CUBA-USA/EMBASSY-REAX Cubans hopeful about future after U.S. and Cuba officially restore ties

Record ID: 146445

  • Title: CUBA-USA/EMBASSY-REAX Cubans hopeful about future after U.S. and Cuba officially restore ties
  • Date: 21st July 2015
  • Summary: HAVANA, CUBA (JULY 21, 2015) (REUTERS) EXTERIOR OF U.S. EMBASSY IN HAVANA SECURITY GUARDS OUTSIDE U.S. EMBASSY VARIOUS OF CUBANS ENTERING EMBASSY U.S. FLAG AND CARS DRIVING PAST FRONT PAGE OF STATE NEWSPAPER 'GRANMA' VARIOUS OF ANGELA HEREDIA, 79-YEAR-OLD RETIRED CUBAN WOMAN, READING NEWSPAPER (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) ANGELA HEREDIA, 79-YEAR-OLD RETIRED CUBAN WOMAN, SAYING: "
  • Embargoed: 5th August 2015 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Cuba
  • Country: Cuba
  • Topics: General
  • Reuters ID: LVAEHLDJZFIT4X7IBE1EJ5QIJ1T0
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: One day after the U.S. and Cuba opened embassies in each others capital for the first time in over 50 years, Cubans were excitedly looking forward to what the changes could mean for them.
    On Monday (July 20), the United States and Cuba formally restored relations, opening a new chapter of engagement between the former Cold War foes.
    While both President Barack Obama and President Raul Castro said major disagreements continue, the neighbours have announced they are engaged in dialogue over those disagreements.
    Angela Heredia, a 79-year-old retiree, said she was hopeful that this will mean a different future for Cubans.
    "I'm very happy that we have relations because perhaps in this way all the mistreatment and all that was going on will end. Maybe it will end and we'll live a bit happier," she said.
    Bookstore owner Mayra Santiesteban said she hoped U.S. tourists would learn more about the country that lies 90 miles (145 km) from Key West.
    "Those of us who are private business owners, have many expectations. Here at the bookstore, we want them to learn the history of Cuba through our books," she said.
    University professor Daniel Soto said Cubans hope changes in the country's relationship with the United States will ease their daily life.
    "For the average Cuban, to improve relations with the United States means to live in a less pressured way here in Cuba. In other words, there could be great improvement regarding the prices of products, fewer limitations, the easing of things, a better economic flow," he said.
    President Barack Obama has modestly eased some business and travel restrictions but the broader 53-year-old embargo remains in place. Only Congress can lift it, something majority Republicans are unlikely to do anytime soon despite the Democratic president's appeal for it to be rescinded.
    In addition to lifting the embargo, Havana demands the return of the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay and the two countries have outstanding legal claims against each other.
    In the U.S., supporters of the new policy argue it is a long-term strategy that deserves to be given time to see if it encourages Cuba to move faster toward a free-market economy while showing greater respect for human rights.
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