Senator Bill Nelson welcomes thawing Cuba relations

President Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro have announced a historic change in relations between the two countries.

After more than half a century as bitter enemies, America will re-establish diplomatic relations and open economic and travel links to Cuba. The shift comes after Washington and Havana agreed on a prisoner swap.

The BBC's Katty Kay spoke to Democratic Senator Bill Nelson from Florida, who had lobbied for the release of Alan Gross and welcomed his return to the US after five years in a Cuban prison.

Senator Nelson said he was "anti-Castro" but praised the deal and warming of relations, saying "it's time to get into the 21st century".