Cuba raises flag over embassy in US after ties normalization

The United States and Cuba have formally commenced their full diplomatic missions after restoration of ties.

At midnight local time on Monday, the two countries formally resumed ties after 54 years and the Cuban flag was raised over the Caribbean state’s embassy in Washington.

The American flag will not though be raised at the embassy in Havana until an official visit by US Secretary of State John Kerry to the Cuban capital on August 14.

Hours after diplomatic ties were restored, Kerry visited his Cuban counterpart, Bruno Rodriguez, who had presided over the embassy reopening.

The Cuban flag was also raised in the lobby of the US State Department, where it joined those of other countries that have ties with the US.

US Assistant Secretary of State Roberta Jacobson was heading a delegation of the Obama administration at the inauguration, in which over 500 people, including a high-ranking Cuban delegation, took part.

People also gathered outside the embassy as the Cuban national anthem was being played. There were a number of protesters among the crowd, at least one of whom was reportedly removed by police.

On July 1, the two countries agreed to restoration of ties, however, serious differences yet remain including the US economic embargo and restrictions on Americans wanting to travel to Cuba.

Good neighbors?

Speaking Spanish alongside Rodriguez, Kerry vowed that the US wanted to live "as good neighbors" with Cuba, describing, however, a full restoration of ties "long and complex."

Kerry said Washington "welcomes this new beginning in its relationship with the people and government of Cuba."

Switching to English, he said the restoration does not “signify an end to the many differences that still separate our governments."

"But it does reflect the reality that the Cold War ended long ago and that the interests of both countries are better served by engagement than by estrangement."

Civilized coexistence

Rodriguez, for his part, renewed Havana’s calls for the removal of the 53-year trade embargo that Havana maintains has hugely damaged its economy.

"I emphasized that the total lifting of the blockade, the return of illegally occupied territory of Guantanamo as well as full respect for Cuban sovereignty and compensation to our people for human and economic damages are crucial to be able to move toward the normalization of relations," Rodriguez said as Kerry stood beside him.

US President Barack Obama has been making efforts to ease sanctions on Cuba, which Rodriguez appreciated, but a full removal would need a green light from the US the president, where several Republicans have vowed to roll back the president's moves on Cuba.

The Cuban foreign minister attested to the "profound differences," noting, "We strongly believe that we can both cooperate and coexist in a civilized way based on due respect for these differences."

The United States broke off diplomatic relations with Cuba in 1961.

Washington imposed an official embargo against Havana in 1962, which still remains in place.

The Republican-dominated Congress has so far refused Obama's request to lift the longstanding embargo.

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