funded by the u.s. evented in havana in the absence of diplomatic relations. the cubans would say there is nothing new in the effort to undermine the government. any pressure on the u.s. presence here has suddenly grown dramatically. cuban slang for the noise a humming bird makes was set up after an employee leaked customer records. >> it is just one more example of what has been going on for 50 years. the u.s. -- is so obsessed with cuba, it cannot stop trying to overthrow it, and trying to bring what it calls democracy. >> reporter: usaid found it difficult to find partners as the service grew. its funding of the scheme, paying millions to the various authorities it was allegedly trying to understood mine became unsustainable and in 2012 it disappeared. but the political damage will linger for a while longer. >>> international learneds are preparing to pump billions of dollars into ukraine to stabilize the economy, but many worry about where the money could end up. >> reporter: planning to set up a business in ukraine? well, here is a step by step guide. first get to grips with

miles west of the capital of havana. here is this report. >> reporter: cuba has been an important trading hub since the first european explorers arrived here at the end of the 15th century. they used to defends the spanish gal i don't knows laden with treasure from the marauding dutch pirates that sailed these seize. with monster-sized container ships soon to be pass this is way, to and from the panama canal, the government is hoping that cuba can again become a major trading hub. >> translator: cuba is in the middle of all points north, south, east and west of the international maritime route. so this will be a port that will take cargo traffic from the rest of the world. >> reporter: it's being built with $680 million of brazilian credit. and will be administered by a singaporean company. cuba hopes that generous tax and customs breaks will attract foreign investment to the 465 square kilometer zone. and radically change this sleepy town. there is plenty of movement here already, but this is nothing to how things will be when this is finished. at least four times bigger, four ti

havana, cuba, but it's taken 50 years for this flight to take place even though president obama gave permission for the presumption of commercial flights in 2011. the rules are strict. just 10 passengers and crew are allowed to make the journey any one time from key west. if u.s. citizens want to disembark they have to be involved with a cultural exchange program or have close relatives on the island. however, others have been flying since restrictions have been reduced. it was a point made by the u.s. secretary of state in november. >> each year hundreds of thousands of americans visit shah ha vanna, and hundreds of millions of dollars in trade and remittances flow from the united states to cuba. we're committed to this human interchange. >> that statement along with the relaxation of rules for cubans visiting the u.s.-led to speculation that the embargo will soon be lifted. but some say that is unlikely to happen soon. >> in order to lift the embargo the administration would have to go to congress, and it can't even get a budget passed that is serious, the government is shutdo

mission in havana. normalize relations, open restrictions, and abolish the economic embargo, and try to tak have secretary of state john kerry do what he can to take cuba over the terrorist nation list, like north korea and iran, around the world. a stunning development capped off by a happy appearance, and i think you're right. this is a familiar plea we hear from people who are in similar situations, who would like some privacy. they would like time to spend with the family. you can bet a lot of booking producers and others are going to be on the job and doing their best to court alan gross. >> and mike in that building behind you, the spokesperson started speaking. they are pleased that alan gross is home. let's listen to josh earnest. >> as it relates to support in congress i have seen the comments of some who had been critical of this decision. i think the president acknowledged that there would be some who did not agree with this decision. at the same time, there are many in congress both democrats and republicans who are strongly supportive of this decision. let me read you th

castro >>> in havana, many were optimistic, celebrating the news. >> translation: i am happy. i hope this will be the beginning of the end of illogical things that have no reason to exist and are shown to be awesome. >> the obama administration's move divided south florida's community. >> it's an awful day for cuba, i think the deal was dad. the cubans didn't get anything. >> anything that brings countries together is a good day. >> the majority of americans favoured normalizing relies, and a recent florida international poll found that 68% of cuban americans do as well. many older cuban americans say that this deal may benefit the cuban government, not the people. >> it's sad. seeing the precedent is doing some sort of of negotiation without getting anything in return. >> senator marco rubio went further. >> the implications of this decision extends beyond cuba, it has a chilling effect on democracy and freedom. >> joining us from havana, is chris gillett, correspondent. the news had a mixed reception there, among dissidents and human rights activists. >> that's true. the average cu

, 600,000 marching through havana's revolution square. it was a tribe out to the revolution bringing fidel castro to power 55 years ago. >> a different story in turkey where istanbul's riot police clashed with anti-government protesters. officers used water canons and tear gas against the group. demonstrators were banned from the square, where dozens were killed in protests. in the u.s. may day rallies took place in areas like seattle. the mayor announced he wands to raise the minimum wage to $15. >> allen schauffler reports. what are people saying about the increase? well, we have had reactions from this is a good first step to "it's not enough", when we say 15 now, we mean now. the mayor on the may day - saying it was a coincidence - announcing the committee he appointed for coming up with recommendations has come out with a proposal that would raise the minimum wage across the city to $15 an hour. there'll be a difference in the way different companies get to the level. big companies will have to get to $15 within three years. sma smaller companies have smaller leeways and will co

