at the Summit of the Americas, Obama and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez saw each other and shook hands.

"Every one of our nations has a right to follow its own path," Obama told the assembly. "But we all have a responsibility to see that the people of the Americas have the ability to pursue their own dreams in democratic societies.

"Toward that end, the United States seeks a new beginning with Cuba."

http://edition.cnn.com