The U.S. Seeks to Resume Diplomatic Relations with Cuba

Following the announcement of the release of Alan Gross, an American citizen who had been imprisoned in Cuba for five years, reports indicate that the U.S. government is considering and establishing diplomatic relations with Cuba. White House officials stated on Wednesday, December 17, in an interview with the Associated Press, that significant changes will be announced soon, and the embassies of the two countries in Washington and Havana will be reopened. It is expected that in a few hours, President Barack Obama will officially announce a change in U.S. foreign policy towards Cuba. Alan Gross, 65, was released on Wednesday and returned to the U.S. on a flight. Reports indicate that during secret negotiations between the U.S. and Cuba, it was agreed that three Cuban prisoners in Florida, who are imprisoned on espionage charges, would also be released. According to the Associated Press, the White House is currently withholding further details but has stated that more information will be released after the announcement by Barack Obama. Alan Gross was arrested in December 2009 while working on a project to install internet access. At that time, it was his fifth trip to Cuba to meet with the Jewish community in the country to bypass the censorship of the ruling regime in Cuba. Alan Gross was sentenced to 15 years in prison but was released after five years. The exit of Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism. The Associated Press, citing reliable sources, reported that Barack Obama has spoken with Secretary of State John Kerry and has instructed that the possibility of reviewing diplomatic activities between Cuba and the U.S. be examined and pursued. The U.S. will also facilitate travel to Cuba in 12 areas. Currently, travel to Cuba is not permitted for American citizens. Under the new regulations, travel for purposes such as family visits, journalistic activities, research activities, educational collaborations, interfaith dialogues, and interactions among artists and athletes will be facilitated. Additionally, restrictions on money transfers from the U.S. to Cuba—except in specific cases involving individuals in the Cuban Communist Party—have been relaxed. The U.S. government will also lift restrictions on the sale and transfer of communication and telecommunications equipment to Cuba, and such sales will now be permitted. Financial connections with banks have also been established, allowing American citizens traveling to Cuba to use their credit and debit cards. According to the Associated Press, the Secretary of State is also expected to report to Barack Obama regarding the review of Cuba's exit from the list of state sponsors of terrorism. The U.S. has listed Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism since 1982.