havana, and giant leaps for mankind. a spaceship that can land just about anywhere, and maybe a transporter like the one on-star trek. i'm ali velshi, and this is "real money." >> hey, this is real money. you are the most important part of the show. tell me what's on your mind by tweeting me eighth ali velsh me @ali velshi. it's the american dream, but finding an affordable home is getting harder to do. in a report put out by real estate data company trulia only 14% of the markets are now buyers. a year ago this was 20%. only half the houses available in denver are now affordable to a median income earner, down from 67% a year ago. down from two-thirds. in atlanta, 72% are now within reach of the middle class. that's down from 79% a year ago. predictbly the most affordable market for america's middle class are concentrated in the south and midwest. when we say a share of the market is affordable or within reach of middle class home buyers that means the total monthly payments on a home loan are no more than 31% of a metro area's median household income. more than 31% of the medi

of what used to be the cuban capital building in havana. >> to understand why the u.s. and cuba had a strained relationship, you need to go back to 1958. that year president iceep hour in support of the -- eisenhower in support of the rebel fidel castro imposed restrictions against a dictator that rose to power in the years before. then on new year's day in 1959 castro's guerilla army entered havana, overthrowing the battista pal sis. -- palace. >>> castro promised to hold free election and not confiscate property owned by foreigners. the u.s. immediately recognised the castro regime. he visited the united states 3 months later, touring and meeting with vice president richard nixon. it was a rare and fleeting moment of friendship between the two countries. but it was not long before the relationship soured. the u.s. quickly grew concerned when castro ordered the execution of more than 500 pro-battista storers, and voiced communist rhetoric in speeches. the time straw was in 1960 when castro seized private land and nationalized businesses owned by u.s. corporations. eisenhower responde

americans walked the streets of cuba. havana is the top destination. >> in the five years since we opened travel and remittance to cuba we have seen greater cooperation with the island. >> this is a nonprofit comprised of business and community leaders. the increase in american tourism is putting cash into the pockets of small business openers and employees, easing the restrictions on remit appses is injecting money. >> the ailing economy. >> over 450,000 prit entrepreneurs operating are doing so with seed funding and resources received from friends and family abroad. >> travel may be harder in the short term. they may have a hart time getting visas. >> after it couldn't find a u.s. bank to handle diplomatic accounts. the problem is getting worse. as for fisher, after two drups to cuba, he has no plans to return. they can see america through his eyes. >> since the beginning of the year, more than 170,000 americans travel to cuba. controversial cattle - a cattle rancher gets the government to back off. >> i'm here at one of spain's controversial monuments caught in a controversy between is

popular tourism spots. we have reports from florida, which is just outside of havana. >> the sun has barely risen on the horizon, but on the rodriguez farm they're already hard at work to result aggravate the land. being a farmer it difficult in cub, and the types of cowboys on the island produce half the milk of similar cows in the united states but they can't buy them because of the half century embargo on the island. but the embargo has meant no access to american-made farm equipment, fertilizers or tools. >> here we have very little technology to develop our farm. >> reporter: it means farmers continually improviseing to try to make it work. something that he hopes changes with the renewed economic ties between the two countries. >> now if we need pesticides we'll have the power to ask for it. they'll ship it, and we'll have more development in all the countryside. >> reporter: look around and you can see how much it might help. spend some time on this farm and you get a sense of how stuck in time they really are. cutting sugar cane right now but with no proper trucks or any way

entire world. hundreds of havana's health care workers are on the front lines of the ebola fight in liberia, and battling other diseases in other countries. cuba hopes the gestures of goodwill will revive the economy. >> this man says medical treatment in cuba was the best thing to happen in his laf. -- life. he is from angola and after an accident it left him with difficulty walking and unable to play football. the young real madrid is hoping to be up and running soon. he is one of many given care at the hospital. paid for by those that can afford it. free more those that can't. >> cuban medicine is national and international. taking our expertise abroad helps us. >> this man went to school with fidel castro, and is an architect of the health system. he treats patients across the island, attends to patients and opened hospitals across the middle east. the health industry treats all cubans, taking their expertise abroad. it's a 2-way process. they are hoping by opening up the economy, they'll be able to develop and enhance expertise like this. >> these are the doctor's inventions on

approving a lawn on foreign investments and aimed to boltster their economy. we are going live to havana, and break down the law for, daniel. >> well, it is designed to give insent ties to foreign investors and providing guarantees for those doing business in cuba and open special trading zones in the western port and encourage people to import more than they are doing at the moment and encourage exports of cuban goods and create better conditions in which the foreign investors would like to work on the island. >> what type of foreign investments are they looking for the at this point? >> well, i mean there are foreign investors in cuba, but the situation is difficult for them. poor infrastructure and poor roads and problems with the internet and there are many disincentives for people to come and work in cuba. people are watching closely to implement the new laws and whether the hearts are in it and the intentions are good and carrying out what they are saying they are going to carry out, many times in the past they are been muted. so i think people are watching and waiting to see how t

