Cuban flag raised over Washington embassy as ties restored

The Cuban flag was raised over Havana’s embassy in Washington on Monday for the first time in 54 years as the United States and Cuba formally restored relations, opening a new chapter of engagement between the former Cold War foes.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez presided over the reinauguration of the embassy, a milestone in the diplomatic thaw that began with a breakthrough announcement by U.S. President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro on Dec. 17.

The U.S. Embassy in Havana was also officially reopened for business. But the Stars and Stripes will not be hoisted there until a visit by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry expected next month.

Without fanfare in the pre-dawn hours, maintenance workers also hung the Cuban flag in the lobby of the U.S. State Department, where it joined the banners of other countries with which the United States has diplomatic relations.

Serious differences remain between the United States and Communist-ruled Cuba, and efforts toward full normalization of ties are expected to proceed slowly for now. But the steps that officially took effect on Monday carried enormous symbolism after more than two years of initially secret negotiations between governments that had long shunned each other.
More than 500 people, including Obama administration officials, U.S. lawmakers and a large visiting Cuban delegation, attended the ceremony at the nearly century-old mansion that was being converted back into the Cuban Embassy.

The U.S. delegation was headed by Assistant Secretary of State Roberta Jacobson.

A three-man honor guard marched onto the front lawn where the Cuban flag was mounted on a newly installed pole while a band played the Cuban national anthem.

As the flag was slowly raised, there were competing chants from the crowd outside the gates. "Cuba si, embargo no!" Shouted one group. "Cuba si, Fidel no," yelled a much smaller group.

In a further sign of a desire to move past decades of enmity, Kerry and Rodriguez, the first Cuban foreign minister on an official visit to Washington since the Cuban Revolution, were due to meet at the State Department and then hold a news conference later on Monday.

Differences include the U.S. economic embargo, Cuba’s human rights record, outstanding legal claims against each country, American fugitives still sheltered in Cuba and Washington’s retention of its naval base at Guantanamo Bay.

The embargo will remain in place, and only Congress can lift it, something that majority Republicans are unlikely to do anytime soon.

Neither side has named an ambassador. The Obama administration has made clear it is in no rush, mindful that Republicans have vowed to block any nominee.

U.S. relations enriching Castro’s family, not Cuba?

Heritage Foundation Senior Fellow Mike Gonzalez on the Obama Administration’s decision to restore relations with Cuba.

https://news.yahoo.com/video/u-relations-enriching-castro-family-124609686.html

Obonzo is paying back the Castro's,
for their contributions... to his ongoing 10 year presidential campaign.

Saw earlier, on the news, that the Cubans are already demanding that Gitmo close.....Annnnnd theres why Obama did this Cuban thing in the first place
Gotdamn! He cant get gone fast enough....

Too bad he wouldn't take the pill and follow his comrade Hugo Chavez.

well at least I will be able to stop sneaking Cuba cigars back into the U.S. that's about all I care about.