US, Cuba talk to reopen embassies

Cuban officials and the highest level United States delegation in four decades sit down Thursday to discuss restoring the diplomatic relations, on the second day of the historic talks.

The topics of Thursday morning's meeting include the principles of reopening embassies in Havana and Washington, and other issues of bilateral interest, according to the Cuban Foreign Relations Ministry (Minrex).

Roberta Jacobson, the Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, leads the U.S. delegation to the talks, while the local commission is headed by Josefina Vidal Ferreiro, director general of the U.S. Department at Minrex.

During this session, the U.S. aims to lift the restrictions on American diplomats in Cuba and wants the Cuban government to assure that Cubans will have unlimited access to a future U.S. embassy in Havana.

Cuban authorities consider the economic, trade and financial blockade imposed by Washington against the Caribbean island for over 50 years as the main barrier for normal and stable relations between two countries.

Havana has reiterated several times its intention to hold a "respectful dialogue" with the U.S. government on a reciprocal basis.

Besides, said Minrex, the reopening of embassies in both capitals should be based on the principles of the United Nations Charter and the Vienna Conventions on Diplomatic and Consular Relations.

On Wednesday, Cuba and the United States held their 28th round of migration talks as the first session of the two-day high level meeting, which was described as "productive" and "constructive" by both sides, though disagreement over U.S. migration policies remains.

The high-level talks will continue Thursday afternoon with expanding topics on cooperation in tackling epidemics, fighting against terrorism, drug trafficking and other issues of mutual interest, noted the Minrex.

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