obama's plan to restore relations with havana. raul castro, cuba's president, said on saturday that the country would not change the commubist system -- communist system >> reporter: less than a week ago they served espionage sentences, now they are treated as heroes, releases as part of an agreement announced between the united states and cuba. everyone has been talking about what happened following the agreement, cuban president raul castro was keep to remind people what would remain the same >> translation: the economic system that prevails will be based on socialist ideals. >> reporter: castro was quick to prays president obama and the ground-breaking nature of what was accomplished. but indicated that the implementation would be left to the cuban people themselves. changes will take place at the cheap without leaving anyone behind. without shock measures and renowning -- renouncing the ideas. >> reporter: there's enthuse m yam -- enthuse yam for the deal. most want a release to the embargo, and anything less than that is unwarranted. >> down the road the most important thing, i thi

entrepreneurship and we have more from havana. >> she is a peanut seller in havanna and working for themselves now the president castro has loosened centralized state control designed to help the island's flagging economy. >> translator: the advances of self-employed thanks to god i can imagine my income and don't have to rely on a salary and organize the financing of my home and my life. >> reporter: but she is finding living without state support also has disadvantages. on days off she is home sorting cooking and packing her peanuts and some burdens of state control have disappeared others from the free market have arisen. >> translator: when i started to sell peanuts they cost 3 pecos and now 15 and there are times they are 20 and the paper used to cost 10 and now it's 25 and then it will go up to 30. >> reporter: for more than 50 years most cubans have known is the tightly-run state system. and overly bureaucratic providing few incentives to work and changes are occurring but don't come easily. courses are run at the college in the center of havana and some aspects of people liv

havana. >> reporter: i said medical treatment in cuba was the best thing to happen in his life. he is from angola and had an accident in age eight which left mime walking with difficulty and unable to play football. the young real madrid fan says he hopes to be up and running soon. he's one of thousands of foreign patients given high quality medical carat cuban hospitals. paid for by those that can afford it. free for those that can't. >> translator: cuban medicine is both nation and international. it has a spirit of solidarity which is in our constitution, taking our expertise abroad helps our own development. >> reporter: orthopedic special lift went to school with fidel castro, he's one of architects of cuba's health system. he treats patient from across the island, sends medics to africa and lat americ latin ame. and has opened hospitals. treating all cubans and taking their ex-tease abroad. but it's a two-way process a and they are hoping that by opening up their economy, they'll be able to develop and enhance expertise like this. these are dr. alvarez's invention on his display

states but are not always available in havana. now the expectation is that this will happen 67 mor much more often. >> companies will no longer need a special license to do business. u.s. companies will also be able to export a list of items that include things like building materials, and even infrastructure for telecommunications. and with a largely untapped market of 11 million people just 90 miles from the coast of florida scenes like these will likely get bigger as cuba's economy opens to an old cold war enemy. >> you know that cold war mentality is what people think about when they think about cuba. this is 1959 when we talk about that revolution. we had a a freeze on relations ever since. and people in cuba, they've been dealing with both the inefficiencies of a communist run government with all the human rights abuses that you hear about in miami, but also the embargo. the trade embargo has created all sorts of shortages on the island. that's why in part of the story you saw the residents here who recognize that have to bring things back like car tires and potted plants, it

. >> in havana, many cubans were cautiously optimistic as they celebrated the news. >> i am happy. i hope this will be the beginning of the end of illogical things shown to be obsolete. >> the president obama's administration move divided the cuban community in miami. >> i think the deal was day. the cubans didn't get anything. anything that shows change and brings countries together is a good day. >> the majority favoured relations. a poll found 68" of americans do as well. older cuban americans with longer memories say the deal with only benefit the cuban government, not the people. >> it's sad seeing a president that is doing some negotiation without getting anything in return. >> senator marco rubio went further. >> the implications of the decision goes further than cuba. it has an effect on democracy and freedom in the area. >> the former chief of mission at the united states in havana, 2002, she was director of cuban affairs at the state department from 1989 to 1993, and during the clinton administration led a brookings institution project on cuba resulting in the book called "learn

counterpart in havana, as cuba and the european union discuss a normalization. >> we need to reinforce ties with south america and cuba. >> the two officials, french investment opportunities and lateral relations between two countries. >> negotiations in venezuela between moderate opposition leaders and the government. venezuela soldiers fight tear gas and rubber bullets into crowds of demonstrators. hundreds of hard-lined opposition lenders led after refusing part in the government talks. violent protests left 39 dead, hundreds injured and thousands arrested. >> still ahead - risking it aum for a chance -- all for a chance at a new life. people trying to make it across the border into the yates - coming up on al jazeera. >> illegal cross inns along the south-west border have been increasing dramatically. the border patrol arrest 91,000 in the past six months, up 69% over last year. recently there has been a string of shootings involving agents. paul beban is in the border town of nogales along the arizona-mexico border. >> a cross and flowers marked the spot where a boy named jose antonio

