With racism. Captioning sponsored by cbs this is the cbs evening news with scott pelley. Odonnell im Norah Odonnell. Scott is on assignment in havana and well hear from him in just a moment. It was the bestkept secret in the world until president obama went on National Television today to reveal it. Today, the United States of america is changing its relationship with the people of cuba. Odonnell nearly 54 years after president eisenhower severed diplomatic ties with the communist dictatorship, president obama said it is time to restore them. Two countries separated by just 90 miles, but more than half a century of hostilities, including a failed attempt to overthrow fidel castro, the cuban missile crisis that brought the world to the brink of nuclear war, and u. S. Embargo. Today, the president said it is time to cut loose the shackles of the past. We have a team of correspondents covering this historic day beginning with Major Garrett at the white house. I am convinced that through a
Personal experiences with racism. Captioning sponsored by cbs this is the cbs evening news with scott pelley. Reporting tonight from havana, cuba. Pelley good evening. This is our western edition. This is about the last place we thought we would be reporting from tonight, but after 18 months of secret negotiations, the word came out about noon today eastern time simultaneously in washington and here in havana that the United States and cuba would form normal diplomatic relations for the First Time Since 1961. The idea was met here with jubilation by cubans who feel that this will be a major boost to their economy. We have correspondents covering this story around the world, including reports from moscow, the vatican, miami and washington, and well start tonight with Major Garrett at the white house. I am convinced that through a policy of engagement we can more effectively stand up for our values and help the cuban people help themselves as they move into the 21st century. Reporter it