A US senator leading a delegation to Cuba predicts the two countries are just weeks away from full diplomatic relations.
Sen Tom Udall says the steps toward full relations that began with the historic detente announced December 17 are nearly complete.
Udall also says "bipartisan support is building" in the US Congress for removing at least elements of the embargo that has blocked commerce with Cuba for five decades. Members of Congress in both parties now support eliminating at least some elements of the embargo.
The New Mexico Democrat led a four-member delegation to Cuba. It included Minnesota Sen Al Franken along with Representative Raul Grijalva of Arizona and Representative John Larson of Connecticut.
They spoke to reporters Wednesday after meeting with Cuban officials and small business owners.
