US, Cuba close round of talks with no embassy announcement

The United States and Cuba still have no agreement on re-establishing embassies.

The former foes completed today a third round of negotiations since Presidents Barack Obama and Raul Castro announced in December their intention to improve relations.

A Cuban statement says they agreed to continue talks, but gave no date for the next round.

Many differences appear close to being resolved. Cuba comes off a US terrorism list May 29. Its Interests Section in Washington now has a U.S.-based bank account, meaning it doesn't have to operate on cash anymore.

The US wants to ensure that its diplomats can travel throughout Cuba and meet dissidents without restrictions.
 

Bigger questions such as America's trade embargo, the future of Guantanamo Bay and Cuba's democracy record are lingering sore spots.