Obama prepares to ease Cuba travel restrictions

U.S. President-elect Barack Obama is planning a relaxation of travel restrictions to Cuba, as the Caribbean island-nation celebrates the 50th anniversary of the socialist revolution led by Fidel Castro.

It is expected that Obama will move swiftly after his January 20 inauguration to ease rules to make it easier for Cuban-Americans to travel to Cuba and to send money to relatives who live there, according to the Obama transition team Latin America advisor.

Cuban experts are also anticipating that he will be prepared to negotiate an end to the economic embargo that has lasted for five decades – in exchange for Cuba’s release of political prisoners.

Cubans are waiting to see if Fidel Castro, who is now 82 years old, will appear publicly on January 1 to mark the 50th anniversary of his seizing power. If he does, it would be the first time since July of 2006 before he ceded power to Raul Castro, his 77-year-old brother.

Observers are reporting signs of willingness to talk on both sides of the Florida straits. Fidel Castro released an essay recently that was read on state television in which he responded to President-elect Obama’s pledge to talk to all of America’s enemies.

It has been reported that the first restrictions to be eased in an Obama administration will be those limiting Cuban-Americans to visits back only once every three years. The restriction was put in place by the current President Bush in 2004.

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