Monday will be a red letter day in diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba. A delegation will be here in Washington for the dedication of the Cuban embassy, restoring formal ties for the first time in more than 50 years.CCTV’s Michael Voss reports from Havana on local reactions to the diplomatic moves.

Highlights:

• The United States broke off diplomatic relations in 1961, two years after Fidel Castro came to power and moved Cuba into the Communist camp at the height of the Cold War.
• Earlier this month, after the dates were set for opening the embassies, Fidel made two rare public appearances. Many saw this as a symbolic way of saying that he was aware of what was happening and wasn’t going to intervene.

Meanwhile, how are the Cuba neighborhood reacting to U.S.-Cuba rebuilding relations? CCTV’s Jessica Stone filed the report at the ” Cuban Interests Section” in Washington D.C., which will officially become an embassy.

---

David Savona on US-Cuban renewed ties
As the U.S. opens up to Cuban exports, renewed ties could mean big things for business. CCTV’s Susan Roberts spoke with David Savona in New Orleans. He is the Executive Editor of Cigar Aficionado magazine.

---

Arturo Lopez Levy on US-Cuban renewed ties
For more on both current and past US-Cuba relations, CCTV’s Susan Roberts spoke with Arturo Lopez Levy. He’s an adjunct professor at New York University. And, he’s co-author of ‘Raul Castro and the New Cuba: A Close Up View of Change.