US, Cuba Re-establish Full Diplomatic Ties After 54 Years
In-Depth Coverage by VOA News July 20, 2015
The United States and Cuba restored full diplomatic relations just after 12 a.m. Monday after more than five decades of hostility.
A few hours later in the pre-dawn quiet, the red, white and blue Cuban flag was hoisted at the U.S. State Department, alongside the flags of the other countries that have diplomatic relations with the U.S.
The U.S. and Cuba each now have a full-fledged embassy in the other’s country.
The historic diplomatic shift comes 54 years after a diplomatic break that happened during U.S. President John Kennedy’s administration.
A short time later, Cuban officials, including Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, attended an opening celebration and flag raising at Cuba’s Washington embassy. U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hmisphere Affairs Roberta Jacobson, who played a key role in the negotiations between the two countries, was also in attendance.
During a speech after the flag raising, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez called for the lifting of the embargo and for the return to Cuba of the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay.
‘The historic events we are living today will only make sense with the removal of the economic, commercial and financial blockade, which causes so much deprivation and damage to our people,’ Rodriguez said, ‘the return of occupied territory in Guantanamo, and respect for the sovereignty of Cuba.’
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry met Parrilla Monday at the State Department.
The opening ceremony for the U.S. embassy in Cuba will be delayed until Kerry can travel to Havana and raise the U.S. flag, but the embassy will be fully functional in the meantime. The State Department says it will operate under the leadership of Charge d’Affairs Jeffrey Delaurentis.
Criticism
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Please Help Support BeforeitsNews by trying our Natural Health Products below!
Order by Phone at 888-809-8385 or online at https://mitocopper.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST
Order by Phone at 866-388-7003 or online at https://www.herbanomic.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST
Order by Phone at 866-388-7003 or online at https://www.herbanomics.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST
Humic & Fulvic Trace Minerals Complex - Nature's most important supplement! Vivid Dreams again!
HNEX HydroNano EXtracellular Water - Improve immune system health and reduce inflammation.
Ultimate Clinical Potency Curcumin - Natural pain relief, reduce inflammation and so much more.
MitoCopper - Bioavailable Copper destroys pathogens and gives you more energy. (See Blood Video)
Oxy Powder - Natural Colon Cleanser! Cleans out toxic buildup with oxygen!
Nascent Iodine - Promotes detoxification, mental focus and thyroid health.
Smart Meter Cover - Reduces Smart Meter radiation by 96%! (See Video).