U.S. Policy Toward Cuba Set to Undergo Major Changes
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The beleaguered relationship between the US and Cuba is poised to undergo major changes with the release of American Alan Gross. The two countries are preparing to normalize their diplomatic relationship for the first time in more than 50 years, the Wall Street Journal reports, and the US plans to re-open its embassy in Havana. In 2011 the president eased travel restrictions on religious groups and cultural exchanges.
“The president understood the time was right to attempt a new approach, both because of the beginnings of changes in Cuba and because of the impediment this was causing for our regional policy,” an administration official tells CNN.
Both President Obama and Cuban president Raul Castro are to address the changes at noon today. Among them:
- The US will remove a range of restrictions on travel and transferring money to Cuba. It will also review Cuba’s inclusion on its terrorism list and allow telecommunications equipment to be exported to the country.
- Cuba will release 53 political prisoners. It will also boost its citizens’ Internet access and allow US debit and credit cards to be used in the country.
- Good news for aficionados of Cuban cigars, as per the AP: American travelers will now be able to return with up to $100 worth of alcohol or tobacco.
- Meanwhile, Gross’ family is celebrating his freedom. “We’re crying. We’re jumping up and down,” a cousin tells MSNBC. Gross was said to be headed to the US this morning on a government plane.
Click for the White House fact sheet on Cuba.
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It’s long past time these stupid sanctions were lifted. The US is the only country that forbid travel to Cuba. Silly policy indeed.