U.S., Cuba to meet Feb. 27; senators see path for end to embargo

HAVANA, (Reuters) – The United States and Cuba will hold a second round of talks in Washington next week aimed at restoring diplomatic relations, the State Department said on Tuesday, as U.S. Democratic senators visiting Havana said there may be enough support among Republicans to lift a trade embargo on Cuba.

“The talks will be held on the 27th (of February) here at the State Department,” State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki told a daily briefing for reporters.

The sides held historic negotiations in Havana last month and the next round is seen by U.S. officials as critical to fleshing out details on re-establishing ties.

In particular, the United States wants to reopen the U.S. embassy in Havana before Cuba is officially removed from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism. It also wants travel restrictions on U.S. diplomatic staff in Cuba lifted.