Obama urges direct diplomacy with Latin America

MIAMI -- Democrat Barack Obama says he wants to pursue direct diplomacy with Cuba and Latin America and criticizes Republican rival John McCain for offering the Cuban-American community empty promises.

"After eight years of the disastrous policies of George Bush, it is time to pursue direct diplomacy, with friend and foe alike, without preconditions," Obama told the Cuban American National Foundation on Friday in prepared remarks.

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The Illinois senator repeated his willingness if elected president to meet with Cuban leader Raul Castro. But he said a meeting would only occur at a time and place of his choosing and when there is "an opportunity to advance the interests of the United States."