Falcon29
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BBC News - Obama hails 'new chapter' in US-Cuba ties
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Mr Obama said Washington's current approach was "outdated" and the changes were the "most significant" in US policy towards Cuba in 50 years.
Cuban President Raul Castro said he welcomed the shift in a TV address.
The move includes the release of US contractor Alan Gross and three Cubans held in the US.
Wednesday's announcements follow more than a year of secret talks in Canada and at the Vatican, directly involving Pope Francis.
Republican criticism
The US is looking to open an embassy in Havana in the coming months, Mr Obama said.
Raul Castro: "We have agreed to re-establish diplomatic relations"
Alan Gross was accompanied by his wife Judy at a press conference in Washington
Mr Obama and Mr Castro met a year ago at Nelson Mandela's funeral
The plans set out in a White House statement also include:
"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," he said.
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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Mr Obama said Washington's current approach was "outdated" and the changes were the "most significant" in US policy towards Cuba in 50 years.
Cuban President Raul Castro said he welcomed the shift in a TV address.
The move includes the release of US contractor Alan Gross and three Cubans held in the US.
Wednesday's announcements follow more than a year of secret talks in Canada and at the Vatican, directly involving Pope Francis.
Republican criticism
The US is looking to open an embassy in Havana in the coming months, Mr Obama said.
Raul Castro: "We have agreed to re-establish diplomatic relations"
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
"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," he said.
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