U.S. lawmakers arrive in Cuba

HAVANA, Dec. 15 (UPI) -- A group of 10 U.S. congressmen who favor easing the embargo on Cuba have arrived at the communist island, the BBC reported Friday.

The bipartisan group of lawmakers will reportedly meet with senior Cuban officials, though it is unclear whether they will talk with interim Cuban leader Raul Castro.

Raul Castro, who recently said he was interested in improving U.S.-Cuban relations, assumed authority from his brother Fidel Castro this year when the 80-year-old Cuban president underwent gastro-intestinal surgery.

The delegation of six Democrats and four Republicans planned to spend three days in Cuba, the BBC said.