Ambassador to Cuba Nominated by Obama; Republican senators oppose nomination

In an effort to open new diplomatic relationships with Cuba before he leaves office, President Obama has nominated the first US ambassador to the country in more than 50 years. However, this announcement could simply go to waste as two Republican senators are planning to block the nomination as soon as it reaches the opposition-controlled Senate.

Chief diplomat to Havana picked

President Obama chose Jeffry DeLaurentis to be the country's ambassador to Cuba. DeLaurentis is already the chief diplomat in Havana since 2014 and Obama said that his was the main reason why he chose him for the position.

DeLaurentis was a career Foreign Service officer and has been in Havana as the country was transitioning from a one-time US foe to a trade and travel ally on a limited basis. During that time, Cuban embassies were re-opened in Washington while Havana resumed relations with the US when it came to travel and trade.

Obama stated that DeLaurentis' work in Havana was important in the improvement of relations between US and Cuba. He also mentioned that nominating an ambassador would surely be the next step to this relationship. Obama's nomination was also a response to Cuban President Raul Castro's announcement that the US and Cuba will end their 50-year conflict.

Obama hopes that DeLaurentis could be confirmed by the Senate since he knows that he could bring about the changes that will support Cubans and the interests of the US.

Nomination a no go at the Senate

Republican senators Marco Rubio of Florida and Ted Cruz of Texas have openly announced that they would oppose anyone nominated by Obama as Cuban ambassador. The two senators tried to reduce funding for the US embassy in Havana in an effort to stop any possible strengthening of relations between the two countries.

Senator Rubio reiterated that Havana has to make several political reforms first before they are awarded an ambassador. He also cited improvement with human rights policies, the return of US fugitives that are located in Cuba and the compensation of US properties that have been seized during Castro's regime.

Rubio also cited that nominating an ambassador will not change Cuba's dictatorial government. Senators can hold a nomination process even if an ambassador only needs a majority vote to be confirmed. DeLaurentis' nomination and Obama's plans to improve Cuba and the US's relationship could also be put on hold as well.

Senator Patrick Leahy, a Democrat, said that DeLaurentis is the best man for the job considering that he is respected by both the US and Cuba. He also stated that as Cuba has an ambassador in Washington, the US should also have theirs in Havana.