Announcer reporting tonight from havana. Good evening. Were coming to you this evening from the charming and historic havana vieja plaza desan francisco deassis here in havana just across from the harbor. Cuba is a country physically less than 100 miles from american soil but it feels a lot closer socially and politically tonight. And that provoked some tearful and joyous reaction from many cubans. For the first time in 54 years the American Flag was hoisted above the United States embassy here. The ceremonial reopening of the embassy led by secretary of state john kerry marks the reestablishment of diplomatic relationships between the two countries while ending years of hostility. There was no question the day was historic. The debate continues at home, however, over whether it sets the right tone. Leading our coverage is Andrea Mitchell. Reporter on a day when symbols matter the stars and stripes raised over the u. S. Embassy in havana ending a feud that began more than a half centur
Process. Everything is changing and youre part of that. Its great. Reporter isaac delgado, a musician and aspiring record producer hopes to experiment with blends of cuban and u. S. Music. For me this is special, when you mix the culture of United States and the culture of cuba, it would have a very special result. Reporter today there was tough talk by both sides. Each acougs the other of human rights abuses. And when i asked john kerry what american tourists will be able to come here, when they can come here without restrictions, he said first we need to make progress on the easier things, lifting the embargo of course. That requires an act of congress. Not anytime soon, lester. All right, Andrea Mitchell tonight. And by the way, later in the broadcast i speak with those marines who were part of that flag raising today. The decades of bad blood between the u. S. And cuba not only divided our countries but families caught in the middle. Now relatives who are split between our nations
Announcer this is nbc nightly news with lester holt. Reporting tonight from havana. Good evening. Were coming to you this evening from the charming and historic habana vieja plaza De San Francisco de asis in havana just across from the harbor. Cuba is a country physically less than 100 miles from american soil but it feels a lot closer socially and politically tonight and that provoked some tearful and joyous reactions today among many cubans. For the first time in 54 years the American Flag was hoisted above the United States embassy here. The ceremonial reopening of the embassy led by secretary of state john kerry marks the reestablishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries while ending years of hostility. There was no question the day was historic. The debate continues at home, however, over whether it sets the right course. Leading our coverage is nbcs andrea mitchell. Reporter on a day when symbols matter, the stars and stripes raised over the u. S. Embassy in havan