Cardin, U.S. Senate Delegation To Cuba Ahead Of Embassies

HAVANA (AP) -- A bipartisan delegation of U.S. senators is in Cuba to meet with top government officials and others to discuss the ongoing rapprochement between the two countries.

Democratic Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont is leading the group, which also includes fellow Democrat Ben Cardin of Maryland and Republican Dean Heller of Nevada.

They are scheduled to meet Friday with Cuban Vice President Miguel Diaz-Canel. A statement from Leahy's office said they also would meet with religious leaders, ambassadors and others in Havana and the eastern city of Santiago.

The United States and Cuba announced on Dec. 17 they would move to restore diplomatic ties that were severed more than 50 years ago.