US, Cuba Quietly Open Historic New Chapter in Post-Cold War Ties

Following the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between Washington and Havana, US companies began seeking compensation for property nationalized by the Cuban government over 50 years ago, the president of the Public Diplomacy Council told Sputnik Tuesday.The US sanctions against Cuba were introduced after the 1959 nationalization of over $1 billion-worth of US assets on the island. He returned to Cuba a new convert to the worship of Fidel Castro, and hence, he was holding at the flag-raising ceremony a 26 de Julio flag, an ode to the movement that brought Castro to power.

As more exchanges take place, the relations between the U.S. and Cuba gradually consolidate the connection between the Cuban people and Americans, which will be reflected by a more constructive link between our governments.

“We began a conversation that I suspect will continue on human rights, which we know is going to be a part of this new relationship”, said Kirby.

Monday afternoon, Kerry and Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez held talks during the first visit by a Cuban foreign minister to the State Department in more than 50 years.

While both men stressed the momentous occasion, they also sought to temper optimism fueled by the day’s festivities.

“The historic events we are living today will only make sense with the removal of the economic, commercial and financial blockade, which causes so much deprivation and damage to our people, the return of occupied territory in Guantánamo, and respect for the sovereignty of Cuba.”

REP. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN (R), Florida: I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to try to block the expansion of a U.S. Embassy in Cuba, to try to stop the confirmation of a U.S. ambassador to the island. A vote by Congress is required to lift the restrictions.

“We celebrate this day – July 20 – as a time to start repairing what has been broken and opening what for too long has been closed”, Kerry said.

At embassy, several hundred people gathered on the street outside, cheering as the Cuban national anthem was played and three Cuban soldiers in dress uniforms raised the flag.

As the flag was slowly raised, there were competing chants from the crowd outside the gates. “Cuba si, embargo no!” shouted one group.

Although the Interests Section in Havana won’t see the pomp and circumstance of a flag-raising on Monday, workers there have already drilled holes on the exterior to hang signage flown in from the U.S., and arranged to print new business cards and letterhead that say “Embassy” instead of “Interests Section”. Charlie, secretary Kerry will visit Havana next month for a similar celebration and to raise the stars and stripes at the us embassy.

In Washington, more than 500 people, including Obama administration officials, U.S. lawmakers and a large visiting Cuban delegation, attended the ceremony at the almost century-old mansion.

The opening to Cuba marks not only a legacy achievement for Obama but also a major application of his presidential doctrine of negotiating with enemies, a concept that now faces an even tougher test with a nuclear deal reached with Iran last week. “This embassy will only serve to further legitimize repressive regime”. Whoever President Barack Obama chooses will face a tough fight in the Senate.

There are still changes that have not yet been reached for the U.S. and the nation once known for its strong friendship with the former Soviet Union, perhaps chiefly the ending of the 54 year-long trade embargo.