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American flag raised as US embassy reopens in Cuba – live American flag raised as US embassy reopens in Cuba – live
(35 minutes later)
12.52pm ET17:52
Summary
Here is the latest news story on the historic ceremony:
Related: US embassy in Cuba formally reopens: 'A day for pushing aside old barriers'
And here is a comment piece by Cuban-American writer Damarys Ocaña Perez, who urged Cuba to improve its civil rights record.
We’re wrapping up our live blog, thanks for tuning in!
12.40pm ET17:40
Former Reuters photographer Eliana Aponte has posted some beautiful photos on Instagram from Havana:
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Kerry has met with the Cuban foreign minister, Bruno Rodríguez Parilla.Kerry has met with the Cuban foreign minister, Bruno Rodríguez Parilla.
Se realizan conversaciones oficiales entre el Canciller de #Cuba y el Secretario de Estado de #EEUU. #CubaUS #Cuba pic.twitter.com/IKWv41VDxGSe realizan conversaciones oficiales entre el Canciller de #Cuba y el Secretario de Estado de #EEUU. #CubaUS #Cuba pic.twitter.com/IKWv41VDxG
Following the flag-raising, Kerry had meetings scheduled with the Archbishop of Havana, Cardinal Jaime Lucas Ortega Alamino and the families and staff of the US embassy.Following the flag-raising, Kerry had meetings scheduled with the Archbishop of Havana, Cardinal Jaime Lucas Ortega Alamino and the families and staff of the US embassy.
Later on Friday afternoon, he will preside upon the flag raising ceremony at the residence of the US ambassador in Havana.Later on Friday afternoon, he will preside upon the flag raising ceremony at the residence of the US ambassador in Havana.
12.19pm ET17:1912.19pm ET17:19
Back in December, when Obama announced the thaw in diplomatic relations, my colleague Richard Luscombe spent some time with protesters in Little Havana. (The main image on last December’s photo features Osvaldo Hernandez, who is attending today’s protests):Back in December, when Obama announced the thaw in diplomatic relations, my colleague Richard Luscombe spent some time with protesters in Little Havana. (The main image on last December’s photo features Osvaldo Hernandez, who is attending today’s protests):
Related: Miami's Cuban Americans: 'At the end of the day, Cuba is still not free … This is a sad day'Related: Miami's Cuban Americans: 'At the end of the day, Cuba is still not free … This is a sad day'
At Versailles, much of the clientele are older, harder-line Cuban exiles who backed the long-standing trade embargo and are opposed to the restoration of diplomatic ties with Havana while the Castro regime maintains control.At Versailles, much of the clientele are older, harder-line Cuban exiles who backed the long-standing trade embargo and are opposed to the restoration of diplomatic ties with Havana while the Castro regime maintains control.
Miguel Saavedro, an air-conditioning engineer, was one of the first on the scene with banners denouncing the US president, and led a noisy group of protestors shouting “Obama, traitor”, often when the television cameras were switched on.Miguel Saavedro, an air-conditioning engineer, was one of the first on the scene with banners denouncing the US president, and led a noisy group of protestors shouting “Obama, traitor”, often when the television cameras were switched on.
“Obama has sold out the American people,” he told the Guardian. “The world knows now that he is a coward and that he is a traitor for what he has done. It’s just what the Cubans wanted. They get their spies and terrorists freed and for what? I’m pleased Alan Gross is free, he is an old man in ill health and he has been treated terribly. But this is a heavy price.”“Obama has sold out the American people,” he told the Guardian. “The world knows now that he is a coward and that he is a traitor for what he has done. It’s just what the Cubans wanted. They get their spies and terrorists freed and for what? I’m pleased Alan Gross is free, he is an old man in ill health and he has been treated terribly. But this is a heavy price.”
Read Richard’s full piece here.Read Richard’s full piece here.
12.11pm ET17:1112.11pm ET17:11
Meanwhile in Miami, protesters gathered at Cafe Versailles in the Little Havana neighborhood to express their anger at the reopening of diplomatic relations with Cuba:Meanwhile in Miami, protesters gathered at Cafe Versailles in the Little Havana neighborhood to express their anger at the reopening of diplomatic relations with Cuba:
There have been several heated exchanges on the ground, local media report, despite the fact that there are “less than a dozen protesters” out:There have been several heated exchanges on the ground, local media report, despite the fact that there are “less than a dozen protesters” out:
Protestors and supporters voicing their opinions @wsvn #CubaUS pic.twitter.com/MOPeH4ZUq5Protestors and supporters voicing their opinions @wsvn #CubaUS pic.twitter.com/MOPeH4ZUq5
12.02pm ET17:0212.02pm ET17:02
Cubans react to the US flag-raising in HavanaCubans react to the US flag-raising in Havana
The Associated Press is in Havana, and has spoken several Cubans, who gathered near the embassy:The Associated Press is in Havana, and has spoken several Cubans, who gathered near the embassy:
Giant Cuban flags hung from the balconies of nearby apartment buildings and people gathered at windows with a view of the embassy.Giant Cuban flags hung from the balconies of nearby apartment buildings and people gathered at windows with a view of the embassy.
