US and Cuba Re-Establish Diplomatic Relations After More Than 50 Years

Today is a historic day on which the United States and Cuba are re-establishing formal diplomatic relations for the first time since 1961. The Cuban interest section in Washington, DC has been upgraded to embassy status and the Cuban flag now flies over the embassy. The US interest section in Havana, Cuba will likewise be upgraded to embassy status, but the raising of the American flag has been postponed a few weeks until U.S. Secretary of State Kerry can be there for the ceremony.  Much of the trade restrictions imposed on Cuba by the United States will remain in place, however, until Congress decides to amend the relevant laws.

(cgb)