Cuba and US seek to end 50 years of Cold War enmity

President Barack Obama has announced the re-establishment of diplomatic relations with Cuba and declared an end to America’s “outdated approach” to the communist island in a historic shift aimed at ending a half-century of Cold War enmity.

“These 50 years have shown that isolation has not worked,” Obama said in remarks from the White House. “It’s time for a new approach.”

As Obama spoke to Americans, Cuban President Raul Castro addressed his own nation from Havana, saying while the two countries still have profound differences in areas such as human rights and foreign policy, they must learn to live together “in a civilised manner”.

Yesterday’s announcement followed more than a year of secret talks between the US and Cuba, including clandestine meetings in Canada and the Vatican and personal involvement from Pope Francis.

Setting the stage for the diplomatic breakthrough, Cuba released American Alan Gross, who had been imprisoned for five years, and a Cuban who had spied for the US. In exchange, three Cubans jailed in Florida were released by the US.

Gross spoke with Obama from the plane carrying him home, then met Secretary of State John Kerry on the ground and later appeared before Washington reporters.

“This is game changing”, Gross declared in brief, emotional remarks. He flashed a broad grin with missing teeth — lost during his imprisonment — after taking an admiring glance at the American flags posted behind him and taking note that his release came on the first day of the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah.

In Cuba, bells were rung and schoolchildren interrupted lessons to mark the historic news.

“This is like a shot of oxygen, a wish come true, because with this, we have overcome our differences,” said Carlos Gonzalez, a 32-year-old information technology specialist in Havana. “It is an advance that will open the road to a better future for the two countries.”

Obama’s plans are sweeping: He aims to expand economic ties with Cuba, open an embassy in Havana, send high-ranking US officials to visit and review Cuba’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism.

The US also is easing restrictions on travel to Cuba, including for family visits, official US government business and educational activities. But tourist travel remains banned.

Obama’s action marked an abrupt use of US executive authority. However, he cannot unilaterally end the longstanding US economic embargo on Cuba, which was passed by Congress and would require action from lawmakers to overturn.