“I wouldn’t want to miss it,” Marcos Rodriguez, 28, said outside the embassy. He said he and many other Cubans hope the diplomatic thaw will bring “social and economic benefits for all Cubans.”“I wouldn’t want to miss it,” Marcos Rodriguez, 28, said outside the embassy. He said he and many other Cubans hope the diplomatic thaw will bring “social and economic benefits for all Cubans.”
... Julio Garcia is a 51-year-old mechanic. He says he would like to see “more democracy, elections. We hope for that to come with this diplomatic opening.”... Julio Garcia is a 51-year-old mechanic. He says he would like to see “more democracy, elections. We hope for that to come with this diplomatic opening.”
He was among a group of Cubans who cheered as the flag-raising symbolically re-opened the embassy.He was among a group of Cubans who cheered as the flag-raising symbolically re-opened the embassy.
Among those gathering in front of the US Embassy in Havana are the drivers of three 1950s-era Chevrolets that are parked outside the building.Among those gathering in front of the US Embassy in Havana are the drivers of three 1950s-era Chevrolets that are parked outside the building.
Julio Alvarez heads the custom cab company that operates them and he says the State Department had invited him to send them without saying why. Alvarez says he’s hoping that Kerry will take a ride in one of the classic US cars that have become emblematic of Cuba for tourists.Julio Alvarez heads the custom cab company that operates them and he says the State Department had invited him to send them without saying why. Alvarez says he’s hoping that Kerry will take a ride in one of the classic US cars that have become emblematic of Cuba for tourists.
The cars were parked behind Kerry as he made his remarks during the flag-raising ceremony. He jokingly referred to them as “his ride home.”The cars were parked behind Kerry as he made his remarks during the flag-raising ceremony. He jokingly referred to them as “his ride home.”
11.53am ET16:5311.53am ET16:53
In July, the Pew Research Center published a poll which showed 73% of Americans now approve of the US re-establishing diplomatic relations with Cuba and a similar majority (72%) favors the US ending its trade embargo against Cuba, “which would allow U.S. companies to do business in Cuba and Cuban companies to do business in the US”.In July, the Pew Research Center published a poll which showed 73% of Americans now approve of the US re-establishing diplomatic relations with Cuba and a similar majority (72%) favors the US ending its trade embargo against Cuba, “which would allow U.S. companies to do business in Cuba and Cuban companies to do business in the US”.
The poll found that support for renewed diplomatic relations with Cuba increased across “nearly all partisan groups” since January: 56% of Republicans say they approve of re-establishing diplomatic relations; larger majorities of Democrats (83%) and independents (75%) also approved.The poll found that support for renewed diplomatic relations with Cuba increased across “nearly all partisan groups” since January: 56% of Republicans say they approve of re-establishing diplomatic relations; larger majorities of Democrats (83%) and independents (75%) also approved.
(Full poll findings here.)(Full poll findings here.)
Drawing on Pew’s poll numbers and the marked shift in public opinion, the New York Times published an editorial 11 days ago, telling Congress that it’s time “to help make engagement the cornerstone of American policy toward Cuba.”Drawing on Pew’s poll numbers and the marked shift in public opinion, the New York Times published an editorial 11 days ago, telling Congress that it’s time “to help make engagement the cornerstone of American policy toward Cuba.”
11.44am ET16:4411.44am ET16:44
USA Today’s Alan Gomez is in Havana:USA Today’s Alan Gomez is in Havana:
Thousands of Cubans lined up to watch the U.S. flag go up outside the U.S. Embassy in Havana this morning. pic.twitter.com/736UPi8ZuVThousands of Cubans lined up to watch the U.S. flag go up outside the U.S. Embassy in Havana this morning. pic.twitter.com/736UPi8ZuV
11.42am ET16:4211.42am ET16:42
Meanwhile, Yahoo News’ Michael Isikoff interviewed Gerardo Hernandez (released in December by Obama), who told Isikoff that “he’s ready for his ‘next order’ from the Castro regime”:Meanwhile, Yahoo News’ Michael Isikoff interviewed Gerardo Hernandez (released in December by Obama), who told Isikoff that “he’s ready for his ‘next order’ from the Castro regime”:
For his part, Hernandez is unbowed and unrepentant, a proud Fidelista, although one with a wry sense of humor. “I have a new warden now,” he said at the villa, nodding toward a woman looming in the background. “My mother-in-law.”For his part, Hernandez is unbowed and unrepentant, a proud Fidelista, although one with a wry sense of humor. “I have a new warden now,” he said at the villa, nodding toward a woman looming in the background. “My mother-in-law.”
