Washington (CNN) -- A political standoff that spanned five decades and 10 presidents began to crumble Wednesday with President Barack Obama's move to normalize relations with Cuba. The announcement was the product of a year of clandestine back-channelling between the U.S. and Cuba, facilitated by the Canadians and the Vatican and with personal involvement from the Pope. "Today, America chooses to cut loose the shackles of the past, so as to reach for a better future for the Cuban people, for the American people, for our entire hemisphere and for the world," Obama said in a statement announcing his decision.
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President Barack Obama announced on Wednesday plans to normalize diplomatic relations with Cuba
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The move will ease economic and travel restrictions with the island nation
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Cuban President Raul Castro hailed the move
Senior administration officials and @placeholder observers have said recent reforms on the island and changing attitudes in the United States have created an opening for improved relations.