US and Cuba a step closer to normal diplomatic relations

US and Cuba a step closer to normal diplomatic relations
28/02 03:39 CET

The United States and Cuba both said good progress was made at the
second round of talks aimed at restoring diplomatic relations that were
severed 54 years ago after Cuba's revolution.

These latest discussions at the state department in Washington followed
the first round of talks in Havana in January.

"I can say that we had a good meeting today", said the head of the Cuban
delegation Josefina Vidal. "We made progress in our discussions."

One priority for Cuba is its removal from the US list of state sponsors
of terrorism, but diplomats would not be drawn one which issues were
causing any division.

"I don't feel that it would be appropriate for me to go into specifics
about which issues we made more or less progress on, some of them quite
honestly are close to resolution", said US assistant Secretary of State
Roberta Jacobson.

The negotiations signify a dramatic change in policy by the United
States towards its communist neighbour and some political analysts think
President Obama is looking for a legacy.

For over 50 years there has been a relationship of sorts between the two
countries, but it has always been through a third party, even though
they do have diplomats working in each other's capitals.

At present Cuba's interests in the US are represented by a division of
the Swiss embassy, but if these talks ultimately succeed, that could
soon change and embassies could be re-established in the respective
capitals.

Source: US and Cuba a step closer to normal diplomatic relations |
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http://www.euronews.com/2015/02/28/us-and-cuba-a-step-closer-to-normal-diplomatic-relations/