'US delegation in Havana meets with Cuban officials'

State Department officials met with Cuban officials, including Raul Castro's nephew, in Havana on Friday.

Axios reports this, citing sources, according to which the officials urged the introduction of democratic measures and warned of the risks of not taking their advice.

The US delegation offered to help restore internet services by activating the Starlink satellites. The meeting in itself represents a diplomatic breakthrough because it is the first time a US government plane has landed on the island since Obama visited it ten years ago in an attempt to thaw the thaw.

In addition to offering access to Starlink and discussing the need for Cuba to reform its economic and governance system, State Department officials reiterated the long-standing US policy of helping to lift the embargo against Cuba. That policy includes compensating US residents and companies whose property and assets were confiscated after the 1959 Revolution, releasing political prisoners, and guaranteeing the Cuban people greater political freedoms, which would include free and fair elections in the future. US officials also expressed "concern about the presence of foreign intelligence, military and terrorist groups operating with permission from the Cuban government within 100 miles of US territory," the source said. "President Trump is determined to pursue a diplomatic solution, if possible, but will not allow the island to become a serious threat to national security unless Cuban leaders are willing or able to act," the official said.