Yes, it is remarkable that the US and CUBA are now on the part of peace, but what is more remarkable is the Pope (Pope Francis) factor that facilitated this peace moves. The two countries opened formal talks to restore diplomatic relations, after over five decades since Cuba's revolution led to communism.. The economica embargo the US placed on the tiny Island has "caused enormous human and economic damage", according to the Cuban leader, Raul Castro. It is only the US Congress that has the power to lift the embargo, but president Obama has promised to do something about it, though many Republicans are still deeply opposed to this.On Wednesday, US President Barack Obama and Mr Castro agreed a number of measures to improve ties.They included the release by Cuba of US contractor Alan Gross and three Cubans held in the US. Also released was an unnamed US intelligence operative imprisoned in Cuba for 20 years.
President Obama said the "rigid and outdated policy" of isolating Cuba had clearly failed. He said economic reforms were still needed in Cuba and human rights there needed to be upheld. But he said it was time for a new approach."
Mr Obama added that the US was looking to open an embassy in Havana in the coming months.
Obama and Mr Castro spoke by telephone on Tuesday for nearly an hour - the first presidential-level talks between the two nations since Cuba's 1959 revolution.
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