Key elements of us policy shift

The US and Cuba will begin taking steps to restore full diplomatic relations. Here are the key elements of changes to US policy toward Cuba:

Diplomatic relations

US President Barack Obama has instructed Secretary of State John Kerry to begin discussions with Cuba on re-establishing diplomatic relations with Cuba. This step includes reopening a US Embassy in Havana.

Expanding travel

Easing travel under general licenses for 12 existing categories of travel to Cuba, as authorized by US law. They include family visits, official business of the US government, journalistic activity, professional research and educational activities. Tourist travel remains banned.

Remittances

The amount of money anyone in the US will be allowed to send to Cuban nationals, except certain government or Party officials, will increase from $500 to $2,000 every three months.

Cuban cigars

Licensed US citizens traveling to Cuba can return home with up to $400 of merchandise, including tobacco and alcohol products worth no more than $100 combined.

Economic embargo

Obama does not have the authority to fully lift the long-standing US economic embargo on Cuba - only Congress can do that. In his announcement, Obama said he was doing what he can as president to update US policy toward Cuba.

AP

(China Daily 12/19/2014 page12)