The United States is opening talks with Cuba to restore full diplomatic relations. Officials said Wednesday that they hope to open an embassy in Havana for the first time in more than 50 years.
The decision comes following the release of American contractor Alan Gross, who was held prisoner in Cuba for five years.
Gross had been serving a 15-year sentence in a Cuban prison for trying to bring Internet services to the country. As part of his release, the U.S. is releasing three Cuban spies arrested in Miami in 2001.
Officials denied they were being traded for Gross, saying they were instead being swapped for another person imprisoned in Cuba believed to be involved with U.S. intelligence agencies.
Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush says he's delighted.
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