The United States has restored official ties with Cuba after five decades of hostility in a historic agreement that normalizes diplomatic and economic relations.
In announcing the news, President Barack Obama called the move “a new chapter” in relations with the Communist nation located just 90 miles from American shores. Pope Francis reportedly played a crucial role in helping broker the landmark deal with officials in Cuba.
“In the most significant changes in our policy in more than fifty years, we will end an outdated approach that, for decades, has failed to advance our interests, and instead we will begin to normalise relations between our two countries,” Obama said in address from the White House.
“Through these changes, we intend to create more opportunities for the American and Cuban people, and begin a new chapter among the nations of the Americas.”
The agreement also paved the way for the release of U.S. contractor Alan Gross – who had been held in Cuba for five years as Havana accused him of spying. In exchange, three Cuban spies that had been held by the United States were freed.
Cuban President Raul Castro also hailed the restoration of relations with Washington in an address on Cuban television.
“This decision of President Obama deserves the respect and acknowledgement of our people,” said Castro, who took over from his brother – longtime dictator Fidel Castro in 2008. “The progress attained in the interchange show it is possible to find solutions to many problems. As we have repeated we should learn the art of coexistence in a civilized manner with our differences.”
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