"The United States and Cuba have announced their decision to restore diplomatic relations after the closure of their embassies since more than a half-century. This decision will pave the way for full normalization and I hope, to lift the embargo on the country," Fabius said.
"France is strongly committed in recent years on European Union and Cuba reconciliation. France will continue to help Cuban people in the new phase of their history," the minister added.
Under prisoner swap, Cuba released American Alan Gross in exchange for three Cubans held by the United States.
Gross was convicted of espionage by a Cuban court in 2011 and sentenced to 15 years for bringing telecommunication devices into Cuba while working as a subcontractor for the US Agency for International Development.
Announcing "a new approach" in Washington relations with Havana, American President Barack Obama ordered "to immediately begin discussions with Cuba to re-establish diplomatic relations".
Following the historic shift in policy, the United States will relax trade rules and ease restrictions on travelers to and from Cuba.
Sources:Xinhua - globaltimes.cn
18/12/14
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Cubans in Miami's Little Havana reacted with anger - and a sprinkling of hope - to President Barack Obama's dramatic bid Wednesday (Dec 17) to end a half-decade Cold War with the communist-ruled island...
ReplyDelete"It is a betrayal. The talks are only going to benefit Cuba," said Carlos Munoz Fontanil in Calle Ocho, the historic heart of an exile community that has long pined for the fall of the Castro regime in Havana.
He spoke as dozens of people gathered outside Cafe Versailles, a Little Havana landmark, to protest the rapprochement announced almost simultaneously in Washington and Havana by Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro, 83..............http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/cubans-in-miami-slam/1536604.html
18/12/14