Obama Moves to Normalize Relations with Cuba
President Barack Obama announced a major change in United States’ policy toward Cuba this week. He said he wants Congress to ease more than 50 years of U.S. sanctions against the island nation. Besides he said the two nations should once again formally recognize one another.
“I’ve instructed Secretary (of State John) Kerry to immediately begin discussions with Cuba to reestablish diplomatic relations that have been severed since January of 1961.”
Mr. Obama said he also wants to see the easing of restrictions on banking, business activities and travel by U.S. citizens to Cuba. Moreover, representatives of the two countries will meet to talk about reopening the U.S. embassy in Havana.
The surprising announcement was made as Cuba released Alan Gross, an American citizen who worked for the U.S. Agency for International Development. Mr. Gross was arrested in Havana in 2009 and charged with bringing communications equipment to Cuba. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
In Cuba, President Raul Castro spoke to the nation. He praised Mr. Obama’s move to normalize relations. He said “This decision by President Obama deserves the respect and recognition of our people.”
(Cristopher Cruise – VOA Learning English)
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