WASHINGTON, May 24 (UPI) -- The Obama administration has sent Cuban diplomats an official request to resume talks about migration by citizens of the communist nation to the United States.
The discussions were suspended in 2004 by President George W. Bush's administration. They had been held every two years, with Cuba and the United States alternating as the venue.
The request took the form of a diplomatic note sent Friday from the State Department to the Cuban Interests Section in Washington, The Miami Herald reported.
"We intend to use the renewal of talks to reaffirm both sides' commitment to safe, legal and orderly migration," said Sara Mangiaracina, a state department spokeswoman.
The talks would be used to "review recent trends in illegal Cuban migrations to the United States and to improve operational relations with Cuba on migration issues," she added.
President Barack Obama has made a number of overtures to Cuba, including lifting restrictions on travel and remittances by Cubans living in the United States.
