US, Cuba on Verge of Reopening Embassies

The US and Cuba are so close to restoring diplomatic ties broken more than 50 years ago that they're now discussing possible dates to have embassies back up and running. Officials say meetings between negotiators beginning today in Washington will serve to iron out final details. "I'm trying not to sound too Pollyannaish," a State Department official tells the New York Times, noting specific requirements will need to be met. "But I do think we're closer than we have been in the past, and I think my counterparts are coming up here with a desire to get this done." A Cuban official said this week, "We don't see obstacles but rather issues to resolve and discuss." The country is set to come off the US list of state sponsors of terrorism next week. (More Cuba stories.)