As Hernandez describes it, he is a patriot who was dispatched by Cuba’s Directorate of Intelligence to perform what Cubans viewed as a vital mission inside the United States: to infiltrate anti-Castro exile groups in South Florida that for years were plotting and conducting “terrorist” attacks on their homeland.As Hernandez describes it, he is a patriot who was dispatched by Cuba’s Directorate of Intelligence to perform what Cubans viewed as a vital mission inside the United States: to infiltrate anti-Castro exile groups in South Florida that for years were plotting and conducting “terrorist” attacks on their homeland.
“There were training camps in the Everglades in South Florida,” he said. “Those people used to go in speedboats to Cuba, do some shootings there, place some bombs there and go back and give a press conference: ‘Oh yeah, we did this. We went to Cuba. Down with the Castro government.’”“There were training camps in the Everglades in South Florida,” he said. “Those people used to go in speedboats to Cuba, do some shootings there, place some bombs there and go back and give a press conference: ‘Oh yeah, we did this. We went to Cuba. Down with the Castro government.’”
Those attacks, which continued over a span of decades and are mostly forgotten in the United States, are etched in the memories of most Cubans. In 1976, a Cuban airliner was bombed over the Caribbean, killing 73 passengers, including the teenage members of the Cuban national fencing team. As late as 1997, there was a series of bombings at Havana hotels, aimed at disrupting the country’s nascent tourism industry and killing an Italian businessman — attacks that were said to be the work of anti-Castro exile groups.Those attacks, which continued over a span of decades and are mostly forgotten in the United States, are etched in the memories of most Cubans. In 1976, a Cuban airliner was bombed over the Caribbean, killing 73 passengers, including the teenage members of the Cuban national fencing team. As late as 1997, there was a series of bombings at Havana hotels, aimed at disrupting the country’s nascent tourism industry and killing an Italian businessman — attacks that were said to be the work of anti-Castro exile groups.
11.35am ET16:3511.35am ET16:35
Last April, my colleague Dan Roberts wrote about how Cuba came in from the Cold, through spies, artificial insemination and the pope:Last April, my colleague Dan Roberts wrote about how Cuba came in from the Cold, through spies, artificial insemination and the pope:
It began with a phone call from Congress to the State Department, outlining one of the more bizarre requests in diplomatic history.It began with a phone call from Congress to the State Department, outlining one of the more bizarre requests in diplomatic history.
Tim Rieser, a senior aide to the Senate appropriations committee, wanted to know if US diplomats could help arrange for the collection of frozen sperm from a Cuban spy locked up in the desert outside Los Angeles, so it could be sent to a Panama clinic to inseminate his wife.Tim Rieser, a senior aide to the Senate appropriations committee, wanted to know if US diplomats could help arrange for the collection of frozen sperm from a Cuban spy locked up in the desert outside Los Angeles, so it could be sent to a Panama clinic to inseminate his wife.
The spy in question, Gerardo Hernández, had been sentenced to two life terms for his role in a Miami espionage ring. His government claimed it was aimed at preventing terrorist attacks on Cuban soil, but it led to him being convicted of conspiracy to commit murder after the shooting down of two planes operated by a Cuban-American group that Hernández had infiltrated.The spy in question, Gerardo Hernández, had been sentenced to two life terms for his role in a Miami espionage ring. His government claimed it was aimed at preventing terrorist attacks on Cuban soil, but it led to him being convicted of conspiracy to commit murder after the shooting down of two planes operated by a Cuban-American group that Hernández had infiltrated.
The “Cuban Five”, as the spies were quickly dubbed, were better known than Alan Gross – a State Department subcontractor who was imprisoned after he was caught supplying telecommunications equipment to groups in Havana – and their treatment was a major source of grievance long before Gross became a US cause célèbre.The “Cuban Five”, as the spies were quickly dubbed, were better known than Alan Gross – a State Department subcontractor who was imprisoned after he was caught supplying telecommunications equipment to groups in Havana – and their treatment was a major source of grievance long before Gross became a US cause célèbre.
During a peace-making trip to Cuba with his wife in February 2013, US senator Patrick Leahy – Rieser’s boss and a longtime advocate of rapprochement – was approached by Hernández’s 44-year-old wife, Adriana Pérez, with a very personal plea. Pérez was worried that she and her husband would never be able to have children if he stayed in US prison much longer.During a peace-making trip to Cuba with his wife in February 2013, US senator Patrick Leahy – Rieser’s boss and a longtime advocate of rapprochement – was approached by Hernández’s 44-year-old wife, Adriana Pérez, with a very personal plea. Pérez was worried that she and her husband would never be able to have children if he stayed in US prison much longer.