, but for most of them it's still an unattainable dream as we have reports from havana. >> reporter: cubans will do anything to keep their beloved cars on the road. since the revolution car ownership has been restricted. cubans have had to be resourceful to keep their old cars chugging along. restrictions on car ownership has been lifted. many were hoping to get a new set of wheels but prices seen here have shocked cubans. a peugeot is listed at 212, 40: these two men were afraid to speak on camera, but they said it would take a lifetime for cubans who earn an average of $20 a month to buy cars. many say they're angry with the government. >> i think it's enormously disrespecttive. our salaries are not enough to cover our personal needs. we've done the numbers, and it is so expensive. >> driving a car on the streets of havana is no big deal, really, but for most cubans it's an unattainable dream. >> reporter: just the latest of series of economic reforms meant to spark economic growth. but cars will most likely sit on car lots. and cubans will get around as they have done for decades

agriculture a report from havana on the latest plan to kick start a struggling economy. >> reporter: this may be quaint but for thousands of newly self-employed cuban workers, it's just peanuts. the cuban authorities have for the past few years been opening up their economy. but it's not enough. >> translator: one of the problems that the cuban economy has is in providing incentives. cuban workers especially in the state sector are not happy because the state pays so little. >> reporter: a special session of the cuban parliament has taken a fundamental step to open its economy to foreign investments. creating a special development zone in the port city west of havana partly financed by brazil. foreign investors will play less of their profits to the cuban government while working with greater security, guarantees and flexibility. foreign investment like this one helped to save cuba after the collapse of its main backer the soviet union more than 20 years ago. but it sits awkwardly here. and this new expansion which some here call a necessary evil, will have to be very tightly contro

giving hope to busy owners in havana. looking forward to better sxhib days ahead, restaurant owner isabel martinez tells her story. >> reporter: >> my name some nuris martinez. i have had my own business in havana cuba. having this business was a life-long dream. it's been a financial as well as personal achievement. we have had many challenges along the way. the issue here in cuba is that the market is very unstable. the market is not equipped for our needs and the result is very high prices for the final product. the price of ingredients is very high. there is great expectation for what's ahead and we think these new changes will help us greatly. there will be more tourism and better financial options. we feel we are entering a new stage of economic growth. more people are going to come back because there are a lot more people who want to come back. we are close to being together again. it's emotional for me. what can i say. >> still on the newshour? >> phil lavelle. back in the 1950s -- or at least that's how it feels with all of this old equipment, find out how these machines are help

people are excited by the possibility of change. >> reporter: on a side street in central havana kids being kids, not a worry in the world. watching on the sideline. this 12-year-old and his friend, waiting to play. at their age they have a view on the changes coming to their country with the promise of better relations with the united states. >> without this blockade we will not have to bring everything from china. maybe the school lunches will get better. everything will be modernized. >> most cubans do not have internet at home. i think it will be better, because we'll have the power to communicate why people that are abroad by internet, to connect and send emails like to my father who has been living in the u.s. >> cuba is a country where big and important decisions would have been made by a small group of leaders. like fidel and his brother raul. it's the cuban children, those so young that have no historical context of where the country has been that could gain the most, especially if the blockade is lifted. either way they'll be the first generation that could be growing up in

building in can havana. >> to understand why the u.s. and cuba has had such a strained relationship, you need to go back to 1958. there was an imposed arms embargo against bautista, a brutal and corrupt dictate who are rose to power the year before. then on new year's day in 1959 castro's guerrilla army successfully entered havana, swiftly overthrowing the bautista government. >> castro promised to hold free elections and not confiscate property held by foreigners. the u.s. immediately recognized the castro regime. castro even visited the united states three months later, touring the country and meeting with then vice president richard nixon. it was a rare and fleeting moment of friendship between the two countries. but it wasn't long before the relationship soured. the u.s. quickly grew concerned when castro ordered the execution of more than 500 pro bautista supporters. he began to voice communist rhetoric and speeches. the final straw in 1960 when castro seized private land and nationalized businesses owned by u.s. corporations. eisenhower responded by imposing trade restrictions

regime. chris christie said her return should be a condition of any diplomatic deal with havana. >> president obama is preparing to nominate the new deputy attorney general. officials say sally yates would become the second highest ranking official. she is the federal prosecutor in atlanta. another u.s. attorney has been nominated for attorney general. her confirmation hearings are slated for next year. >> florida state's quarterback has been cleared of wrongdoing, a school panel made the finding. florida state will play or gone in the rose ball for a chance to compete for a national championship. >> let's turn to nicole mitchell for news on a major storm system that will saws trouble for holiday travelers. >> rain, wind, hurricane force winds near the mountains is the system already plaguing the south, a frontal boundary coming through. as the next system merges with that and ahead of the front manages to funnel in even more gulf moisture, this is going to be the part of the country where we see the heaviest rain totals. some places over the next couple of days easily four to s

