Former President Jimmy Carter lauded the decision to normalize diplomatic relations with and ease sanctions imposed on Cuba, steps he said would benefit the Cuban people and not the country's autocratic rulers. Carter said President Barack Obama's decision to change the dynamic of the U.S.-Cuba relationship "very wise and courageous" and said he hopes Congress will move to end the embargo on Cuba. "I think this is a good move, for both Cubans and Americans. I think it will be a major step forward to bring about more freedom and democracy and more respect for human rights in Cuba as well." Carter said Wednesday on CNN. "It's long overdue."
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Former President Jimmy Carter has been critical of President Obama's foreign policy in the past
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But Carter said Obama's move to normalize relations with Cuba took courage and is long overdue
"We're the only ones that can't go to Cuba," Carter said, referencing the ban preventing @placeholder from going to Cuba as tourists.