Cuba, U.S. relations 'overdue development,' Stephen Harper says

Prime Minister Stephen Harper saysa warming of relations between the United States and Cuba was "overdue"afterhalf acentury of cold war, and thathe is pleased Canada is being recognized for its role in bringing the two neighbours closer together.

"We facilitated places where the two countries could have a dialogue and explore ways of normalizing the relationship," Harper said in ayear-endinterviewwith CBC News chief correspondent PeterMansbridge on Wednesday. The full interview airs tonight on The National.

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"That's what we did, and we think it's a good development andprobably an overdue development," Harper said. "I personally believe changes are coming in Cuba and this will facilitate those."

Harper's comments come the same dayU.S. President Barack Obamaoutlined steps his administration will take tonormalize full diplomatic relations with Cuba inthe most significant shift in U.S. policy toward the communist island in decades.

Obama publiclythanked Canada forassisting the two countries in their diplomatic efforts.

"I'm pleased the president acknowledged our role in this," Harper said.

High-level American officials said Canada helpedthe U.S. and Cuba begin their reconciliationby hosting a series of meetings dating back to June 2013.

Harper said Cuba wasdue for some changes.

"I think that's an economy and a society just overdue for entry into the 21st century. Time will tell, but I think probably when the currentgeneration of leadership passes you'll see some changes," Harper said.

The prime minister added that he looked forward to seeing democratic elections in Cuba.

"This is really the only place where there are elections that are completely non-competitive. And it would be nice to see that happen in Cuba and I think eventually it will."

Watch Peter Mansbridge's full interview with Stephen Harper tonight on The National, at 10 p.m. on CBC Television, on CBC News Network at 9 and 11 p.m. ET and on cbcnews.ca.