HAVANA (Sputnik) — The normalization of relations between the United States and Cuba mainly depends on the desire of Havana to pursue the path, former US Congressman Joe Garcia told Sputnik on Friday following the raising of the US flag above the its embassy in Havana.
"I think the [US] administration should continue this path, it depends a lot on the Cuban government and whether its willing to take advantage of the opportunities. This policy moves forward as long as the Cubans are willing to move it forward," Garcia said.
On Friday, US Secretary of State John Kerry attended the flag-raising ceremony at the US embassy in Havana and met with Cuban officials.
The ceremony took place several months after US President Barack Obama announced plans to normalize relations between the United States and Cuba after ties were severed by Washington during the Cold War for over five decades.
Despite normalization of relations between Washington and Havana, the United States continues to hold a congressionally mandated embargo on Cuba. In order to lift the trade blockade, the US Congress needs to pass legislation.
