USA relaxes restrictions against Cuba

Cubans with families living in the United States can now benefit from a new policy which repeals a ban by the US government on certain items and travel.



Under the new policy, Cuban Americans can send clothing, toiletries and fishing equipment to family members in Cuba.



They can also freely travel for an extended period and send remittances.



Officials said this decision is in keeping with plans by President Barack Obama to open up communication with the communist country.



However, officials said President Obama will not be lifting the trade and economic embargo against Cuba.



The new policy comes ahead of the US president’s attendance at the Fifth Summit of the Americas in Trinidad and Tobago this weekend. He is expected to speak there about US-Cuba relations.