Local Cubans respond to Obama’s announcement

President Barack Obama announced Wednesday he plans to normalize diplomatic relations with Cuba and ease economic restrictions on trade with the island nation.

The announcement comes on the heels of a prisoner swap today between the two nations that freed American Alan Gross from a Cuban prison.

Some are upset about the announcement saying the plan shouldn’t move forward, but some Cubans in El Paso agree with the decision.

Cuban food truck owner, Helio Gonzalezm said change is necessary.

“The status quo hasn’t worked in 50 years,” Gonzalez said. “There has to be some change in order to move forward.”

Gonzalez said the country needs to move towards becoming a democracy. But that is all dependent upon Cuba.

“I would love to see some change come from the Cuban government first,” Gonzalez said. “Without those changes, this means nothing. Once I see that democracy is restored in Cuba and free elections are upheld then sure I will go.”

The president cannot end the longstanding economic embargo with Cuba because it requires congressional approval. But the president said he will push for that moving forward.

Although Gonzalez and his wife said this is a step in the right direction, he said it is a long process that will take time to determine if Cuba will work with the United States.