U.S. flag raised again in Cuba

HAVANA (AP) — The U.S. flag is flying at the U.S. Embassy in Havana for the first time since 1961.

The Stars and Stripes was raised to cheers and the playing of the U.S. National Anthem at the diplomatic mission next to the Florida Straits.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry was on hand and called for political opening in communist-run Cuba.

"We remain convinced the people of Cuba would be best served by a genuine democracy, where people are free to choose their leaders, express their ideas (and) practice their faith,” Kerry said.

However, Kerry added that past U.S. policies have not led to democracy.

He says “Cuba’s future is for Cubans to shape.”