cuban government made it impossible for more than a handful of refugees to land in havana. it weighed anchor, sailed north to the coast of the united states where it plied the waters off the coast of florida, imploring the u.s. state department for permission to land in the united states. it was denied. permission was denied the right to land in canada. it sailed back across the atlantic, a deal was brokered whereby the 900 refugees could disembark in england, france, belgium and holland. my grandfather and uncle got off the boat in france. it began a stretch of three years where they were sent from one camp to another before being september to the death camp. >> the politics in cuba, united states, canada - not letting them come in - the stories are horrible how they were in havana harbour and relatives could go out in row boats and wave. and how hundreds of the people got back to europe ended up dying. in the case of your relatives, they were in the french concentration champs. i really was not aware of that there were concentration camps run by the french without instigation by the

conflict between farc rebels. negotiations have been taking place in havana since 2012. talks of compensation of those killed or displaced. alexandra is in the colombian capitol of bogota with more. >> reporter: negotiators will hear from those who will arrive to havana. they included not only the victims of the rebels farc but right wing mara military groups and the colombia state itself. those who suffered kidnappings or attacks from farc feel they are not represented enough. and the u.n. said to end the conflict the full spectrum of victims should be represented. >> this is a very pain-ridden process. this is an unique process. behind the question of who is the real victims and who is responsible for the war. there is amazing suffering and pain in the national discussion. so of course there is controversies and there should be. >> the first delegation will be back on sunday, and then another delegation in the next weeks and months. this is seen as an unique opportunity for the victims to be heard. >> cuba has been relaxing control of its state-run economy. one example of that

. despite that sales are slow. gerald tan explains why. >> to the outside world downtown havana could be mistaken for a 1950s movie set. the classic cars plying the treat have long given it a distinct vintage look. that could change now that the government is letting people buy vehicles without permits. >> translation: for individuals it's good news as it was not allowed before. >> on friday people flocked to state-run showrooms, hoping for a chance to own a new set of wheels. the price set dashed many treatments. >> the super compact peugeot 2006 plus is lifted at $91,000. the higher end 508 will set one back $263,000. here is what the same cars cost in europe. in cuba prices are mocked up by 400%. >> the salary of an average cuban is about $22 a month. >> translation: this is insanity. there's not one person who can buy something here. we can't buy anything here. we are going home without a car, without anything. >> imagine i earn $600, i die before i buy a new car. >> cubans have been driving the same cars for half a century. until recently only those bought before the 1959 revolut

diplomatic relations and open an embassy in havana. cuba's president raul castro hailed the agreement but pointed out the u.s. economic embargo is still in place. >> translator: this does not mean that the main issue has been resolved. the economic, social and political issues should end. >> tonight the world reacts. many in support. many others criticizing the move. and we begin in miami, florida has the largest population of coupe an americans in the u.s. reaction -- cuban americans in the u.s. morgan radford is in miami tonight, morgan. >> this is an historic moment in miement. i'miami. i'm standing outcafe versailles. obama is a murderer just like the castros, but there are two people here among the handful of people who actually are in support of what obama has done today. i want to introduce them to you. why do you think he did that? >> a change of policy. almost 60 years of policy that hasn't worked. the embargo doesn't quornlg wor. i spoke to my mother in cuba today who is 90. when obama was speaking on tv today which was amazing, she could hear people clapping and cheering, they

havana. he fought in the cuban revolution and became chef to former president fidel castro. brother and sister martinez are at the forefront of the boom in havana's cuisine. they are meeting at her place, and he runs one of the best established restaurants. >> translation: people are trying new dishes, experimenting, visiting restaurants with different styles and dishes. it's a gastro nomic revolution. >> they offer top-quality cuisine for a disturbing clientele. mostly foreign tourists. these customers with access to the cuban paceo are unlikely to dine. >> our protect has a value making it expensive for cubans. most of our customers are diplomats. >> french and spanish cuisine, sophisticated sushi, coffee shops and the best of cuban dishes are whetting the appetite. come meal time, it's still that well-cooked staple of the diet, a plate of rice and beans that most tuck into. >> and a reminder i can keep up to date with all the latest news on the website. there it is, aljazeera.com. >> a guy who has been grazing his cattle on federally owned land. he doesn't want to pay for that pr

expertise like this. this is dr. alvarez's inventions on display at the havana trade fair. medical services currently earn cuba millions of dollars a year. the fair hopes to attract more investment. >> cubans working in many countries. >> while cuba boasts medical staff, infrastructure is crumb crumbling. >> we've had to look for markets abroad. we have had to go far. it is not the same in the u.s. or china. >> now 100 years on from the start of the first world war the poppy has come to symbolize huge losses. hundreds of thousands of british and commonwealth soldiers have died. peter sharp reports. >> the poppies grow. a line written by a canadian officer in 1915. one line of verse would forever link the poppy to the first world war, and it is the symbol of a nation's determination never to forget. a river of ceramic poppies with each flower remembering a soldier who died in the first world war and there are 888,226 poppies in this dramatic installation entitled "blood swept lands and seas of red." an emotionally charged experience. >> this incredible concept for a tribute, i think

