donald trump gave no indication he plans to sever diplomatic ties with cuba that president barack obama restored.  | ap photo by rebecca morin 11/26/16 11:34 am est following the death of fidel castro, president barack obama and president-elect donald trump released statements saturday markedly differing in tone, but both suggesting that cuba can look to the united states as an ally for the future. "at this time of fidel castro<u+2019>s passing, we extend a hand of friendship to the cuban people," obama said. "history will record and judge the enormous impact of this singular figure on the people and world around him." story continued below "for nearly six decades, the relationship between the united states and cuba was marked by discord and profound political disagreements," the statement read. "during my presidency, we have worked hard to put the past behind us, pursuing a future in which the relationship between our two countries is defined not by our differences but by the many things that we share as neighbors and friends <u+2014> bonds of family, culture, commerce, and common humanity." obama said he knows that cubans in both cuba and the u.s. are filled "with powerful emotions" and recall "the countless ways in which fidel castro altered the course of individual lives, families, and of the cuban nation." he also offered his condolences to the castro family. photo gallery by politico staff and politico staff "in the days ahead, they will recall the past and also look to the future. as they do, the cuban people must know that they have a friend and partner in the united states of america." trump's statement was far more critical of the dictator's legacy but gave no indication he planned to sever diplomatic ties. trump said he hopes "today marks a move away from the horrors endured for too long, and toward a future in which the wonderful cuban people finally live in the freedom they so richly deserve." he also described castro's legacy as "one of firing squads, theft, unimaginable suffering, poverty and the denial of fundamental human rights." by nahal toosi "though the tragedies, deaths and pain caused by fidel castro cannot be erased, our administration will do all it can to ensure the cuban people can finally begin their journey toward prosperity and liberty," trump said in the statement. "i join the many cuban americans who supported me so greatly in the presidential campaign, including the brigade 2506 veterans association that endorsed me, with the hope of one day soon seeing a free cuba." by michael grunwald by bill scher by thomas wright by joshua zeitz
obama, trump statements suggest u.s. to remain friendly to  cuba - politico
rebecca morin nahal toosi michael grunwald