Categories: U.S. News

Jeffrey DeLaurentis Named First US Ambassador to Cuba in 55 Years

Image source Getty Images

Jeffrey DeLaurentis has been appointed as the first US ambassador to Cuba in 55 years as relations between the countries thaw.

According to President Barack Obama, it was a “step towards a more normal and productive relationship”.

However, the president may face a battle in Congress where some Republicans are opposed to his dealings with Cuba.

Image source Getty Images

Jeffrey DeLaurentis had been working at the new US embassy in Havana, which opened in July 2015.

Barack Obama said there was “no better-qualified public servant”.

President Barack Obama and his Cuban counterpart, Raul Castro, have begun to reignite the diplomatic relations that were broken off in 1961 after Cuba’s communist revolution.

Restrictions on flights have been lifted but the US embargo on Cuba remains in place.

Republican Senator Marco Rubio, who is Cuban-American, has previously said the improved relations will go “a long way in providing the economic lift that the Castro regime needs to become permanent fixtures in Cuba for generations to come”.

Diane A. Wade

Diane is a perfectionist. She enjoys searching the internet for the hottest events from around the world and writing an article about it. The details matter to her, so she makes sure the information is easy to read and understand. She likes traveling and history, especially ancient history. Being a very sociable person she has a blast having barbeque with family and friends.