Quito, December 23 8RHC-PL) -- The coordinator of the Ministry of Knowledge and Human Resources of Ecuador, Guillaume Long, says that the announced agreement for the re-establishment of relations between Cuba and the U.S. is the result of the struggle and self-determination of the Cuban people.

This change would not have happened, had it not been for the historic struggle by the Cuban people, for their self-determination and their sovereignty, Long stated, commenting on the announcement made last Wednesday by Presidents Raúl Castro and Barack Obama that the two countries will take steps to put an end to the more than 50 years of isolation.

In a statement to Prensa Latina news agency, the Ecuadorian official emphasized the political maturity of both governments, but impressed on them that the change in mentality on the part of the U.S. administration is a direct result of the strength exhibited by the Cuban people in the face of Washington's hostile policies.

After describing the news of the possible resumption of ties between Cuba and the United States, as “a source of immense joy,” Long warned, however, Cuba still has to keep fighting to eliminate "imperialist setbacks" such as the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by Washington on the Caribbean island since 1962.

 Although Obama publicly admitted the failure of this policy, and said he will sign several executive laws to ease licensing for academic travel to Cuba, and increase the amount of remittances, among other measures, the U.S. president needs the support of Congress to lift the economic, commercial and financial prohibitions against the island.