American flag to wave over new Embassy in Cuba today

HAVANA (AP) — A retired US diplomat who in 1961 witnessed the closing of the U.S. Embassy in Cuba, says “We have diplomatic relations; now we can get to the real work.”

Wayne Smith also served in Cuba under President Jimmy Carter, and he is in Havana this week to attend Friday’s raising of the American flag over the newly opened US Embassy.

The next phase of attempting to improve relations will include negotiations on matters such as direct flights and mail service.