Family Life

09.18.09 | FL News Team

Exploratory talks are underway between the U.S. and Cuba on restoring direct mail service between the two countries. The discussions being held in Havana are viewed as another move by the Obama administration to improve relations with the communist-ruled island nation. Among those from the U.S. who are participating in the talks are Bisa Williams, assistant secretary of state for Western Hemisphere affairs. She is the most senior official to visit Cuba from the Obama administration. The U.S. cut off direct mail service to Cuba in August 1963 in an effort to undermine Fidel Castro's communist government. Currently, mail between the U.S. and Cuba must go through third countries. Delivery can take up to two months.

Restarting direct mail service from the U.S. is viewed with suspicion by some Cuban officials. They say anti-government opponents in the U.S. could send arms or ammunition or subversive literature to incite rioting. As part of the direct mail resumption, Havana also wants a resumption of scheduled commercial flights from the U.S.