The Vatican has played an important role in this historic turn of events, having appealed for the overturning of the embargo. The new rules would put an end to the economic blockade in force for more than half a century, leading to the normalisation of relations between Washington and Havana, allowing American businesses to establish offices in Cuba and facilitating imports of aeroplane, ship-building and software components. Restrictions on private funding and rules regarding people authorised to travel to Cuba are expected to remain in place for the time being. On Thursday, Jose Cabanas was appointed the first Cuban ambassador to the U.S. in 54 years.
  Washington has yet to announce the name of the prospective U.S. (AGI)