US, Cuba diplomatic posts witnessed decades of Cold War drama

WASHINGTON: The buildings that will become US and Cuban embassies in their neighbor's respective capitals on July 20 have seen over five decades of Cold War protests, provocations and strains.

Now, with the longtime enemies finally putting aside all that enmity, Presidents Barack Obama and Raul Castro have exchanged letters agreeing to restore full diplomatic ties.

Legally, both countries are currently represented by an "interests section" within the embassies of Switzerland.

But the facilities in question in Havana and Washington are full of Cuban and US diplomats, not Swiss -- and the areas around the buildings housing their downgraded diplomatic legations over the years have been the scenes of decades of demonstrations.