Trump says hopes to boost 'freedom' for Cuban people

U.S. President elect Donald Trump walks up a staircase to depart the lobby of the New York Times building after a meeting in New York, U.S., November 22, 2016. (REUTERS)

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said on Saturday that his administration would "do all it can" once it takes office on Jan. 20 to help increase freedom and prosperity for Cuban people after the death of Fidel Castro.

Trump had threatened late in his White House campaign to reverse President Barack Obama's moves to open relations with the Cold War adversary after more than a half-century's estrangement due to his concerns about religious and political freedom in Cuba.

But in his first statement on Cuba policy since the Nov. 8 election, issued from his West Palm Beach, Florida, resort where he and his family are spending the weekend after Thanksgiving, Trump did not say whether he would roll back Obama's measures.

"Though the tragedies, deaths and pain caused by Fidel Castro cannot be erased, our administration will do all it can to ensure the Cuban people can finally begin their journey toward prosperity and liberty," Trump said in the statement.

"While Cuba remains a totalitarian island, it is my hope that today marks a move away from the horrors endured for too long, and toward a future in which the wonderful Cuban people finally live in the freedom they so richly deserve," he said.

Trump's statement marked a softening from his late campaign rhetoric on Cuba policy. READ MORE...