US-Cuba: diplomatic relations formally restored

After 54 years, the United States and Cuba have formally restored full diplomatic relations.

Après 54 ans de froid, Etats-Unis et Cuba ont officiellement rouvert leurs ambassades http://t.co/1W4tlUXUaf #Détente pic.twitter.com/qg0GuRZ2Sj— Sébastien Tronche (@S_Tronche) 20 Juillet 2015


The hugely symbolic event has raised hopes and expectations in Havana: “For us, this is significant,” one man told reporters, “it’s important. I think it’s a decisive step towards normalising relations. As Cubans, we welcome this and are waiting to see what will happen from this point onwards.”

Cuba-US relations: a boost for trade?

Cubans are hoping the new era will give their country an economic boost.

Cuba's millennials are untethered from the ideals of the past and ready to meet the world. http://t.co/ormxroDTOZ pic.twitter.com/PS6D2ROrfI— Foreign Policy (@ForeignPolicy) 19 Juillet 2015


However, a US economic embargo remains in place and can only be lifted by a vote in Congress.