Jimmy Carter arrived in Havana Sunday, marking the first time someone who has served as U.S. president has visited Cuba since 1959's revolution established communist rule in the island nation.

Carter says he is not visiting Cuba in an official capacity, and won't be negotiating anything with the government there. But he had two meetings scheduled with President Fidel Castro, one on Sunday and another on Wednesday.




While serving as the U.S. head of state from 1977 to 1981, Carter helped establish diplomatic missions in the two countries, negotiated the release of political prisoners, made it possible for Cuban exiles to visit their relatives, and temporarily eased restrictions on U.S. citizens visiting the island.

But a decades-old trade embargo that Carter opposes remains in place, and relations between the neighbouring countries are chilly.

Among the issues sure to be raised is Project Valera – a campaign by Cuban activists who want a referendum on rights, including freedom of speech, as well as on open elections and private business owership. A petition with 11,000 signatures was delivered to the legislature two days ago.

Carter and his wife Rosalynn stand with Castro as the U.S. national athem is played at the airport in Havana
Carter and his wife Rosalynn stand with Castro as the U.S. national athem is played at the airport in Havana

Members of the current administration are hoping Carter also raises recent U.S. accusations that Cuba is trying to develop biological weapons. Castro denies the allegations.

Carter will appear on television to address the Cuban people on Tuesday.

The last time a U.S. head of state visited Cuba was in 1928, when Calvin Coolidge made the trip.

Since leaving office, Carter has been a champion of human rights and democracy around the world, and is in Cuba under the auspices of his non-profit Carter Center based in Atlanta.

He is travelling with his wife Rosalynn and several executives of the Carter Center. They will visit building projects, a farming co-operative, a medical research centre and some schools.

Carter, who is scheduled to meet with human rights and religious groups on Thursday, will wind up his trip on Friday.