Read the full story here.Read the full story here.
Related: Spies, artificial insemination and the pope: how Cuba came in from the coldRelated: Spies, artificial insemination and the pope: how Cuba came in from the cold
11.28am ET16:2811.28am ET16:28
Dissident blogger Yoani Sánchez has been tweeting throughout the morning from outside the US embassy in Havana:Dissident blogger Yoani Sánchez has been tweeting throughout the morning from outside the US embassy in Havana:
#Cuba "No me quiero morir sin antes ver esto..." @USEmbCuba Foto vía http://t.co/KNV0Izm7A9 pic.twitter.com/nejxIbQVnF#Cuba "No me quiero morir sin antes ver esto..." @USEmbCuba Foto vía http://t.co/KNV0Izm7A9 pic.twitter.com/nejxIbQVnF
#Cuba “I don’t want to die without seeing this...”#Cuba “I don’t want to die without seeing this...”
#Cuba Este ha sacado su camiseta con @BarackObama frente a @USEmbCuba foto vía @14ymedio http://t.co/jc0s5MAAnq pic.twitter.com/hrTy6Eigq5#Cuba Este ha sacado su camiseta con @BarackObama frente a @USEmbCuba foto vía @14ymedio http://t.co/jc0s5MAAnq pic.twitter.com/hrTy6Eigq5
#Cuba “This man brought out his tshirt with @BarackObama on the front to the @USEmbCuba.”#Cuba “This man brought out his tshirt with @BarackObama on the front to the @USEmbCuba.”
11.10am ET16:1011.10am ET16:10
Las Damas de Blanco (The Ladies in White) have also reacted to John Kerry’s speech on Twitter:Las Damas de Blanco (The Ladies in White) have also reacted to John Kerry’s speech on Twitter:
Viendo y oyendo emocionarse a @JohnKerry,sin mencionar para nada a los opositores y los DDHH, Que pena!Viendo y oyendo emocionarse a @JohnKerry,sin mencionar para nada a los opositores y los DDHH, Que pena!
“Watching and listening @JohnKerry getting excited – without mentioning dissidents or human rights at all. Shame!“Watching and listening @JohnKerry getting excited – without mentioning dissidents or human rights at all. Shame!
Viendo y oyendo emocionarse a @JohnKerry, y los muertos del Estrecho de la Florida , por salir de esa dictadura en la que él saluda ahora?Viendo y oyendo emocionarse a @JohnKerry, y los muertos del Estrecho de la Florida , por salir de esa dictadura en la que él saluda ahora?
“Watching and listening @JohKerry getting excited – and what about those who died in the Florida Straits getting out of this dictatorship he is saluting”“Watching and listening @JohKerry getting excited – and what about those who died in the Florida Straits getting out of this dictatorship he is saluting”
Updated at 11.16am ETUpdated at 11.16am ET
11.07am ET16:0711.07am ET16:07
The state department has published a video on the three marines who lowered the flag in 1961 and who 54 years later, returned to Cuba to help raise it.The state department has published a video on the three marines who lowered the flag in 1961 and who 54 years later, returned to Cuba to help raise it.
10.58am ET15:5810.58am ET15:58
The Ladies in White, a dissident group composed of wives and relatives of former political prisoners, published an interview on their website with the group’s leader Berta Soler, who was fairly scathing in her assessment of the day’s events:The Ladies in White, a dissident group composed of wives and relatives of former political prisoners, published an interview on their website with the group’s leader Berta Soler, who was fairly scathing in her assessment of the day’s events:
Will the arrival of US tourists and business influence Cuba’s economic development and the day to day life of its inhabitants?Will the arrival of US tourists and business influence Cuba’s economic development and the day to day life of its inhabitants?
It won’t change anything, because when tourists come to Cuba, they come to fill the pockets of the Cuban government, because they got state-owned hotels, and that money doesn’t reach the people, only the system - it’s money which is used to strengthen the strategy of repression. Business people who invest in Cuba bring workers from their countries or chose employees who have been selected by the Cuban government. It’s not the Cuban people will not benefit from this opening, only the government. This will not bring change to Cuba.It won’t change anything, because when tourists come to Cuba, they come to fill the pockets of the Cuban government, because they got state-owned hotels, and that money doesn’t reach the people, only the system - it’s money which is used to strengthen the strategy of repression. Business people who invest in Cuba bring workers from their countries or chose employees who have been selected by the Cuban government. It’s not the Cuban people will not benefit from this opening, only the government. This will not bring change to Cuba.
