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Cuba US: John Kerry reopens Havana embassy on historic trip US flag raised over reopened Cuba embassy in Havana
(35 minutes later)
The US has reopened its embassy in Cuba more than 54 years after it was closed, in a symbolic step signalling the warming of ties between both countries.The US has reopened its embassy in Cuba more than 54 years after it was closed, in a symbolic step signalling the warming of ties between both countries.
John Kerry, the first US Secretary of State to visit Cuba in 70 years, presided over the ceremony in Havana.John Kerry, the first US Secretary of State to visit Cuba in 70 years, presided over the ceremony in Havana.
The US flag was presented by the same US marines who brought it down in 1961.The US flag was presented by the same US marines who brought it down in 1961.
Cuba reopened its embassy in Washington last month. But issues remain, with Cuban leader Fidel Castro blasting the US for not lifting its trade embargo.Cuba reopened its embassy in Washington last month. But issues remain, with Cuban leader Fidel Castro blasting the US for not lifting its trade embargo.
In an open letter on Thursday, Mr Castro said the US owed Cuba millions of dollars because of its 53-year-long embargo. The letter makes no mention of the reopening of the US embassy.In an open letter on Thursday, Mr Castro said the US owed Cuba millions of dollars because of its 53-year-long embargo. The letter makes no mention of the reopening of the US embassy.
Historic visit Mr Kerry described the hoisting of the flag as a "historic moment" speaking during the ceremony on Friday.
Mr Kerry called for political opening in Cuba, ahead of the ceremony on Friday, which he said was a "historic moment". But he also warned that the US would not stop pressing for political change in Cuba.
"The people of Cuba would be best served by a genuine democracy, where people are free to choose their leaders," he told a crowd of hundreds gathered outside the embassy building."The people of Cuba would be best served by a genuine democracy, where people are free to choose their leaders," he told a crowd of hundreds gathered outside the embassy building.
At the scene - Jon Sopel, BBC North America editor
Diplomacy is the cold and rational pursuit of national interest. But twice I saw John Kerry wipe his eye at the end of his speech at the American embassy.
The handing over of the flag by three old men who 54 years ago as young marines took it down; the US army band striking up the national anthem; the Stars and Stripes hoisted once more - this could never be seen as just cold diplomacy at work. There was emotion.
On both sides. US Cuban relations are entering a new era, and though there will be difficulties ahead and fresh misunderstandings, for those who had brought this restoration of diplomatic relations about, today was one to savour in the Caribbean heat.
In the past, he conceded, US policies have not led to democracy. "Cuba's future is for Cubans to shape," he added.
Three retired marines who lowered the American flag for the last time on 4 January 1961 handed it over to marines to raise it once again in Havana as the American national anthem played.Three retired marines who lowered the American flag for the last time on 4 January 1961 handed it over to marines to raise it once again in Havana as the American national anthem played.
"I'm gonna love seeing that flag go back up," said former marine Jim Tracy, 78, in a US State Department video released ahead of the ceremony."I'm gonna love seeing that flag go back up," said former marine Jim Tracy, 78, in a US State Department video released ahead of the ceremony.
At the scene - Will Grant, BBC Cuba correspondent, Havana
It is a typical hot summer's morning in Havana - humid and sticky. But it's a warmth which perhaps befits the moment in which Cuba and the United States finally put almost six decades of Cold War hostility behind them.
And the sea breeze off the Malecon, Havana's seafront promenade, is refreshing the dignitaries that have gathered on the front lawn for this historic reopening ceremony.
If a lot of the diplomats present thought they'd never see this day, millions of ordinary Cubans certainly never thought they would. Crowds have started to build up around the perimeter fence - some carrying Cuban flags, others the Stars and Stripes.
But the flag that really matters today, the one going up the flagpole at the embassy, will be raised by the same three marines who brought it down in 1961.
Cuban leader Raul Castro and US President Barack Obama agreed to restore ties in December last year.Cuban leader Raul Castro and US President Barack Obama agreed to restore ties in December last year.
While trade and travel restrictions have been relaxed, the Republican-led US Congress has not lifted the trade embargo the US imposed on the communist-run island in 1960.While trade and travel restrictions have been relaxed, the Republican-led US Congress has not lifted the trade embargo the US imposed on the communist-run island in 1960.
Cuba says the embargo - which it calls a blockade - is hugely damaging to its economy.Cuba says the embargo - which it calls a blockade - is hugely damaging to its economy.
It says relations will be fully restored only once it is lifted.It says relations will be fully restored only once it is lifted.
Fidel Castro's letter was published in state newspaper Granma to mark his 89th birthday.Fidel Castro's letter was published in state newspaper Granma to mark his 89th birthday.
Fidel Castro: Cuba's revolutionary leaderFidel Castro: Cuba's revolutionary leader
How did Fidel Castro keep a grip on power for so long?How did Fidel Castro keep a grip on power for so long?
In it, Mr Castro said Cuba was committed to "good will and peace in our hemisphere" but added: "We will never stop fighting for the peace and welfare of all human beings, regardless of the colour of their skin and which country they come from."In it, Mr Castro said Cuba was committed to "good will and peace in our hemisphere" but added: "We will never stop fighting for the peace and welfare of all human beings, regardless of the colour of their skin and which country they come from."
Fidel Castro led his country from the Cuban Revolution, in 1959, until 2006, when he stood down because of undisclosed health problems.Fidel Castro led his country from the Cuban Revolution, in 1959, until 2006, when he stood down because of undisclosed health problems.
He passed on power to his younger brother, Raul, who embarked on a number of economic reforms.He passed on power to his younger brother, Raul, who embarked on a number of economic reforms.