WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – The United States yesterday indicated its willingness to change pro-democracy programmes which it organizes in Cuba and which are condemned by Havana, removing one of the biggest impediments to restoring diplomatic ties.
A senior State Department official, speaking to reporters before talks with Cuban representatives tomorrow, said the sides had narrowed differences over reopening embassies since an agreement was reached in December to renew diplomatic relations.
The official said another obstacle had been removed after Cuba found a U.S. bank that would handle the accounts of a restored Cuban embassy in Washington. The official declined to name the bank.
M&T Bank Corp canceled its services with Cuba’s Interests Section in Washington in 2013 and Havana blamed the move on U.S. sanctions.
