Glued to TV, Cubans cheer talks with US like a sporting event

Washington

AS US and Cuban diplomats met to begin restoring diplomatic ties after five decades, Havana's residents followed the developments with a fervour normally reserved for a Papal visit or a sporting championship.

Cuban media aired and re-broadcast briefings throughout the two days of negotiations, a rarity in a society where the press is state-run and people often get news from relatives or friends.