U.S. flag flies again in Cuba

A ceremony is under way in the Cuban capital where the US is preparing to reopen its embassy, more than 54 years after it was closed. John Kerry became the first US Secretary of State to visit Cuba in 70 years for the ceremony in Havana.

Cuba reopened its embassy in Washington last month.

Earlier, former Cuban leader Fidel Castro wrote an open letter in which he said the US owed Cuba millions of dollars because of its trade embargo.

The embargo, imposed 53 years ago, has yet to be lifted. Mr Castro's letter makes no mention of the reopening of the US embassy.

Three marines who lowered the American flag for the last time on 4 January 1961 will raise it again during Friday's ceremony in Havana. They are now retired and in their late 70s.

"I'm gonna love seeing that flag go back up," said former marine Jim Tracy, 78, in a US State Department video.

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.

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.

Fidel Castro's letter was published in state newspaper Granma to mark his 89th birthday.

Reported by PRonlineNews partner at the BBC

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