havana, closed since 1961. loosening regulations on trade and investment, loosening travel restrictions, money transfers to relatives and communications and beginning the process of removing cuba from the list of state sponsored terrorism. the proposal was met with immediate opposition including from florida senator marco rubio. >> this president is the single worst negotiator we have had in the white house in my lifetime, who has basically given the cuban government everything it asked for and received no assurances of any advances in democracy and freedom in return. >> rubio and other republicans vowed to block the president, including a cutoff of funds needed to open an embassy in havana. the president will need congressional approval to reach another goal, lifting the long-standing trade embargo with cuba. republicans are unlikely to go along. in a statement, house speaker john boehner says: also announced, a spy swab, three cubans held by the united states in exchange for an american spy imprisoned in cuba. the office of the director of national intelligence says the a

forward in normalizing relations including establishing an american embassy in havana, just for starters. that has not been done since 1961. >> to those who oppose the steps i'm announcing today let me say that i respect your passion and share your commitment to liberty and democracy. the question is how do we uphold that commitment? i do not believe we can keep doing the same thing for over five decades and expect a different result. >> now, the white house and the president very eagle for break any linkage or perception that that spy swap was link to do so the alan gross case. there was an american we know now held in cuba's prisons for some 20 years. he was an intelligence asset. the intelligence community director of national intelligence said that this individual had provided information that led to the capture and impres and imprisonment of a number of spice working here in america, and in turn several cubans have been released in return for one american. >> what is the outline of the policies from the president. >> he's loosening some of the restrictions on travel, money

, when the economy falters pets suffer the same shortages. from havana, daniel schweimler uncovered the reality of health care for cuba's canines. >> reporter: first thing monday morning in this state-run vet reinary clinic, it is bustling. cuba provides heath care and sends many abroad. the problems are elsewhere. >> translation: you can go and ask the pet openers, they tell you it's a shame, they get a great service, we are all professionals, but it can't get better because of the shortage of resources. >> there are many reasons for the shortages, mostly of the medicines. >> cubans love their pets as much as anyone else. the animals enjoy benefits and sure the same problems as the rest of society. overly sensitized, and a serious shortage of resources. >> cuban blame corruption, for the 50-year long u.s. trade embargo, called a blockade. >> there are problems the government has to solve. maybe it could be solved. they'd have an opportunity to better practice their profession. >> cuban authorities have been slowly, cautiously opening up the tightly state run economy. many vets oper

castro. brother and sisters martinez are at the forefront of the boom in havana's cuisine. they are meeting at their place while he runs one of the havana's best. >> people are trying new dishes, experimenting, visiting new restaurants with new styles, different dishes. it's a gastronomic revolution. >> mostly foreign tourists and cuban elite with access to hard currency. access to only cuba cuban pest s still that well cooked staple of the cuban diet, a simple plate of rice and beans that most tuck into. daniel swien sweindler, al jaze. >>> police chief shares his story on the use of deadly force. >>> plus asteroid impact. why the closest are killer meteor is closer than we can think. 11 are eastern, 8:00 pacific. >> it's william shakespeare's 450th birthday. this is an image of england's greatest author displayed in fireworks. richelle carey has the headlines next. r >> welcome to al jazeera america. i'm richelle carey. president obama is in japan, his goal is to schur japan. >>> rival palestinian groups hamas and fatah have reconciled. it is a decision israel is calling a big pr

their own country tomorrow as they get older? reporting from havana. >> on a side street in central havana, kids will be kids in the world. watching on the sidelines, 13-year-old hernandez, and his friend, fabio, wait for their chance to play. even at their tender age, they have a view on what changes could be coming to their country, and a promise of better relations with the united states. [ speaking spanish ] >> without this block aid, we won't have to bring everything from china, so maybe our school lunches will be better, and everything will be more modernized. >> most cubans don't have internet. and he hopes that that will change so he can do things that many children in the world now take for granted. >> i think it will be better, because we'll have the power to communicate with people that are abroad by internet, to connect with them and send emails, like to my father, who has been living in the u.s. the past months. >> cuba is a country for decades, where the big important decisions are made by a few, like the castros, in their 80s. and they have shaped cuba to what it is t

communist government and we have the latest from the capital havana. >> reporter: it's no secret young cubans crave access to social media enjoyed by those and the rest of the world and a new report claims us achl id want to ex loit this by a service similar to twitter. according to the associated press, it was done through a complicated system of front companies set up abroad to hide it from the cuban authorities. nothing sinister says washington. >> this was not an intelligence program. this was an effort, one of a variety of efforts that the united states engages in as part of its development mission to promote the flow of free information. to promote engagement by citizens of countries and in cities that are nonpermissive. >> reporter: the idea is to build strong customer base using noncontroversial material before launching more politically provocative measures and the first test was in havana in 2009 at the peace concert by the colombian singer. they were unaware the scheme was funded by the u.s. and represented in havana in the absence of diplomatic relations by this section. cu

states. and says they face a long struggle. gabriel elizondo reports from havana. >> reporter: less les than a week ago they were serving sentences for espionage in a u.s. jail, now the cuban five as thethey are auld are being greed as heros in thunderous applause. they were released as part of the historic agreement announced this week between the united states and cuba. while everyone has been talking about what will change following the agreement, cuban president raul castro was keen to also remind people what will remain the same. >> translator: the economic system that will prevail in our country will continue to be based on socialist ideals in the entire country. >> reporter: castro was quick to praise barack obama and the ground breaking nature of what was accomplished to reach an an accord but also its implementation would be left up to the cuban people themselves. >> translator: the changes will continue to take place at the pace we decide here without risking the unity of the cuban people. without leaving anybody behind. without any shock measures. and without renouncing this

