News stories by Patricia Grogg, page 2

HAVANA, Dec 16 (IPS) - While the normalisation of diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba is moving ahead, and the U.S. and Cuban flags have been proudly waving in Havana and Washington, respectively, since last July, the year gone by since the thaw has left many unanswered questions.

HAVANA, Dec 10 (IPS) - The crisis that has broken out at several border crossings in Latin America as a result of thousands of Cubans attempting to reach the United States has revived a problem that remains unresolved between the two countries in spite of agreements, negotiations and the diplomatic thaw that started a year ago.

HAVANA, Dec 02 (IPS) - Denia Arrascaeta suffers water shortages on a near daily basis in the neighbourhood in the Cuban capital where she lives. "Sometimes I don't even have water to drink," she told IPS.

HAVANA, Oct 06 (IPS) - Cuba and the United Arab Emirates agreed to strengthen diplomatic ties and bilateral cooperation during an official visit to this Caribbean island nation by the UAE minister of foreign affairs, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

HAVANA, Apr 08 (IPS) - U.S. President Barack Obama was only four days old when Comandante Ernesto "Che" Guevara publicly castigated the United States' policy of hostility toward Cuba at an inter-American summit, reiterated then Prime Minister Fidel Castro's willingness to resolve differences through dialogue on an equal footing, and held secret conversations with a Washington envoy.

HAVANA, Jan 26 (IPS) - The biggest discrepancies in the first meeting to normalise relations between Cuba and the United States, after more than half a century, were over the issue of human rights. But what stood out in the talks was a keen interest in forging ahead, in a process led by two women.

HAVANA, Jan 19 (IPS) - Cuba has decided to move ahead in its talks with the European Union towards an agreement on cooperation parallel to the negotiations aimed at normalising relations with the United States after more than half a century of hostility.

HAVANA, Sep 30 (IPS) - Leonor Pedroso's sewing machine has dressed children in the Cuban town of Florida for 30 years. But it was only a few months ago that the seamstress was able to become formally self-employed.

HAVANA, Aug 22 (IPS) - The Mariel special economic development zone, the biggest construction project undertaken in decades in Cuba, emerged thanks to financial support from Brazil, which was based on political goodwill, a strategy of integration, and business vision.

HAVANA, Aug 20 (IPS) - Hortensia Ramírez feels like she needs more hands to care for her 78-year-old mother, who suffers from arteriosclerosis, do the housework, and make homemade baked goods which she sells to support her family.