Who will bring this change?Who will bring this change?
Cuban needs freedom. And freedom will not be brought by the US or any other country. Freedom can only be established by Cubans themselves. We are worried that will they are making concessions to the Castro government, the regime is getting stronger all the while.Cuban needs freedom. And freedom will not be brought by the US or any other country. Freedom can only be established by Cubans themselves. We are worried that will they are making concessions to the Castro government, the regime is getting stronger all the while.
Has Barack Obama given in to Castro?Has Barack Obama given in to Castro?
He’s given him a lot and got nothing in return. He has not put any conditions – and we’re seeing the result of that already: no dissidents were invited to the inauguration of the embassy.He’s given him a lot and got nothing in return. He has not put any conditions – and we’re seeing the result of that already: no dissidents were invited to the inauguration of the embassy.
Updated at 11.15am ETUpdated at 11.15am ET
10.53am ET15:5310.53am ET15:53
Here is a short video showing the moment the flag was raised:Here is a short video showing the moment the flag was raised:
10.48am ET15:4810.48am ET15:48
John Kerry greets the three marines who lowered the flag at the US embassy’s closing in 1961:John Kerry greets the three marines who lowered the flag at the US embassy’s closing in 1961:
And here is screen grab of the flag going up:And here is screen grab of the flag going up:
10.42am ET15:4210.42am ET15:42
The ceremony is now over and the US delegation has left the embassy grounds.The ceremony is now over and the US delegation has left the embassy grounds.
Kerry, who is using a walking stick after breaking his leg during the negotiations over the Iran nuclear deal, looked quite emotional after delivering his impassioned speech and watching the flag being raised.Kerry, who is using a walking stick after breaking his leg during the negotiations over the Iran nuclear deal, looked quite emotional after delivering his impassioned speech and watching the flag being raised.
10.37am ET15:3710.37am ET15:37
The flag is raisedThe flag is raised
Larry Morris, Francis East, Jim Tracy deliver the flag to three currently serving marines.Larry Morris, Francis East, Jim Tracy deliver the flag to three currently serving marines.
John Kerry oversees the unfolding of the flag, while there is an intense drum roll.John Kerry oversees the unfolding of the flag, while there is an intense drum roll.
The flag is now raised to the top of the pole.The flag is now raised to the top of the pole.
10.36am ET15:3610.36am ET15:36
“The US and Cuba are no longer enemies or rivals but neighbors. And it is time to let the world know that, we wish each other well.”“The US and Cuba are no longer enemies or rivals but neighbors. And it is time to let the world know that, we wish each other well.”
Kerry then invites the three marines who took down the flag to raise it once more while the US national anthem plays.Kerry then invites the three marines who took down the flag to raise it once more while the US national anthem plays.
10.34am ET15:3410.34am ET15:34
Before closing, Kerry thanks leaders throughout the Americas, who “have long urged the US and Cuba to restore normal ties. I thank the Holy Father Pope Francis and the Vatican,” for helping restore ties. He says he does not think it accidental that the Pope will come here and then the United States.Before closing, Kerry thanks leaders throughout the Americas, who “have long urged the US and Cuba to restore normal ties. I thank the Holy Father Pope Francis and the Vatican,” for helping restore ties. He says he does not think it accidental that the Pope will come here and then the United States.
Kerry tells the US embassy staff: “If you think you’ve been busy these past few months, hold onto your seatbelts.”Kerry tells the US embassy staff: “If you think you’ve been busy these past few months, hold onto your seatbelts.”
Kerry pays tribute to the people of Cuba and the Cuban community in America. Quote Jose Martí: “Everything that divides men is a sin of humanity.”Kerry pays tribute to the people of Cuba and the Cuban community in America. Quote Jose Martí: “Everything that divides men is a sin of humanity.”
10.31am ET15:3110.31am ET15:31
Kerry says that the US administration “strongly favors” the lifting of the trade embargo on Cuba, but that it remains up to Congress to lift the embargo.Kerry says that the US administration “strongly favors” the lifting of the trade embargo on Cuba, but that it remains up to Congress to lift the embargo.
10.30am ET15:3010.30am ET15:30
“For more than half a century, US-Cuban relations have been suspended in the amber of cold war politics,” he says. The US has had ten new presidents, the Berlin wall came down and Germany is free of its “Soviet shackles.”“For more than half a century, US-Cuban relations have been suspended in the amber of cold war politics,” he says. The US has had ten new presidents, the Berlin wall came down and Germany is free of its “Soviet shackles.”
