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17 Dec 14
18:45
Joined:
Date Joined:
05 Apr 06
Cuba comes in from the cold...
.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-30516740
US President Barack Obama has hailed a "new chapter" in US relations with Cuba, announcing moves to normalise diplomatic and economic ties.
Mr Obama said the plans represented the "most significant changes in US policy towards Cuba in 50 years".
Cuban President Raul Castro welcomed the policy shift in his own national televised address.
The move includes the release of American Alan Gross by Cuba and three Cubans jailed in Florida for spying.
Mr Gross arrived at Andrews Air Force Base near Washington from Cuba on Wednesday. Footage showed him disembarking from a US government plane onto the tarmac where he was met by a crowd.
The 65-year-old spent five years behind bars after being accused of subversion, while on a mission to bring internet services to Jewish community groups in Cuba.
The US and Cuba say he was freed on humanitarian grounds.
'Respectful'
Mr Obama announced measures that he said would end an "outdated approach that for decades has failed to advance our interests".
The US is looking to open an embassy in Havana in the coming months, he said.
The plans set out in a White House statement also include:
Reviewing the designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism
Easing a travel ban for US citizens
Easing financial restrictions
Increasing telecommunications links
Efforts to lift the 54-year-old trade embargo
Mr Castro, said the changes were something Cuba had been pressing for for a long time.
"Ever since my election... I have reiterated on many occasions our preparedness to hold a respectful dialogue with the government of the United States based on sovereign equality."
.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-30516740
US President Barack Obama has hailed a "new chapter" in US relations with Cuba, announcing moves to normalise diplomatic and economic ties.
Mr Obama said the plans represented the "most significant changes in US policy towards Cuba in 50 years".
Cuban President Raul Castro welcomed the policy shift in his own national televised address.
The move includes the release of American Alan Gross by Cuba and three Cubans jailed in Florida for spying.
Mr Gross arrived at Andrews Air Force Base near Washington from Cuba on Wednesday. Footage showed him disembarking from a US government plane onto the tarmac where he was met by a crowd.
The 65-year-old spent five years behind bars after being accused of subversion, while on a mission to bring internet services to Jewish community groups in Cuba.
The US and Cuba say he was freed on humanitarian grounds.
'Respectful'
Mr Obama announced measures that he said would end an "outdated approach that for decades has failed to advance our interests".
The US is looking to open an embassy in Havana in the coming months, he said.
The plans set out in a White House statement also include:
Reviewing the designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism
Easing a travel ban for US citizens
Easing financial restrictions
Increasing telecommunications links
Efforts to lift the 54-year-old trade embargo
Mr Castro, said the changes were something Cuba had been pressing for for a long time.
"Ever since my election... I have reiterated on many occasions our preparedness to hold a respectful dialogue with the government of the United States based on sovereign equality."
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Fidel Castro still alive ! (just on the news)....thought he was dead.
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