U.S. takes first steps to ease Cuba embargo

*As of Friday Americans can travel to Cuba for specific reasons. Trade and finances will begin to ease. General tourism is still officially banned, although a few Americans do travel there for specific, not-banned, reasons. Those who do travel there will now be able to bring small amounts of coveted Cuban cigars back with them. VL

By Anna Yukhananov and Krista Hughes, Reuters

(Reuters) – The United States rolled out a sweeping set of measures on Thursday to ease the half-century-old embargo against Cuba, opening up the country to expanded travel, trade and financial activities.

Defying hardline critics in Congress, President Barack Obamamade good on a commitment he made a month ago to begin loosening some U.S. economic sanctions against the communist-ruled island as part of an effort to end decades of hostility.

The Treasury and Commerce Departments issued a package of new rules that will allow U.S. exports of telecommunications, agricultural and construction equipment, permit expanded travel to Cuba and authorize some kinds of banking relations.

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[Photo by Calixto N. Llanes/Flickr]

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