Cubans tweet reactions to historic diplomatic thaw

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Despite heavy restrictions on the internet in Cuba, social networking sites reflect the views of some inside the country in the wake of a landmark agreement with the United States.

Around a quarter of Cubans have used the internet, according to the World Bank, external, although access is heavily regulated and very expensive.

Immediately after addresses by President Castro and President Obama, a map of tweets inside Cuba clearly showed the main topics of conversation.

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Trendsmap snapshot of Twitter trends in Cuba at 1730 GMT Wednesday: among the most prominent tags are the United States ("estadounidense" "eeuu"), Raul Castro, and Alan Gross.

Twitter users inside Cuba who allow their tweets to be located on a map are of course not necessarily representative of the Cuban population as a whole - but many of those sending out messages were in celebratory mood and welcoming the release of five prisoners by the US.

Image source, Twitter
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Translation: "Pop open bottles of champagne in every Cuban home. This is something we have to celebrate #FreetheFive #Cuba #LosCinco (The Five)".

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Translation: “Live to tell the tale!!! Barack Obama will announce measures on a historic day for Cuba and USA"

Image source, Twitter
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Translation: "There are a lot of emotions to hold in. Right now all Cuba is on front of the TV and the radio...TODAY SHOULD BE A GREAT DAY!!!!"

Image source, Twitter
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Translation: "How much I want to run, shout and go on the streets to hug everyone. Hurray #LosCinco (The Five), hurray #Cuba"

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Translation: "I called the university to say that I won't go today because they [the prisoners] are back. I'm going to buy pizza to celebrate on the roof terrace."

Reporting by Gabriela Torres and Mike Wendling

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