EU hails 'historic' restoration of US-Cuba ties
Havana, Cuba - Photo by Vgenecr
(BRUSSELS) - The EU on Wednesday welcomed the re-establishment of full diplomatic relations between the US and Cuba after 54 years, calling it a "historic milestone".
But the European Union also urged further work to lift a trade embargo established in 1962 which remains in place, calling it "outdated and inconsistent".
US President Barack Obama has also urged Republican-controlled Congress to end the embargo, saying the policy "was not working".
"The announcement that the United States and Cuba are to restore diplomatic relations and reopen embassies is a truly historic milestone on the path towards full normalisation of relations between the countries," a statement issued in Brussels said.
"At the same time, the EU encourages both sides to continue working on some outstanding issues, in particular the lifting of the embargo, which is an outdated and inconsistent instrument within the evolving context."
The EU never fully broke off relations with Cuba despite frequent criticisms over human rights but the two are aiming to sign a political framework for dialogue and cooperation by the end of this year.