Cuba talks continue, terror list a sticking point

The talks followed negotiations that began in Havana last month, after President Barack Obama’s announcement of sweeping changes to the United States’ Cuba policy.

Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Roberta Jacobson, who participated in the talks, told reporters afterward and said that the meeting was “productive and encouraging,” describing the conversation as “open, honest, and sometimes challenging — yet always respectful.” Robertson’s Cuban counterpart, Josefina Vidal Ferreiro, also emphasized progress was made.

But despite the rhetoric, meaningful obstacles remain before normalization can be achieved. In particular, the Cuban delegation stressed that Cuba’s status on the United States’ list of State Sponsors of Terrorism was a sticking point.

Jacobson added “I certainly leave those conversations today optimistic but committed, and recognizing the work that still has to be done.”

CNN’s Laura Koran contributed to this report.

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