by Our Foreign Desk

THE restoration of diplomatic links between Cuba and the US was warmly welcomed by Latin American countries on Tuesday, renewing demands that Washington drop its blockade against the revolutionary island.

Argentinian President Cristina Fernandez greeted the news “with satisfaction.”

She said: “This new step in the process of normalising relations between the two countries confirms that dialogue, respect for the sovereignty of nations and peoples and abiding by international law are the only legitimate means to resolve differences.”

Ms Fernandez hoped that this initial step would “immediately be followed with the lifting of the unjust and illegal blockade inflicted on the Cuban people.”

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro welcomed the rapprochement after more than 50 years of hostility since the US severed ties with Cuba.

“The world hopes this step will lead to new respectful relations on equal terms with Cuba and our America,” he said.

Mr Maduro noted that the blockade was designed to topple the Cuban government by sowing discontent among the people.

“Now it’s time to struggle to lift the criminal blockade and overcome interventionism in our region,” he stressed.

Ecuador too reiterated its call for Washington “to rescind the inhuman blockade imposed on the Cuban people that has caused so much harm.”

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez witnessed the flag-raising ceremony that marked the reopening of Cuba’s embassy in Washington.

He later held a joint press conference with US Secretary of State John Kerry, who is expected to travel to Havana on August 14 to attend the flag-raising ceremony at the US embassy there.