Sacramento, March 9. (RHC)-- “The cold war is over!” proclaimed state senator Isadore Hall III from Los Angeles as he welcomed Miguel Fraga, First Secretary of the Embassy of Cuba in Washington DC, to the Senate floor.

March 7 was a historic day in the capitol of the richest state in the country where for the first time in more than 50 years the California State Senate not only welcomed a Cuban diplomat but also prominently displayed the flag of Cuba in its chambers.

During his welcoming statement Senator Hall added. “It is time to look forward and to look ahead to a future where Cuba is a partner, not an enemy to the United States. Cuba is a vibrant and beautiful country that has faced many challenges in its efforts to develop economically and the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries can only lead to great partnership in the year to come.” Earlier Fraga met one-on-one with Senator Kevin de Leon, President Pro-Tempore of the Senate as well as other representatives.

Later in the evening he talked to an engaged audience primarily made up of 100 students at Sonoma State University. This was the first day of a week-long tour by First Secretary Fraga to Northern California where he will be speaking about the new developments in U.S./Cuba relations.

Miguel Fraga’s tour is organized by the International Committee for Peace, Justice and Dignity.