Obama wants change in Cuba
Published:Thursday | April 16, 2009 | 6:01 PM
US president Barack Obama is calling for the Cuban government to show signs of change, as the two countries attempt to mend nearly half a century of strained diplomatic relations.
The US and Cuba have not had full diplomatic ties since Washington slapped a trade embargo on Havana in 1962.
On Monday the US lifted restrictions on family visits by Cuban Americans and on the amount of money they can send home.
Countries in Latin America and the Caribbean have been calling for the embargo to be lifted, describing it as unjust and unnecessary.
Mr. Obama now wants free speech in Cuba, and the release of political prisoners in the interest of further improving relations.