Kerry recounts a recent visit to Hanoi. Vietnam evolved from a country torn apart by violence into one of the world’s fastest growing economies. “All that time, through reconciliation and diplomatic relations, Cuban-American relations remained locked in the past.”Kerry recounts a recent visit to Hanoi. Vietnam evolved from a country torn apart by violence into one of the world’s fastest growing economies. “All that time, through reconciliation and diplomatic relations, Cuban-American relations remained locked in the past.”
“Decades of good intentions aside,” the policies of the past have not led to a democratic transition in Cuba, Kerry says. It would be unrealistic to think that Cuba’s government would be transformed by renewed diplomatic relations with the US, he says.“Decades of good intentions aside,” the policies of the past have not led to a democratic transition in Cuba, Kerry says. It would be unrealistic to think that Cuba’s government would be transformed by renewed diplomatic relations with the US, he says.
The leaders of Havana and the Cuban people should note, he says, that the US will continue to champion the rights of the Cuban people. And Kerry says the US remains convinced that the people of Cuba will remain best served by a truly democratic govenrment.The leaders of Havana and the Cuban people should note, he says, that the US will continue to champion the rights of the Cuban people. And Kerry says the US remains convinced that the people of Cuba will remain best served by a truly democratic govenrment.
The establishment of normal diplomatic relations, is not “a favor done by one country to another.” It is for both countries to benefit. People to people. Government to government.The establishment of normal diplomatic relations, is not “a favor done by one country to another.” It is for both countries to benefit. People to people. Government to government.
10.24am ET15:2410.24am ET15:24
Kerry spoke first in (very good) Spanish. Now in English:Kerry spoke first in (very good) Spanish. Now in English:
“This doesn’t mean that we should or will forget the past. How could we, after all. At least for my generation, the images are indelible.”“This doesn’t mean that we should or will forget the past. How could we, after all. At least for my generation, the images are indelible.”
He recounts key moments of US-Cuba ties, including the Bay of Pigs.He recounts key moments of US-Cuba ties, including the Bay of Pigs.
“I was a student then. I could still remember the taught faces of my leaders,” he says.“I was a student then. I could still remember the taught faces of my leaders,” he says.
“We were unsettled and uncertain about the future then ... In that frozen environment, diplomatic ties between Washington and this capital cities were strained.”“We were unsettled and uncertain about the future then ... In that frozen environment, diplomatic ties between Washington and this capital cities were strained.”
Most of the US staff departed quickly when the embassy was shuttered, he says. But some stayed to hand the keys over to the Swiss staff, who “protected the space or more than 50 years.” He thanks the Swiss for their service and help.Most of the US staff departed quickly when the embassy was shuttered, he says. But some stayed to hand the keys over to the Swiss staff, who “protected the space or more than 50 years.” He thanks the Swiss for their service and help.
10.20am ET15:2010.20am ET15:20
“Thank you for joining us at this truly historic moment as we prepare to raise the US flag,” Kerry says. “This morning, I feel very much at home here.”“Thank you for joining us at this truly historic moment as we prepare to raise the US flag,” Kerry says. “This morning, I feel very much at home here.”
“And I feel at home here because this is, truly, a memorable occasion, A day for pushing aside old barriers and exploring new possibilities.”“And I feel at home here because this is, truly, a memorable occasion, A day for pushing aside old barriers and exploring new possibilities.”
10.18am ET15:1810.18am ET15:18
De Laurentis introduces John Kerry, who is now speaking.De Laurentis introduces John Kerry, who is now speaking.
10.17am ET15:1710.17am ET15:17
After Blanco’s reading, the national anthem of the Republic of Cuba is playing. All gathered American diplomats stand.After Blanco’s reading, the national anthem of the Republic of Cuba is playing. All gathered American diplomats stand.
10.14am ET15:1410.14am ET15:14
De Laurentis says he began his own foreign service career in what is now the US embassy building in 1991.De Laurentis says he began his own foreign service career in what is now the US embassy building in 1991.
“I never imagined I would see our flag here,” he says.“I never imagined I would see our flag here,” he says.
De Laurentis introduces Richard Blanco, a Maine poet who read at president Obama’s second inauguration in 2014. Blanco was born to a Cuban exile family and was raised in Miami.De Laurentis introduces Richard Blanco, a Maine poet who read at president Obama’s second inauguration in 2014. Blanco was born to a Cuban exile family and was raised in Miami.
Blanco reads a poem he wrote for the occasion: Matters Of The Sea, or Cosas Del Mar.Blanco reads a poem he wrote for the occasion: Matters Of The Sea, or Cosas Del Mar.
Updated at 10.16am ETUpdated at 10.16am ET
10.10am ET15:1010.10am ET15:10
US Ambassador to Cuba Jeffrey De Laurentis is now speaking.US Ambassador to Cuba Jeffrey De Laurentis is now speaking.
