Cuba open to reciprocal dialogue with US

Cuban President Raul Castro informed the parliament Saturday that his government is willing to have reciprocal dialogue on any topic with the US.

"We reiterate our willingness for respectful and reciprocal dialogue concerning disagreements," Castro said, according to a Xinhua report.

"We have strong convictions and a lot of concerns about what happens in the US on (the issues of)democracy and human rights," he said.

Castro also insisted that Cuba would not give up its socialist principles.

"In the same way that we have never demanded that the US change its political system, we will demand respect for ours," Castro said.

His address to the National Assembly follows simultaneous announcements by both governments Wednesday that Cuba and the US will reopen embassies and exchange ambassadors for the first time in more than 50 years.

Cuba's parliament Friday unanimously approved a government decision to restore diplomatic relations with long-time foe, the US.