Cuba ties reinstatement of diplomatic relations to Washington cutting support for dissidents

HAVANA – Cuba says it’s demanding that the United States drop much of its support for dissidents on the island as part of the restoration of diplomatic relations.

A U.S. delegation visited Havana this week to negotiate the reopening of U.S. and Cuban embassies. A central U.S. demand is unrestricted movement of U.S. diplomats in Cuba.

The head of Cuba’s delegation told The Associated Press Friday that Cuba has linked granting that right to the U.S. reducing support for dissidents. Cuba has long objected to the U.S .offering Cubans Internet access and classes inside the U.S. Interests Section.

Asked about free movement for diplomats, Josefina Vidal said that dropping such aid “wasn’t presented as a condition, but, yes, we said that for Cuba, this consideration is associated with better behaviour.”