‘I actually welcome President Castro commenting on some of the areas where he feels we’re falling short.’

After listening to Cuban president Raúl Castro attack America over human rights, its trade embargo with Cuba, its “illegal occupation” of Guantanamo Bay, its “inconceivable” failure to provide free food, health-care, and social security, President Obama said that he “personally would not disagree” with his many of criticisms.

“President Castro, I think, has pointed out that in his view making sure everybody’s getting a decent education or health care, has basic security in old age, that those things are human rights as well,” Obama said. ”I personally would not disagree with that.”


“I actually welcome President Castro commenting on some of the areas where he feels we’re falling short because I think we should not be immune or afraid of criticism or discussion as well,” Obama added.

Here is the transcript: