Ahead of Secretary of State John Kerry's trip to Cuba this Friday, the Obama administration will not invite Cuba dissidents to the U.S. embassy flag-raising ceremony. According to reports, Kerry will "more quietly" meet with "prominent activists" later on Aug. 14. Sen. Marco Rubio, however, is furious with the administration's decision.
The U.S. and Cuba have formally re-established diplomatic relations on Monday morning with the reopening of respective embassies. Small ceremonies in Washington, D.C. and Havana marked the reopening of the Cuban and U.S. embassies, respectively. In the U.S. State Department, the Cuban flag was raised in a quiet non-ceremony with other flags recognized by the U.S.
The United States Department of State confirmed a Cuban government delegation will visit the U.S. this week as efforts to reestablish diplomatic relations continue.
The United States and Cuban officials are on their second day of diplomatic talks in the island, which will include plans to reopen embassies at their respective capitals.
