Spain predicts thaw in US, EU relations with Cuba following prisoner release

Spain predicts thaw in US-Cuba ties

MADRID — Spain’s foreign minister says the release of political prisoners by Cuba will lead to a thaw in U.S. relations with the Communist-run island, including the lifting of the decades-old embargo.

Miguel Angel Moratinos told Parliament on Wednesday the release of prisoners would lead to an improvement in EU policy toward Cuba “and it will have political consequences in U.S. relations with Cuba, (such as) the lifting of the embargo.”

A spokeswoman for the U.S. embassy in Madrid says that while the release of prisoners is welcome it is too early to say whether it would have any effect on the embargo.

Cuba has agreed to free 52 people imprisoned since 2003. Eleven have arrived in Spain in recent days and a 12th is expected Wednesday.