Cuban Embassy Opens in Washington; Diplomatic Relations Restored

After half a century of hostility, the Cuban flag was finally raised over Havana's embassy in Washington DC.

BBC reported that the diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba has finally been restored. Cuba's flag was raised at its new embassy in Washington DC seven months after Presidents Raul Castro and Barack Obama announced that the diplomatic relations between the two countries would start again.

"Nothing is more futile than trying to live in the past. We're taking a historic and long overdue step in the right direction," said John Kerry, US Secretary of State.

Despite the historic change, the US state department spokesperson said that there are still "lingering difficulties" between Cuba and America. There are still some present issues that both countries don't see eye to eye.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez who led the flag-raising ceremony said the America had to take more steps so that there would be true restoration of diplomatic ties.

"The historic events we are living today will only make sense with the removal of the economic, commercial and financial blockade, which causes so much deprivation and damage to our people, the return of occupied territory in Guantanamo, and respect for the sovereignty of Cuba," Rodriguez said.

However, Fox News Latino reported that some US lawmakers, including the well-known Republican presidential candidate, have vowed to take back Obama's decision on Cuba. They say that Cuba continues to violate human rights and opposes democratic reforms therefore should not be rewarded with more tourism and trade from America.

"Cuba has a very sophisticated espionage network operating in the United States, and we're giving them license to operate the espionage activities. [The Cuban government] has not changed their feelings about the United States being the enemy - no matter what deals they sign. I think it's dangerous. I think it puts us at risk - it doesn't make us any safer," said Cuban-America Republican US Representative Ros-Lehtinen.

During the flag-raising ceremony, there were several hundred people that gathered on the street outside of the Cuban embassy. People were cheering as Cuba's national anthem was played and three Cuban soldiers stood by the base of the flagpole as their flag was raised.

Restrictions on American who want to travel to Cuba still remain as well as a wider US trade embargo that bans most companies from America to do business with Cuba.

Soon it will be America's turn to fly their flag in Havana for the first time again in 54 years. The US flag will not be raised in the embassy in Havana until John Kerry pays a visit on August 14.