The US Congress has voted to lift restrictions on relations with Cuba imposed by the Bush administration. Cuban-Americans will be allowed to travel to the island once a year and send more money to relatives there.

Curbs on sending medicines and food have also been eased. The measures were part of a USD 410 B bill to fund US government operations, the BBC reported Wednesday.

The legislation was approved by the Senate after clearing the House of Representatives last month.

The bill was supported by two Cuban-American senators who had initially opposed it.

They changed their votes after receiving assurances from the Obama administration that the changes did not amount to a major reversal of the 47-year-old US trade embargo on Cuba.

The legislation overturns rules imposed by the Bush administration which limited travel to just two weeks every three years, and confined visits to immediate family members.

Cuba's President Raul Castro has said he is prepared to negotiate with the new US administration, providing there are no preconditions.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!