The lifting of U.S. blockade against Cuba is essential for normal relations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said one year after the two countries announced the beginning of the process of normalization of their ties.»

In the afternoon of December 16, Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, president of the Councils of State and Ministers, received his Excellency Dr. Jorge Carlos de Almeida Fonseca, president of the Republic of Cape Verde, making an official visit to the country.»

The foreign ministers of the Central American Integration System (SICA, in Spanish) continue preparations for the summit of the organization to be held tomorrow in San Salvador.»

Cuban Ernan Lopez Nussa with his trio, and US ensemble The Preservation Hall Jazz Band will open the first of four days for the 2015 International Jazz Plaza Festival.»

The Executive Director of the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA), Tony Clark, assured here that the MLB wants the safe and legal insertion of Cuban players in the main tournament in the USA.»

One year after the sensational announcement made by Presidents Raul Castro and Barack Obama about the decision to restore diplomatic relations between Cuba and the United States, the balance is quite positive despite the many sticking points in the full normalization of links, due to the different approaches of the two countries on issues of bilateral and international politics.   »

The President of Cape Verde, Jorge Carlos de Almeida Fonseca, who arrived in Havana Monday on an official visit, expressed his appreciation for the support received from Cuba.»

Army General Raul Castro, president of the Councils of State and Ministers, received the President of the Republic of Costa Rica, Luis Guillermo Solis, who paid an official  visit to Cuba.»

The best athletes of 2015 were recently announced in Sancti Spiritus, after the traditional selection that takes place every year by the sport organization (INDER) and the media in the territory.»

The President of Cape Verde, Jorge Carlos de Almeida Fonseca, is expected to arrive in Cuba Monday evening on an official visit.»