After a tour of the old city of Havana, a ceremonial wreath-laying and warm handshakes, Barack Obama’s historic visit to Cuba quickly shifted to the issue that has divided the two countries for most of the last six decades — a sharp disagreement over political values.
Mr Obama yesterday met Cuban president Raúl Castro in Havana, the first official talks between the leaders and the culmination of the announcement 15 months ago that diplomatic relations were to be restored.
The American president declared a “new day” in relations with Cuba and insisted that the “embargo will end”, referring to the restrictions that still prevent some US companies from doing business with Cuba.