Cuba to ‘reestablish diplomatic relations’ with US: Castro

By
AFP
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Cuba to ‘reestablish diplomatic relations’ with US: Castro
HAVANA: Cuban President Raul Castro said Wednesday that Cuba had agreed to reestablish diplomatic ties with Cold War enemy the United States after a prisoner swap paved the way to a historic breakthrough.

"We have agreed to reestablish diplomatic ties. This does not mean that the main issue has been resolved: the economic blockade," he said in a national address, using the Cuban government´s term for the US trade embargo imposed in 1960.

He praised US President Barack Obama for taking steps to thaw ties after more than half a century.

"This decision by President Obama deserves our people´s respect and recognition," he said, adding his thanks to Pope Francis, who helped mediate the breakthrough.

"I want to thank the Vatican for its support, and especially Pope Francis," he said.

Castro´s address came after the two countries sealed a prisoner swap in which US contractor Alan Gross was freed in exchange for three Cubans convicted on spying charges: Gerardo Hernandez, Ramon Labanino and Antonio Guerrero.

Castro said the trio, who Havana considers "heroes" for fighting anti-communist Cuban exile groups in the US, had arrived home earlier Wednesday.

"Gerardo, Ramon and Antonio arrived today in our motherland," he said.

"For humanitarian reasons, US citizen Alan Gross was also returned today to his country." (AFP)