Holy moly this is HUGE news!
President Barack Obama announced to the world that the United States would be opening full diplomatic relations with Cuba!
Not only this, but the U.S. will be opening up an embassy in Havana for the first time in more than half-a-century!
In addition to these two things, Cuba has released an American contractor, Alan Gross, who has been held in a Cuban prison for five whole years AND both the United States AND Cuba released political prisoners, some which were held for up to 20 years, back to their own countries.
But, how did all of this come about?
Well, it turns out that this deal was negotiated over 18 MONTHS of secret talks which were encouraged by Pope Francis and hosted by Canada with the final meeting happening at the Vatican.
Which had been attended by both Obama and the president of Cuba Raúl Castro!
On the decision, the President addressed the country and said:
“We will end an outdated approach that for decades has failed to advance our interests and instead we will begin to normalize relations between our two countries. [This will] begin a new chapter among the nations of the Americas [and move past a] rigid policy that’s rooted in events that took place before most of us were born.”
WOW! This is a HUGE deal!
We’re glad these two countries can move forward from the animosity that has been in place for so many years!
While the embargo on the country AND the ban on travel to Cuba is still very much in place, Obama will reportedly talk to Congress and lawmakers about lifting both restrictions.
What do YOU think of this news?!?!
[Image via AP/Doug Mills/Pool.]
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