US Embassy Opens in Cuba Following Flag-Raising Ceremony Friday

US President Barack Obama has so far failed to deliver on his campaign promise of closing the detention camp at the base amid opposition from the Republican-controlled Congress.

The U.S. raised its flag in Havana then, too, though saving the formal ceremony for Kerry’s visit.

Traveling with Kerry, Democratic Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont said lifting the embargo was the fastest way to bring to change to Cuba.

Numerous invited guests took selfies by a new sign that read “Embassy of the United States”.

In an article entitled “Reality and Dreams”, Castro said the U.S. social justice must be consolidated so that all people may have access to education, health and nutrition.

But despite the ongoing reconciliation process, there will still be issues on which we disagree, he acknowledged.

Residents in these countries, particularly those with higher incomes, were also more in favor of the U.S. ending its trade embargo against Cuba, with a median of 76 percent in support of such a move compared with 72 percent support in the U.S.

“More democracy, elections, we hope for that to come with this diplomatic opening”, said Julio Garcia, a mechanic.

The symbolic event took place eight months after Havana and Washington agreed to restore ties and almost four weeks after the US and Cuba formally renewed diplomatic relations and upgraded their diplomatic missions to embassies.

Underlining the sticking points still complicating relations, Fidel Castro said in an essay published in Cuban state media Thursday, August 13 – his 89th birthday – that the United States owes Cuba “many millions of dollars” because of the trade embargo.

Kerry will meet Cuban dissidents at the U.S. embassy residence in Havana later on Friday.

Kerry said that human rights would be “at the top of our agenda” in discussions Friday with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez.

In addition to the Secretary of State, a delegation of congressional lawmakers, including Democratic Sens.

Kerry’s visit drew barbed comments from leading Republicans, including 2016 presidential contenders Marco Rubio and Jeb Bush.

From left, retired marines Gunnery Sergeant Francis “Mike” East, Gunnery Sergeant James Tracy, and Corpral Larry Morris presenting the United States flag to Marines now stationed in Cuba, during the raising of the United States flag over the newly reopened embassy in Havana, today.

He also said the two governments have distinct positions on various issues, including national sovereignty, democracy, human rights, political models, global law, and the interpretation of historical events. The US Army Brass Quintet will be performing it. Before the flag-raising ceremony it is reported poem will be recited by Richard Blanco, entitled “Matters of the Sea”.