And a United States giving the example of a tone in relations which is present, active, co-operative, respectful, aware of cultural differences and truly proper for a great power unafraid of ideological labels, capable of coexisting with diversity in Latin America as it has learnt to coexist with diversity in Black Africa.

Precisely 20 years ago, John F. Kennedy said at another commencement ceremony:

"If we cannot now end our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity."

This, I think, is the greatest legacy of the sacrificed statesman whose death we all mourned.

Let us understand that legacy, by which death ceased to be an enigma and became, not a lament for what might have been, but a hope for what can be.

This can be...

What would be the quid pro quo?

Simply this: the respect of the United States, respect for the integrity and autonomy of all the states in the region, including normalization of relations with all of them.

The countries in the region should not be forced to seek solutions to their problems outside themselves.

The problems of Cuba are Cuban and shall be so once more when the United States understands that by refusing to talk to Cuba on Cuba, it not only weakens Cuba and the United States, but strengthens the Soviet Union.

The mistake of spurning Cuba's constant offers to negotiate whatever the United States wants to discuss frustrates the forces in Cuba desiring greater internal flexibility and international independence.

Is Fidel Castro some sort of superior Machiavelli whom no gringo negotiator can meet at a bargaining table without being bamboozled by him? I don't believe it...

Let us remember, let us imagine, let us reflect.

The United States can no longer go it alone in Central America and the Caribbean. It cannot, in today's world, practice the anachronistic policies of the "Big Stick."

It will only achieve, if it does so, what it cannot truly want.