Kerry welcomes new U.S.-Cuba ties but says some hurdles remain

WASHINGTON U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Monday welcomed the “new beginning” of ties between the United States and Cuba but said many differences remained between the two nations and that full normalization will be a long and complex process.

Kerry, in prepared remarked to be delivered at a news conference alongside his Cuban counterpart, also said there was “much to be gained” by encouraging travel and the free flow of information between the two countries as well as the resumption of commerce and easing of family visits.

(Reporting by Matt Spetalnick– Writing by Susan Heavey– Editing by Sandra Maler)