U.S. Restrictions Cuba, US Eases Restrictions

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U.S. Treasury eases travel, export restrictions with Cuba - The U.S. Treasury Department announced Tuesday additional easing of travel and export restrictions for Cuba as part of ongoing efforts to normalize diplomatic relations with that country.

The latest actions, which will go into effect Wednesday, include a broadening of authorized travel licenses, the removal of financing restrictions on most exports, and additional export licensing for commodities such as software, civil aviation items and telecommunications and agricultural equipment.

The easing comes as a result of direct high-level talks between the U.S. and Cuba that began about a year ago.

In a statement, Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew said these new measures "send a clear message to the world: the United States is committed to empowering and enabling economic advancements for the Cuban people."

The department said additional details would come later Tuesday morning.