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 the plans represented the "most significant changes in US policy towards Cuba in 50 years".
The US is looking to open an embassy in Havana in the coming months, he said. The moves are part of a deal that saw the release of American Alan Gross by Cuba and includes the release of three Cubans jailed in
Florida for spying.
Mr Gross arrived at Andrews Air Force Base near Washington from Cuba on Wednesday. Footage showed him disembarking from a US government plane onto the tarmac where he was met by a crowd.
The US president announced measures that he said would end an "outdated approach that for decades has failed to advance our interests".
The plans set out in a White House statement also includes:
Reviewing the designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism
Read more: BBC News - Obama hails 'new chapter' in US-Cuba ties
Mr Obama said the plans represented the "most significant changes in US policy towards Cuba in 50 years".
The US is looking to open an embassy in Havana in the coming months, he said. The moves are part of a deal that saw the release of American Alan Gross by Cuba and includes the release of three Cubans jailed in
Florida for spying.
Mr Gross arrived at Andrews Air Force Base near Washington from Cuba on Wednesday. Footage showed him disembarking from a US government plane onto the tarmac where he was met by a crowd.
The US president announced measures that he said would end an "outdated approach that for decades has failed to advance our interests".
The plans set out in a White House statement also includes:
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
Read more: BBC News - Obama hails 'new chapter' in US-Cuba ties
