Ban Ki-moon hails decision by US, Cuba to normalize relations

Presidents Barack Obama and Raúl Castro of Cuba reportedly agreed in a telephone call to put aside decades of hostility. Media reports say that, as part of a deal negotiated over a period of 18 months, the US will restore full diplomatic relations with Cuba and open an embassy in Havana for the first time in more than 50 years after the release of an American contractor held in prison for five years.

“This news is very positive,”  Ban said at a year-end press conference held at UN Headquarters.

“I’d like to thank President Barack Obama of the United States and President Raúl Castro for taking this very important step towards normalizing relations.”

Ban, who said he was informed in advance of the deal by the US Government, hoped on Wednesday’s announcement will help to further expand exchanges between the people of the two countries.

For 23 consecutive years, the UN General Assembly has adopted resolutions calling for an end to the US economic, commercial and financial embargo on Cuba. While the deal announced on Wednesday does not mention changes to the embargo,  Obama has reportedly expressed willingness to discuss lifting the sanctions.