Washington (CNN) -- A political standoff that spanned five decades and 10 presidents began to crumble Wednesday with President Barack Obama's move to normalize relations with Cuba. The announcement was the product of a year of clandestine back-channelling between the U.S. and Cuba, facilitated by the Canadians and the Vatican and with personal involvement from the Pope. "Today, America chooses to cut loose the shackles of the past, so as to reach for a better future for the Cuban people, for the American people, for our entire hemisphere and for the world," Obama said in a statement announcing his decision.
@highlight
President Barack Obama announced on Wednesday plans to normalize diplomatic relations with Cuba
@highlight
The move will ease economic and travel restrictions with the island nation
@highlight
Cuban President Raul Castro hailed the move
Cuba
Cuba
Cuban
Cuba
Cuban
Obama said he and Castro spoke Tuesday in a phone call that lasted about an hour and reflected the first communication at the presidential level with Cuba since the @placeholder revolution.
Cuba
Cuba
Cuban
Cuba
Cuban
U.S. travelers will be allowed to import up to $400 worth of goods from Cuba, including $100 in alcohol and tobacco -- even @placeholder cigars.
Cuba
Cuba
Cuban
Cuba
Cuban
Senior administration officials and @placeholder observers have said recent reforms on the island and changing attitudes in the United States have created an opening for improved relations.
U.S.
American
To that end, Cuba has agreed to release 53 political prisoners from a list of names provided by the @placeholder.