(VOVworld) – The government-run Cubadebate website on Tuesday quoted a diplomatic official who asked the US to take into consideration the “Cuban Adjustment Act” in the first bilateral negotiations between the US and Cuba which is scheduled to start on Wednesday.

Cuban people are queuing at the office for monetary transaction and financial services in Havana on January 15 (Photo: AFP/VNA)

The diplomat criticized the American policy known as “wet foot, dry foot” and visa privileges for Cuban doctors working in a third country. He said this policy encouraged illegal migration from Cuba to the US. At the historic negotiations this week, Havana asked Washington to remove it from the list of state sponsors of terrorism before any procedure is implemented to resume diplomatic ties. The diplomat said this issue would be raised at the negotiation but it is not a condition for resuming bilateral ties.

Prior to the talks, a diplomat from the US Department of State said President Barack Obama’s administration was ready to accelerate exchanges with Cuba and expand cooperative fields for the benefit of both countries.