U.S. And Cuba To Begin Talks To Restore Full Diplomatic Relations

U.S. And Cuba To Start Talks On Normalizing Relations -- New York Times

WASHINGTON — The United States will open talks with Cuba aimed at restoring full diplomatic relations and opening an embassy in Havana for the first time in more than a half century after the release of an American contractor held in prison for five years, American officials said Wednesday.

President Obama plans to make a televised statement from the White House at noon about the breakthrough, which opens the door to a major international initiative that could help shape his legacy heading into his final two years in office.

Mr. Gross, who has been serving a 15-year sentence in a Cuban prison for trying to bring Internet services to Cuba, was released and put on an American government airplane bound for the United States, officials said. His captivity has been a longstanding obstacle to Mr. Obama’s desire to transform relations with the island nation.

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More News On U.S. And Cuba To Begin Talks To Restore Full Diplomatic Relations

US, Cuba seek to normalize relations -- AP
Obama to announce major Cuba policy overhaul; prisoners swapped -- Reuters
U.S. Moves to Normalize Cuba Relations as American Is Released -- WSJ
U.S. seeks to normalize relations with Cuba -- USA Today
Cuba releases American Alan Gross; Obama to overhaul relations -- CNN
Obama to Announce Easing in U.S.-Cuba Relations -- Bloomberg
US, Cuba seek to normalize relations after Alan Gross released -- FOX News
Obama to announce major Cuba policy change, US may open embassy -- RT

My Comment: I predicted when President Obama was first elected that one of his foreign policy priorities would be to move unconditionally in restoring full diplomatic ties with Cuba. With the release of Alan Gross, the dye has now been set for such a restoration of ties to begin.