. >> reporter: it was like old times, a russian president feted in havana, a reminder that the jostling of regional alliance continues. in moscow vladimir putin's tour is a repost to the u.s.-european narrative that he has been lead to isolation. >> only bric countries are 45%. china, brazil, latin america is a partner for russia. the west as overestimated its significance. >> it was notable that eight latin american countries ab stained or voted against the u.n. resolution calling for autonomy. along with geopolitical are economic ties. latin america is a key market. russia overtook the u.s. in arms sales. as n.a.t.o. strengthened europe, russia talked about permanent military basis in latin america. >> i don't think the obama administration is worried about diplomatic ties, obviously it hurts us, they are probably not worry about commercial ties. what worries is military ties, exercises, bases, getting everyone on the same interoperable military equipment. >> it's unclear whether latin america countries wish to expand behind joint exercises as they have their own political so

mixed reactions in the cuban capital havana. there is hope that the new relations will bring opportunities, but years of mistrust have also left their mark. >> reporter: on a side street in central havana kids being kids, not a worry in the world. watching on the sidelines, they are anxiously wait in line for their chance to play. even at their tender age they have a view on what changes could come to their country with a promise of better relations with the united states. >> without this blockade we won't have to bring everything from china. maybe our school lumps will get better. everything will be modernized. >> reporter: most homes don't have internet, and they hope that will change so he can do man things that many other children take for granted. >> it will be better to connect with people abroad, send e-mails, like to my father, who has been living in the u.s. the past months. >> reporter: cuba for decades important decisions have been made by a small group of leaders. it is they who have shaped cuba into what it is today. but it's the cuban children, those so young th

the americas. that's why renewing ties with havana is more than just a gesture to cuba. leaders here applauded the announcement and what some described as the audacious move by president obama. and while it will not iron out all of the differences, it could signal a new beginning. >> translator: i want to recognize president obama for his brave gesture. one that is necessary. he has taken what may be the most important step of his presidency. >> reporter: for ordinary cubans, it signals the beginning of an end of a cold war that has marked their lives for generations, and while the economic embargo won't be lifted just yet, the easing of restrictions will have a major impact on a country struggling to survive. >> translator: it will be an economic shock treatment. it will mane more trade, tourism, and investment from the united states, which will help the people of cuba who have suffered an embargo for more than 52 years. >> reporter: the next summit of the americas will be held in april, and thanks to the significant announcement for the first time in more than half a century, leade

still ahead on al jazeera, a man in havana a group using an hiv clinic as a cover to spy on cuba. and while the cost of basic necessities have been sky rocketing in india. and in sport football rivals battle even before the start of a new season. ♪ ah, got it. these wifi hotspots we get with our xfinity internet service are all over the place. hey you can stop looking. i found one. see? what do you think a wifi hotspot smells like? i'm thinking roast beef. want to get lunch? get the fastest wifi hotspots and more coverage on the go than any other provider. xfinity, the future of awesome. that's why i always choose the fastest intern.r slow. the fastest printer. the fastest lunch. turkey club. the fastest pencil sharpener. the fastest elevator. the fastest speed dial. the fastest office plant. so why wouldn't i choose the fastest wifi? i would. switch to comcast business internet and get the fastest wifi included. comcast business. built for business. ♪ hello again, i'm laura kyle and a reminder of top stories on al jazeera, three days with palestinian factions is in effect and isr

the streets of havana calling for an end to homophobia. people dance in the streets. it was led by the daughter of cuban president raul castro. >>> in the united states michael sam is the first openly gay player to be picked for the national football league. >> reporter: it's taken nearly a century for the game of american football to arrive at this moment. >> with the 249th pick, the 2014 n.f.l. draft. the st. louis rams select michael sam from juste of missouri. shortly after celebrating with family and friends he took to twitter saying: . >> michael sam is the first openly gay player to be drafted in the n.f.l. the league makes about 10 billion a year, driven by major advertising revenues. athletes in the past kept their sexuality private for fear of losing endorsement deals. but with a changing social landscape, this n.f.l. draft is seen by some as generating new initial opportunities. >> to this time sexuality hasn't been a part of that. whether at the professional level, they are ready for michael sam, that will be interesting. i think people will be rite to have the doubt. sam's

