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Obama hails 'new chapter' in US-Cuba ties
US President Barack Obama has hailed a "new chapter" in US relations with Cuba, announcing moves to normalise diplomatic and economic ties.
Mr Obama said Washington's current approach was "outdated" and the changes were the "most significant" in US policy towards Cuba in 50 years.
Cuban President Raul Castro said he welcomed the shift in a TV address.
The move includes the release of US contractor Alan Gross and three Cubans held in the US.
Wednesday's announcements follow more than a year of secret talks in Canada and at the Vatican, directly involving Pope Francis.
US-Cuba relations have remained frozen since the early 1960s, when the US broke off diplomatic relations and imposed a trade embargo after Cuba's revolution led to communism.
The plans set out in a White House statement also include:
- Reviewing the designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism
- Easing a travel ban for US citizens
- Easing financial restrictions
- Increasing telecommunications links
- Efforts to lift the 54-year-old trade embargo
Mr. Castro said the changes were something Cuba had been pressing for for a long time.
President Castro urged Washington to lift a trade and economic embargo imposed on the communist-run island - a move that can only be made by Congress.
From : http://www.bbc.com
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