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M. Continuo

Cuban flag raised at Washington embassy as ties restored


    WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Cuban flag was raised over Havana?s embassy in Washington on Monday for the first time in 54 years as the United States and Cuba formally restored relations, opening a new chapter of engagement between the former Cold War foes.

    Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez presided over the reinauguration of the embassy, a milestone in the diplomatic thaw that began with a breakthrough announcement by U.S. President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro on Dec. 17.

    With the re-establishment of relations severed more than five decades ago, the U.S. Embassy in Havana was also officially reopened for business. But the Stars and Stripes will not be hoisted there until a visit by Secretary of State John Kerry, expected next month.

    (Reporting by Matt Spetalnick; Editing by Peter Cooney and Doina Chiacu)