US lifts various restrictions on Cuba

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Source: CCTV.com | 04-14-2009 09:46

US President Barack Obama is allowing Americans to make unlimited trips and money transfers to family in Cuba. He has also eased other restrictions in order to usher in a new era of openness toward the island nation.

Aracely Blanco, a Cuban-American, leaves the counter of  flights to Cuba at the Miami International Airport,  Florida April 13, 2009.U.S. President Barack Obama has  directed officials to look at the possibility of  starting regularly scheduled commercial flights between  the United States and Cuba, the White House said on  Monday.  REUTERS/Carlos Barria

A special assistant to President Obama made the announcement in Spanish on Monday.

Dan Restrepo, presidential adviser, said, "The president gave instructions to the Secretary of State, of Commerce and of the Treasury to take the necessary measures to eliminate all the restrictions to individuals to visit their relatives on the island and to send remittances."

Other steps taken on Monday include allowing gift parcels to be sent to Cuba. And also issuing licenses to increase the free flow of information among the Cuban people, as well as with the rest of the world.

Obama had promised to take these steps as a presidential candidate.

About 1.5 million Americans have relatives in Cuba. Restrictions imposed by the Bush administration had limited Cuban travel by Americans to just two weeks every three years. Visits also were confined to immediate family members.

People in Havana are welcoming the change.

Havana resident, said, "Obama wants to give possibilities to all Cubans who want to come to visit their families in this country. I think this is better, that all those who want, can visit their families."

"Now that Obama made that decision, I think it's good. Now fathers and brothers can come more often to visit relatives in Cuba and they can help in many ways. This is good, really good."

The US administration will also begin issuing licenses to allow companies to provide cell and television services to people on the island. And also to allow family members to pay for relatives in Cuba to acquire those services.

Editor:Zhang Yun