Latin American leaders praise Obama policy

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Source: CCTV.com | 04-19-2009 09:17

The ongoing Summit of the Americas is providing a platform for the US to repair ties in the region.

And Latin American leaders are responding optimistically to US President Barack Obama's new policy towards the hemisphere.

US President Barack Obama gives his speech as presidents look on while attending the opening ceremony of the 5th Summit of the Americas in Port of Spain, April 17, 2009. [Agencies]

Saturday was the second day of the Summit of the Americas, being held in Port of Spain, the capital of Trinidad and Tobago.

President Obama continues to use soft diplomacy to win over Latin American countries who have long been suspicious of their powerful neighbor.

His friendly encounters with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez have been notable.

Chavez spoke cordially with Obama, but pressured his counterpart to end a long-standing US embargo on Cuba.

Hugo Chavez, Venezuelan President, said, "We've started talking with Obama, and I think it's a good start. We've started taking some good steps. Lula said something very true, that we can't imagine a new Summit of the Americas without Cuba."

Obama has said he is ready to talk with Cuban President Raul Castro.