Associated Press
Guardian.co.uk

The former Cuban president Fidel Castro yesterday met members of the US Congress in an attempt to improve relations between Cuba and Washington.

Castro – who was described as “very healthy” and “very energetic” – asked what he could do to help the US president, Barack Obama, improve bilateral relations.

Representative Barbara Lee, a California Democrat, said Castro talked with her and two other members of the congressional black caucus for nearly two hours yesterday.

The meeting has been seen as a sign that Cuba is willing to discuss better relations between it and the US.

“We believe it is time to open dialogue and discussion with Cuba,” Lee told a news conference in Washington. “Cubans do want dialogue. They do want talks. They do want normal relations.”

Full article at guardian.co.uk

Monday, March 30, 2009
WASHINGTON (CNN) — A group of senators and other supporters will unveil a bill Tuesday to lift the 47-year-old travel ban to Cuba.

Proponents of lifting the ban have been trying for years but lacked the votes in Congress or a president who supported the measure. Now, with Democrats holding majorities in both houses of Congress and controlling the White House, supporters said they believe their chance is at hand.

Full article at cnn.com