USA-CUBA/KERRY RODRIGUEZ PHOTO Kerry, Rodriguez meet as U.S., Cuba restore relations

Record ID: 146660

  • Title: USA-CUBA/KERRY RODRIGUEZ PHOTO Kerry, Rodriguez meet as U.S., Cuba restore relations
  • Date: 20th July 2015
  • Summary: WASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES (JULY 20, 2015) (REUTERS) ***WARNING CONTAINS FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY*** U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE JOHN KERRY AND CUBAN FOREIGN MINISTER BRUNO RODRIGUEZ SHAKING HANDS
  • Embargoed: 4th August 2015 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Usa
  • Country: USA
  • Topics: General
  • Reuters ID: LVA44G9R18WGGV5UDLIYPODOU2E3
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: The Cuban flag was raised over Havana's embassy in Washington on Monday (July 20) for the first time in 54 years as the United States and Cuba formally restored relations, opening a new chapter of engagement between the former Cold War foes.
    Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez presided over the reinauguration of the embassy, a milestone in the diplomatic thaw that began with an announcement by U.S. President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro on Dec. 17.
    Serious differences remain between the United States and Communist-ruled Cuba, and efforts toward full normalization of ties are expected to proceed slowly. But the ceremonies carried enormous symbolism after more than two years of negotiations between governments that had long shunned each other.
    A three-man honor guard marched onto the front lawn where the Cuban flag was mounted on a newly installed pole while a band played the Cuban national anthem.
    As the flag was slowly raised, there were competing chants from the crowd outside the gates. "Cuba si, embargo no!" Shouted one group. "Cuba si, Fidel no," yelled a much smaller group.
    A few hours later, Rodriguez met with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry at the State Department.
    In Havana, the U.S. Embassy was also reopened for business with no outward sign of change. Embassy staff flashed new badges and business cards, and the website, Twitter feed and Facebook page of the mission changed. The Stars and Stripes, however, will not be hoisted there until a visit by Kerry expected on Aug. 14.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
  • Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2015. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
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