around ideas for the future. we speak to young people in havana, as cuba enters unchartered political waters >>> plus... >> this is a gift which i received from my friend saddam hussein. >> the accused syrian war criminal at home, rebuilding his political career. talk to al jazeera, only on al jazeera america >> now available, the new al jazeea america mobile news app. get our exclusive in depth, reporting when you want it. a global perspective wherever you are. the major headlines in context. mashable says... you'll never miss the latest news >> they will continue looking for survivors... >> the potential for energy production is huge... >> no noise, no clutter, just real reporting. the new al jazeera america mobile app, available for your apple and android mobile device. download it now >>> good to have you with us. i'm election puranam in doha. the presidential candidate for tunisia's secular party is claiming victory in the run-off boat. beji caid essebsi's claim has been dismissed by his rival moncef marzouki who says it's too early to call a winner. official results ar

. >>> more to come on the al jazeera newshour. serving up opportunities, how havana is set to benefit from u.s. companies clamoring to do work in cuba >>> and the christmas tree cutters in georgia >>> boxing great mohammed ali tape to hospital with pneumonia. the latest on his position later in the programme >>> egypt re opened the rafa border with gaza for the second time in two months. it will allow iran 3,500 palestinians stranded in egypt to cross. the rafa crossing is the only crossing not controlled by israel, and was shut by egypt in object, following a suicide bombing in the cyanide peninsula >>> hundreds of yemenis have been protesting. the demonstrators are demanding houthis, a shia minority, to leave sanaa. houthi leaders took control, ceasing government offices. >>> cuba's president raul castro stressed that his country will not change his communist system despite better ties with the united states. and says cuba faces a long and difficult struggle before the u.s. lifts a long-standing economic embargo. we have this report from havana. >> less than a week ago they were ser

speech yesterday night from havana, cuba, a country the united states has not formal relations with. they're meeting there at the same time obama is giving his speech to discuss integration at a summit the united states has not been invited to. >> editor of london daily beast, research fellow at the japanese institute of international affairs and a senior correspondent for reuters in brass still, thank you all for joining us today. >> the thing they're still talking about here is the president laying down the gauntlet to congress saying he will act with or without them to make sure his legislation is passed. that could be understandable. we want to show you a chart smoke the number of laws passed by congress. last year, that was a 20 year low with just 50 measures making it through. mr. spice are, good morning. >> good morning, del, thank you. >> the penalty says he is moving forward with or without congress. your reaction to that strategy? >> in some ways, he's very surprising. the one chamber the republicans control, the house of representatives has passed over 150 bills that they

with these normalization relations, economies that are beginning to bubble up in havana and other places. in many ways this is engine of cuba's economy. cuban americans who send money home to their families represent a $2.6 billion industry. an increasingly important source of revenue as falling oil prices send a squeeze on how much money venezuela can stoned cuba. but it's not just cash that they are bringing home, tvs, clothes and even car tires. >> they are family in cuba, all of these packets are gifts. >> so this is a daily scene here at miami international airport. you have cuban american families who are heading back to havana, toys for children, things you might get in the united states but are just not available in havana. with this recent policy shift the expectation is this will happen much more often. >> under the new policy the those with relatives will be able to send home $8,000 a year, four fold increase over what it used to be. no special license to do their business. u.s. companies will also be able to export a list of items that include items like building mater

castro spoke of the deal today from havana. >> in recognizing that we have profound differences in the areas of national sovereignty, democracy, ruin rights, and foreign policy, i reaffirm our willingness to discuss all these matters. >> the announcement comes hours after the release of u.s. contractors alan gross from a cuban prison on humanitarian grounds, the president said. his health had been deteriorating since he was jailed in. >> you i'm incredibly blessed finally to have the freedom to resume a positive and constructive life. five and a half decades of history show us that such belligerent s inhibit better judgment. two wrongs do not make a right. i truly hope we'll get beyond these blew actually belligeren beyond these belligerent policies. >> although not called a prisoner swap, three prisoners held in the u.s. were released. the three were part of what was call the cuban five who were convicted of conspiracy to commit espionage in 2001. the other two agents were sent back to cuba in 2013 and 2014. in cuba the five are national heroes. their faces can be seen on posters like

obstacles including finances and the country's relationship with the u.s. more from havana. >> agost i & o says medical treatment in cuba was the best thing to happen in his life. it's from angola and had an accident aged 8 which left him walking with difficulty and unable to play fwauchlt. >> the young real madrid fan says he hopes to be up and running soon. he is one of thousands of foreign patients given high quality medical care at cuban hospitals paid for by those who can afford it, free for those who can't. >> hufrm medicine is national and international. it has a spirit of solidarity written into our constitution. orthopedic specialist went to school with fidel castro, one of the architects of cuba's health system. he treats patients from across the island, sends medics to africa and latin america and has opened hospitals across the middle east. >> probably the trong strongest element of the cuban revolution treating all cubebans and taking their expertise abroad. it's a two-way process. they are hoping by opening up the economy can action, they will be able to develop and enhance e