After 50 yrs, US and Cuba to restore diplomatic relations

Havana/Washington, Dec 17

President Barack Obama was set to announce that the US and Cuba are moving to normalise diplomatic relations more than 50 years after they were severed, the biggest US policy shift in decades of hostile ties with the island.

Obama was set to announce the changes in an announcement. Previewing his announcement, US officials said the US and Cuba would move to open embassies in each other's capitals.

Obama spoke on Tuesday to Cuban President Raul Castro to discuss the changes in a call that lasted nearly an hour. Castro was due to speak in Cuba at the same time as Obama.

The shift will mean a relaxation in the flow of commerce and transportation by the US to Cuba.

As part of a prisoner swap under the new policy, Cuba freed American Alan Gross in exchange for three Cubans held by the United States, the officials said. Cuba is also releasing a US intelligence agent held for nearly 20 years.

"These steps will be the most significant changes to our Cuba policy in more than 50 years," a senior administration official told reporters of the measures to be announced by Obama.

"What we are doing is beginning the normalization of relations between the US and Cuba." The official said the US and Cuba would initiate high-level contacts and visits with Cuba. — Reuters