Kerry calls for democracy as US flag is raised in Cuba

US Embassy reopens in Havana

Cuban and U.S. flags hang from a resident's balcony on the day the U.S. opened its embassy in Havana, Cuba, Friday. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and his Cuban counterpart Bruno Rodriguez said their nations would continue to disagree over issues such as democracy and human rights. But they also said they hoped to make progress on issues ranging from maritime security and public health to the billions of dollars in dueling claims over confiscation of U.S. property and the U.S. economic embargo on the island. - photo by Associated Press

Cuba United States Heal — Cuban and U.S. flags hang from a resident's balcony on the day the U.S. opened its embassy in Havana, Cuba, Friday. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and his Cuban counterpart Bruno Rodriguez said their nations would continue to disagree over issues such as democracy and human rights. But they also said they hoped to make progress on issues ranging from maritime security and public health to the billions of dollars in dueling claims over confiscation of U.S. property and the U.S. economic embargo on the island. - photo by Associated Press

HAVANA — Jubilant crowds waved American flags and chanted "Long live the United States!" as the Stars and Stripes rose over the newly reopened U.S. Embassy in Cuba on Friday after a half-century of often-hostile relations. Secretary of State John Kerry celebrated the day but also made an extraordinary, nationally broadcast call for democratic change on the island. Hundreds of Cubans mixed with American tourists outside the former U.S. Interests Section, newly emblazoned with the letters "Embassy of the United States of America."

Associated Press

Associated Press