He starts by thanking the 1961 marines who took down the flag, who receive a standing ovation from the gathered crowd.He starts by thanking the 1961 marines who took down the flag, who receive a standing ovation from the gathered crowd.
10.09am ET15:0910.09am ET15:09
The flag-raising ceremony has begun. John Kerry is meeting with the three US marines who took down the US flag in January 1961: Larry Morris, Francis East, Jim Tracy.The flag-raising ceremony has begun. John Kerry is meeting with the three US marines who took down the US flag in January 1961: Larry Morris, Francis East, Jim Tracy.
They are presiding over Friday’s ceremony.They are presiding over Friday’s ceremony.
Updated at 10.10am ETUpdated at 10.10am ET
10.07am ET15:0710.07am ET15:07
Fidel Castro turned 89 on Thursday, and celebrated his birthday by calling on the US to pay embargo damages to his country:Fidel Castro turned 89 on Thursday, and celebrated his birthday by calling on the US to pay embargo damages to his country:
Related: Fidel Castro celebrates 89th birthday by calling on US to pay embargo damagesRelated: Fidel Castro celebrates 89th birthday by calling on US to pay embargo damages
The measure ordered by Nixon violated the commitments made by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. According to a large number of experts on the subject, the foundation of a crisis was created, which among other disasters threatens to powerfully batter the economy of this model of a country. Meanwhile, Cuba is owed compensation equivalent to damages, which have reached many millions of dollars, as our country has denounced throughout our interventions in the United Nations, with irrefutable arguments and facts.The measure ordered by Nixon violated the commitments made by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. According to a large number of experts on the subject, the foundation of a crisis was created, which among other disasters threatens to powerfully batter the economy of this model of a country. Meanwhile, Cuba is owed compensation equivalent to damages, which have reached many millions of dollars, as our country has denounced throughout our interventions in the United Nations, with irrefutable arguments and facts.
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Meanwhile, Jeb Bush and Marco Rubio, both leading Republican candidates for president, published statements Friday morning criticizing the Obama administration for the thaw in US-Cuba relations, timed to Kerry’s visit to the island.Meanwhile, Jeb Bush and Marco Rubio, both leading Republican candidates for president, published statements Friday morning criticizing the Obama administration for the thaw in US-Cuba relations, timed to Kerry’s visit to the island.
Writing on his website, Bush called Cuba, an “an unyielding dictatorship, a tragic example of the folly of communism, and an affront to the conscience of the free nations of the Western Hemisphere.”Writing on his website, Bush called Cuba, an “an unyielding dictatorship, a tragic example of the folly of communism, and an affront to the conscience of the free nations of the Western Hemisphere.”
The accommodation of the Castro regime comes at the expense of the freedom and democracy that all Cubans deserve. http://t.co/Y0mR0OO0OVThe accommodation of the Castro regime comes at the expense of the freedom and democracy that all Cubans deserve. http://t.co/Y0mR0OO0OV
Meanwhile, in a post on Medium, Marco Rubio has said:Meanwhile, in a post on Medium, Marco Rubio has said:
The world has missed having an American President who speaks honestly about the world in which we live. In the eyes of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, the Cuban people are suffering because not enough American tourists visit the country, when the truth is the Cuban people are suffering because they live in a tyrannical dictatorship.The world has missed having an American President who speaks honestly about the world in which we live. In the eyes of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, the Cuban people are suffering because not enough American tourists visit the country, when the truth is the Cuban people are suffering because they live in a tyrannical dictatorship.
I will do everything in my power to provide support to Cuba’s pro-democracy movement https://t.co/l5g7IqGn8c #RubioDoctrineI will do everything in my power to provide support to Cuba’s pro-democracy movement https://t.co/l5g7IqGn8c #RubioDoctrine
Rubio’s post comes on the heels of a speech he made this morning on foreign policy in New York, where he told those gathered that as president, he would “roll back President Obama’s concessions to the Castro regime”.Rubio’s post comes on the heels of a speech he made this morning on foreign policy in New York, where he told those gathered that as president, he would “roll back President Obama’s concessions to the Castro regime”.
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Political dissidents in Cuba not permitted to attendPolitical dissidents in Cuba not permitted to attend
Paul LewisPaul Lewis
Political dissidents in Cuba will not be permitted to attend the ceremonial opening of the US embassy in Havana on Friday, a move that signals the lengths Washington is prepared to go to nurture its emerging rapprochement with the communist state.Political dissidents in Cuba will not be permitted to attend the ceremonial opening of the US embassy in Havana on Friday, a move that signals the lengths Washington is prepared to go to nurture its emerging rapprochement with the communist state.
