US calls for Cuba to open embassy in Havana by April

US calls for Cuba to open embassy in Havana by April

Cuba says it must be removed from US terrorism list before embassy opens

Fri, Feb 6, 2015, 10:20

The United States is pressing Cuba to allow the opening of its embassy in Havana by April despite the Communist island’s demand that it first be removed from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism.

A refusal by Cuba to allow the United States to quickly establish an official embassy for the first time in half a century could complicate talks between the Cold War foes, reflecting enduring mistrust as they move to end decades of confrontation.

Striking Cuba from the terrorism list could take until June or longer, although the White House is pushing officials to move quickly, according to two US officials with direct knowledge of the State Department’s review to take Cuba off the list.

Washington is eager to re-establish diplomatic ties before a regional summit in Panama in April, when president Barack Obama will meet Cuban leader Raul Castro for the first time since 2013, the officials said.

More:
http://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/us-calls-for-cuba-to-open-embassy-in-havana-by-april-1.2093862