US restores ties with Cuba(2)

Differences should be solved by 'negotiation': Raul Castro

Cuban President Raul Castro said in a televised speech Wednesday that differences between the United States and Cuba should be solved by "negotiation," stressing Cuba will defend its main principles.

The move was believed to signal a thaw in relations between Cuba and the United States.

Spy released by Cuba provided key info

Obama says the US spy Cuba is releasing is one of the most important intelligence agents the US has ever had in Cuba.

Obama discussed his administration's move Wednesday to restore diplomatic relations with Cuba. Cuba is releasing the spy as part of that effort.

Obama says the man's sacrifice is known only to a few people. But he says the spy provided the information that allowed the US to arrest Cuban agents, including three spies the US is now releasing as part of the deal.

Obama says the US spy is now safely on American soil.

US officials have said the spy is a non-American and that his identity remains secret. Cuba has also released American prisoner Alan Gross.

Cuban intelligence agents transferred to Cuba

Three former Cuban intelligence agents have been transferred to Cuba after US President Barack Obama decided to commute their sentences, a Department of Justice spokesman said on Wednesday.

Luis Medina, Gerardo Hernandez, and Antonio Guerrero had been released from custody, spokesman Brian Fallon said in a statement.

"Their transfer to Cuba is complete, and was carried out without incident by the US Marshals Service," he said.