US Flag Raised at US Embassy in Cuba

But on Friday, the US hoisted the Stars and Stripes over its newly reopened American Embassy in Cuba, the culmination of a remarkable behind-the-scenes diplomatic manoeuvre designed to end more than half a century of hostility.

US Secretary of State John Kerry presided over a flag rising ceremony at the residence of the US ambassador in Havana on Friday.

Before an invited audience of about 300 U.S. and Cuban officials, along with foreign diplomats, Kerry praised President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro for what he called “a courageous decision to stop being prisoners of history and to focus on the opportunities of today and tomorrow”.

Trimpa Group also hired Luis Miranda, former White House director of communications for Hispanic media, and created the organization #CubaNow, which pushed for the policy change and the lifting of the U.S. embargo on Cuba. “My hope was somehow that my word would continue to strength that bridge, to strengthen a conversation”, he said.

“We have many things we need to work on together, ranging from law enforcement, maritime security, education, health, telecommunications, “Kerry said”.

That would be news to the U.S. travelers and businesses eager to engage Cuba on the same terms as the rest of the world. That drew complaints from opponents of the opening to Cuba, who say the Cuban government has made no concessions in exchange for diplomatic ties.

“It is shameful that on the grounds of our embassy in Havana, the Cuban regime can dictate to the US government who may or may not attend this ceremony”, Bob Menendez, a Cuban-American senator from New Jersey, said in a statement.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said the country was ready to discuss any issue with the United States, including human rights – “though we may not always agree”, he added, speaking alongside Kerry at a joint press conference.

While clearly the Cuban government won’t change overnight, Zarate said the question is, “can we deluge it with American influence and commerce, and can that [have an] impact as a younger demographic takes over in the country?”

Formal diplomatic relations were restored last month and the Cuban government rededicated its embassy in Washington on the same day.

He planned to meet with dissidents at a private reception later in the day.

The tensest moment came in October of the same year when US spy planes found evidence of Soviet missiles being built on Cuban soil.

The United States is seeking the return of fugitives granted asylum in Cuba and backs the claims of Americans whose property was nationalized in the years after Fidel Castro seized power in a 1959 revolution.