... Under pressure to show how the diplomatic thaw will lead to improvements in human rights standards in Cuba, Kerry said he would still meet dissidents at a gathering later in the day at the chief of mission’s residence. He also said he would have an “open, free walk” in Old Havana. “I look forward to meeting whoever I meet and listening to them and having, you know, whatever views come at me,” he said.... Under pressure to show how the diplomatic thaw will lead to improvements in human rights standards in Cuba, Kerry said he would still meet dissidents at a gathering later in the day at the chief of mission’s residence. He also said he would have an “open, free walk” in Old Havana. “I look forward to meeting whoever I meet and listening to them and having, you know, whatever views come at me,” he said.
Kerry insisted that Cubans should be reassured that a return to diplomatic relations with Washington would result in the country’s leaders being held to account over their human rights record. “The message is … that we believe our engaging in direct diplomatic relations with the Cuban government, being there, being able to interact with the people of Cuba, will in fact, help the people of Cuba,” he said. “It will shed light on what is happening.”Kerry insisted that Cubans should be reassured that a return to diplomatic relations with Washington would result in the country’s leaders being held to account over their human rights record. “The message is … that we believe our engaging in direct diplomatic relations with the Cuban government, being there, being able to interact with the people of Cuba, will in fact, help the people of Cuba,” he said. “It will shed light on what is happening.”
However, the state department, which is refusing to release a complete list of invitees, later acknowledged that the event would not be exclusively composed of government dignitaries, as other private Cuban citizens – who are presumably supportive of the Castro government – will be in attendance.However, the state department, which is refusing to release a complete list of invitees, later acknowledged that the event would not be exclusively composed of government dignitaries, as other private Cuban citizens – who are presumably supportive of the Castro government – will be in attendance.
Cuban government officials are understood to have signalled they would not attend the ceremony if vocal critics of the government were in attendance. “The right thing to do would be to invite us and hear us out despite the fact that we don’t agree with the new US policy,” Antonio Rodiles, head of the dissident group Estado de SATS, told the Associated Press.Cuban government officials are understood to have signalled they would not attend the ceremony if vocal critics of the government were in attendance. “The right thing to do would be to invite us and hear us out despite the fact that we don’t agree with the new US policy,” Antonio Rodiles, head of the dissident group Estado de SATS, told the Associated Press.
Read his piece in full here.Read his piece in full here.
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The US embassy in Cuba has tweeted a photo of the six marines who will raise the US flag in the historic ceremony.The US embassy in Cuba has tweeted a photo of the six marines who will raise the US flag in the historic ceremony.
Ellos son los Marines que izarán la bandera en esta ceremonia histórica #KerryEnCuba pic.twitter.com/ywghjXc1ixEllos son los Marines que izarán la bandera en esta ceremonia histórica #KerryEnCuba pic.twitter.com/ywghjXc1ix
Here is a photo of three of them practicing earlier today:Here is a photo of three of them practicing earlier today:
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Friday’s visit is not Kerry’s first to Cuba. He went there in 2000, while he was serving as a US senator for Massachusetts.Friday’s visit is not Kerry’s first to Cuba. He went there in 2000, while he was serving as a US senator for Massachusetts.
Ed­ward Stettinius was the last US secretary of state to visit Cuba in March 1945. He served in both Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Harry Truman’s administrations, but his visit to Cuba took place during Truman’s presidency.Ed­ward Stettinius was the last US secretary of state to visit Cuba in March 1945. He served in both Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Harry Truman’s administrations, but his visit to Cuba took place during Truman’s presidency.
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The new sign for the US embassy is already up.The new sign for the US embassy is already up.
Updated at 9.31am ETUpdated at 9.31am ET
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Hello and welcome to our live blog.Hello and welcome to our live blog.
John Kerry has arrived in Havana for the flag-raising ceremony at the US embassy, in the first visit to the island by a US secretary of state in more than 70 years.John Kerry has arrived in Havana for the flag-raising ceremony at the US embassy, in the first visit to the island by a US secretary of state in more than 70 years.
The flag-raising is largely ceremonial and will not change the status of the building, which like its Cuban counterpart in Washington, was converted from an interests section to an embassy last July. Cuban foreign minister Bruno Eduardo Rodríguez visited Washington to reopen the Cuban embassy.The flag-raising is largely ceremonial and will not change the status of the building, which like its Cuban counterpart in Washington, was converted from an interests section to an embassy last July. Cuban foreign minister Bruno Eduardo Rodríguez visited Washington to reopen the Cuban embassy.
The embassy in Havana, a seven-story building on the seafront, reopened as an interests section in 1977 after closing in 1961.The embassy in Havana, a seven-story building on the seafront, reopened as an interests section in 1977 after closing in 1961.